Arrows Of Faith Newsletter
Message from Board of Trustee, Pat Buckley
As a board and as stewards, we recognise the legacy and potential that Faith holds and continue to seek the Lord with earnest prayer for direction moving forward. The challenges and hurdles Faith has faced over the last decade have now brought us to a juncture in history—seasons past have left the ground fallow, and for a while, it seemed that there was little growth or fruit to show for our labours. BUT new life is emerging (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Partnering with the Holy Spirit, our desire as a board is to remain a tangible and contemporary expression of Faith in today's world. As we gain momentum, we will turn our focus to reinstituting short-term courses which empower and train servant leaders for kingdom purposes locally and globally (Matthew 28:18–20).
We are eager and expectant for the supernatural once again and sense the breath of God for fresh vision and provision. The new growth springing up from fallow ground is truly exhilarating. It gives us a sense of hope and renewal in our God, confident that all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Status Update from Co-Founder, Des Short
It is a season of change for Faith Bible College as we continue our sabbatical to position our campus for greater fruitfulness. Part of this change has involved our Co-Founder, Des Short stepping away from active leadership in his latter years, passing the baton onto family. We hear an update from Des on his life and perspective on the continuing story of FBC in his letter below.
Over Halfway to Renewal: Sabbatical Progress Update
As we find ourselves nine months into our sabbatical aimed at enhancing campus facilities for a new era of training, we are delighted to share a progress report with alumni and friends, both within New Zealand and abroad.
Since Faith's decision, announced in August last year, for a teaching sabbatical, we have been diligently collaborating with a range of professional contractors to initiate extensive campus renovations. Throughout this period, we have been actively engaging with our online community, sharing updates as we've modernised our teaching spaces, guest accommodation, staff residences, kitchen facilities, and more. We are particularly pleased to highlight some notable accomplishments. These include the much-anticipated refurbishment of the bathrooms and showers in D block, the commercialisation of our kitchen appliances, a comprehensive overhaul of staff housing, and the establishment of our community garden.
Introducing our newly appointed Marketing Manager, Lani Wreaks
Lani will spearhead a wave of radical changes and upgrades across campus and online. She is excited to utilise her extensive industry expertise in sharing the many incredible "better work stories."
Outside of work, Lani enjoys exploring new outdoor activities both locally and afar, especially in her favourite place – Whangamata. Make sure to stay tuned and keep an eye out for all that is about to unfold with Lani on board!
Meet Eduardo Codeco, Southern Cross Horticulture Pastoral Care
Widely recognised as "Dudu," Eduardo is responsible for overseeing the well-being, welfare, of SCH's seasonal workers during their stay on-campus.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Dudu and his family have chosen to make recently renovated House 2 their home. Residing amidst the same community he tirelessly serves, Dudu encapsulates the principle of leading by example (Titus 2:7 NLT).
Community Garden Update
Over the course of the past year, Aimee Sharplin has spearheaded the initial developments of our on-site community garden. It is now flourishing with 120 fruit trees, 8 raised garden beds, alongside a grow tunnel for seedlings. This endeavour has already begun to bear spiritual and tangible fruit as we joyfully open our campus to a Gardening Class every second Saturday.
As we reflect on the growth of these gardens and the lives they touch (including friendly resident possums, and cows, who also appreciate Aimees efforts), we are reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, where he acknowledges that some may plant, others may water, but it is God who gives the increase.
With hearts full of gratitude and devotion, we look forward to the future growth of our community garden.
Packing up Des' Office: A Legacy of Faith and Friendship
Following Des' step away from active leadership, his family packed up his office of 50+ years and spent a special few hours looking through old pictures, memorabilia, articles, and more. As they sifted through the accumulated treasures of old photographs, memorabilia, articles, and more, the Short family stumbled upon a series of special images capturing Des' voyage to the Middle East.
During this momentous pilgrimage, Des, accompanied by the divine presence of the Holy Spirit, and Emmaual Amoab, undertook the sacred mission of baptising followers of Christ in the hallowed waters of the Jordan River. These images rekindled cherished recollections of Des' impactful missions throughout the Middle Eastern regions. As a family, the Shorts eagerly anticipate the upcoming visit of Emmaual to New Zealand next month.
Nostalgic Throwback, Class of 1991
See if you can recognise a familiar face, or maybe even yourself from our Term One 1991 cohort? We would be delighted to hear about your time with us on-campus and journey since then.
Tell us your journey by reaching out via one of our social media channels below.