Hobbiton: Middle Earth

After returning from the South Island following Nelson Summer Project, we attended New Zealand national staff conference. The get together was held in Matamata, which was also the film location for Hobbiton in the movie Lord of the Rings.

Abel Tasman National Park

Our team (minus Jill and Isaac), directly following
our beach project, decided to see some amazing
New Zealand south island scenery. We embarked
upon a 4 day and 3 night trek through the Abel Tasman
Coastal Track. It was incredible!
Beginning our hiking adventure.

Some of the beautiful vistas along the way.

Camp.

We made it! Relief at the end of our journey.

Nelson Summer Project: Random Pics

Beach Sausage BBQ - Don't I look good in an apron?
Me with the Project worship team.
I enjoyed playing guitar and mandolin with them.
Euving (a student from Canterbury University)
and I enjoyed jamin' together this summer.

Nelson Summer Project: Sand Sculpting Competition

Jill, Isaac, and I spent our summer in Nelson, New Zealand which is situated on the northern tip of the South Island. Our STINT team helped staff the Student Life Tahunanui Beach Project. It was heaps of fun! There were 35 students from universities throughout New Zealand that gave up a part of their summer break to grow spritually and serve the Lord. A portion of their time was spent hanging out on the beach and looking for opportunities to share the Gospel with students who where there partying the summer days away. 314 people heard about a personal relationship with Christ this summer and 5 people that we know of indicated a decision to follow Christ.

As a way to attract students and beach-goers, Student Life hosted a sand sculpting and sand castle competition where the winning team could take away $200 cash. We also had a free BBQ during the event and gave away heaps of sausages and sodas. At the end of the competition, attenders had a chance to hear someone's personal testimony and heard how they too could have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Yep! That's right. It's a Giant Foot!

Left to Right: Crocodile, Mermaid, and Sand Castle.

Check out the sweet Sea Turtle!