Young people from Canada, Mexico and Denmark were in Ōpōtiki last week for a hands-on experience of serving God in a small rural community, organised through Oasis and St John’s Union Church.

Seven expatriates and two Kiwi young people were part of this week-long community-focused initiative as part of their year of study at Capernwray, a residential Bible School near Cambridge.

Unique among modern Christian movements, Capernwray was formed following World War II as a vehicle for international reconciliation and immersive community discipleship.

It was founded in England in 1947 by Major Ian Thomas with an explicit focus on post-war healing.

Soon after the war the British government sponsored hundreds of German youths to attend Capernwray’s first summer camps. This established a tradition of internationalism and today Capernwray has a network spanning 25 centres, where youth from dozens of nations live and study together.

The team was hosted in Ōpōtiki by Oasis leaders Jared and Jess Suisted, who kept them busy on a range of activities.

They led adults’ worship through music, children’s activities at Sunday gatherings and ran a lunchtime programme at St Joseph’s Catholic School, befriending many of the students.

They became a common site at local cafes and shops, led an after-school programme at the St John’s Lounge and supported the “Prayer for Opotiki” meeting held there on Wednesday mornings.

They were part of the Craft Café held on Thursday; the Little Bears pre-school music and playgroup held on Fridays and a monthly potluck dinner, which is held on a Wednesday evening.

“Adding up the various events I estimate 400-500 people met the Capernwray crew throughout the week,” Jess Suisted said.

“We made several new connections with families at the after-school programme, which is one we would like to keep running in future once we find a team to help facilitate it. After school is a great time for children and parents/caregivers to connect.

“The team also did some hard work in the backyard at Oasis House, renewing gardens and helping build a gate on the church boundary; they did some baking for the police and St Joseph’s Catholic School staff. On Saturday, a day off, they enjoyed riding bicycles on the Motu Trail.

“Hosting the Capernwray team served two main purposes,” she said.

“It gave us the extra hands we needed to pilot the after-school programme, while giving the students a hands-on taste of church life in a small rural community.

“The team brought a unique vibe and a fresh burst of energy to everything they got involved in during their stay. It was truly encouraging to see their passion for God and their readiness to serve Him, however needed.”