75th NZ Rally Jubilee

Celebrating 75 years of Rally work in New Zealand was a very special milestone. God has blessed this work so much and it was a delight and an encouragement to see so many attend who have faithfully served the Lord over many years. 
 
Eighty people attended the 75th Jubilee dinner on Saturday night (June 22nd) at Willow Park Camp (great food & service) and had a wonderful time reminiscing, sharing the highs & lows of Rally work, enjoying a ‘fashion’ parade of past Rally uniforms and watching Betty McConnell cut the Jubilee cake. Long service awards were given out with many who had served over 20, 30, 40 and 50 years. John Thurlow received an award for 59 years of faithful Rally leadership and also Anne Paynter who has worked with Rally for 62 years!

There was plenty of NZ Rally memorabilia to check out as well as some new crafts & badges.

Russel Burt was an inspirational speaker who reminded us that although children may be difficult to work with, they are God’s precious lambs and deserve our utmost. Graham Ashby recapped the birth of Rally; how it grew rapidly and the impact it had on the children & families of New Zealand. Graham reminded us that the needs of children in 1944 are very similar to the needs of children today and that the solution hasn’t changed – a relationship with Jesus Christ! He then challenged us to continue to bring the Gospel to the children of New Zealand in a way that meets their needs today. 

Tony Foster – the Rally Facilitator who works part time with Rallies in New Zealand; reported being in talks with two churches considering starting Rallies and he has also been well received by existing Rallies as he meets with them to encourage & equip.