TSCF’s annual summer camp had a twist this year, allowing those who might not be able to travel to other parts of the country or take a week away from summer jobs to still gather in four locations. Team leaders report back:
Auckland
Will you go along with the crowd or will you stand? That was how Nigel Pollock challenged us with a message from Daniel 3. Thirty-two students plus staff gathered on a Saturday to think through living as a Christian at uni. We did this through the lens of TSCF’s four aims as we studied scripture and heard from staff and visiting speaker Jonny Grant. Student leaders also shared their experiences and answered questions about how to live out these aims. After lunch, a giant geo-caching treasure hunt made the most of the surprisingly sunny weather and gave students an opportunity to explore the University of Auckland campus.
– Robyn Drake
Waikato & Bay of Plenty
Students from Wintec and Waikato University joined Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology students in Tauranga on 18 February for Launch. We discussed how following Jesus is about giving up our lives to serve him and others, rather than focusing on our own needs. We also talked about on how discipleship is radically opposed to the predominant student culture of today, and brainstormed how TSCF groups might witness in countercultural ways.
– David Hodgkinson
Dunedin
Fifteen students gathered with staff at the Merton Lodge in Seacliff, overlooking the scenic Dunedin beaches, from 16-18 February. Nigel Pollock shared the story of Daniel and his friends, speaking on what it means for us as God’s people living in exile to love our neighbours and seek the good of the city he has placed us in. We also planned for O-Week and other events that the Dunedin groups will be involved in. It was especially encouraging to meet first-year students.
We returned home slightly sleep-deprived with fond memories and new friends, with a renewed sense of God’s purpose and vision as we “launched” into the year together.
– James Allaway
Wellington & Palmerston North
On a balmy summer’s day on the Kapiti Coast (it was good to have one), 25 students from five campuses gathered for Launch Central. We looked at grace in the life of Peter, the man with “foot in mouth”’ disease, and learned from his failure in denying Jesus and how the cross and Jesus’ resurrection transformed him. Ian Reid led us in icebreakers and in thinking about surviving and thriving in the year ahead.
– Ben Carswell