Community champions across New Zealand gathered at Tui Ridge Park, Rotorua, for the “Equipped to Serve” 2024 Community Champions Conference from May 24 to 26.
South New Zealand Conference pastor Luke Steen delivered two powerful plenary sessions, encouraging participants, as highlighted in Jeremiah 29 and Isaiah 58, to focus outward and serve their communities.
Immunologist, biomedical scientist and academic, Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, shared inspiring stories of miracles she’s witnessed as a scientist, including the miraculous story of the birth of her daughter. Dr Sika-Paotonu also discussed her passion for health and her impactful work in New Zealand, particularly within the Pacific community.
Various workshops were offered by the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference health, discipleship, Hope Channel and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) ministries on ways to equip and support local community members to serve within their churches and communities.
One key theme of the weekend was the importance of truly observing the Sabbath. Participants were encouraged to pause and spend time with God, emphasising the value of being with God rather than just doing for God.
This event was made possible by the collaboration of the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference discipleship, health, Hope Channel ministries and ADRA New Zealand.
