Blessed to be a blessing
... how grateful we are to celebrate four years helping people at Arapohue Retreat ...
Ready in season and out of season.
While Jan and James were in Dargaville they saw a very distressed young man - he was someone's son. He'd just had some very bad news and smashed his phone on the street in frustration. They gave him a hug, prayed for him, bought him a new phone and took him back to Arapohue Retreat for a meal and a sleep. He had lived on the streets on-and-off since he was 12. Such a heartbreaking story. We pray that the Lord will draw him to Himself by his loving kindness.
Miracle after miracle has seen us able to push forward to see the derelict old Arapohue Bush Camp restored in many areas, but more importantly, to have seen dozens of lives changed by the love and power of God. We thank you for your partnership helping keep Arapohue Retreat moving forward.
Thanks
Ray, Jan and the team
Scroll down to the signature so you don't miss any of the photos or stories and click on the small pictures to enlarge
Meet James
He's been in and out of jail for the last 32 years, a victim of childhood trauma. He's received 189 prison sentences in his time, many served concurrently. He, too, is someone's son.
He always knew the answer to his problems lay with God but he was unable to find his way out of addictions and toxic relationships.
James has been through a few rehabs but always seemed to go backwards again. In desperation he decided that the only way he would be able to get clean and stay clean was in jail.
A year ago a fantail followed him right through a Dunedin supermarket and he knew God was on his case.
Eventually he connected with Reuben who had visited Arapohue Retreat with YWAM Nelson a couple of years ago. Reuben told him about Arapohue and James made it here from Christchurch. He was blown away when he saw the fantail on the logo and knew God wanted him here.
James is finally finding much healing.
"I feel like I've come home."
This scripture is for Israel but it is also very fitting for the work the Lord is doing restoring this camp, the land and the people ... all at the same time.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
For ten years Ray and Jan helped NZ Christian authors get their books into the marketplace.
As co-directors of Arapohue Retreat, Ray and Jan have become so busy organising the massive restoration projects as well as ministering to guests, they felt the Lord lead them to pass Wild Side Publishing on to Jeff and Anya at Torn Curtain Publishing as of 1st Dec 2024.
This has been Ray & Jan's only income for the past 4 years at Arapohue as they are volunteers.
If you would like to sponsor Ray and Jan personally, please email ray@thewildside.net for details.
Crawshaw Lodge roof fund raising progress
We are happy to tell you that we only need $2,000 now to complete the project scheduled (by faith) for the end of January.
Huge thanks to everyone who is making this happen.
The Lodge is where we hold our larger group activities and meals as it contains the kitchen, dining room and lounge, games room, library and sanctuary.
Can you help? We would be super grateful if you are able to contribute to this VIP Arapohue project.
Korowai Cabin retreat
for Christian leaders (pastors or those in missions or ministries).
We have one cabin suitable for a married couple (with wonderful views over the farm and countryside) to rent for a week or two week’s break.
Walk around the 22-acre property including 11-acres of virgin native bush (a little steep in parts!) Bring your own food to cook for yourselves.
Only 20 mins from the supermarket and shops in Dargaville, 36 mins to Baylys surf beach, 53 mins to the Kai Iwi Lakes, 70 mins to Whangarei.
$350 per week covers accommodation, power, water, free Wi-Fi (pots, pans and plates provided and a small fridge and kitchenette). Ring Ray on 027 254 6778 to book your restful and peaceful break from the stress of living in the city 😊
Available from mid January 2025.
Enjoy some fellowship with the Arapohue Retreat team and worship on the big screen TV in The Lodge.
Big thanks to Maurice and Alex for the fantastic job replacing the old window in Korowai Cabin... a bit of varnish and it'll be sweet as! You're amazing, thanks guys.
Do you want to volunteer these holidays?
We need a hand weeding in and around the new plantings in the bush and in the orchard.
The horses are being rounded up by Lucy on the edge of the bush where we've done a lot of new plantings. The new plants are now established but are in need of some urgent TLC.
We can provide accommodation.
Please call Ray on 027 254 6778 to chat about it if you are interested.
|
Urgent needs |
|
|---|---|
|
$2,000 |
Crawshaw Lodge re-roof |
|
$1,166 |
January mortgage interest bill |
|
$500 |
Ute rust repair and touchup |
|
$320 |
Raised bed wire archways for climbers |
|
$310 |
Clearlite and polycarb screws for Korowai Cabin deck |
|
$200,000 |
Mortgage repayment in full |
|
Donations to: Please note we don't receive any government funding, all volunteers are unpaid and we rely purely on donations to keep Arapohue Retreat running. Many thanks. |
|
Have a wonderful Christmas!
and a well-earned rest and restoration with friends and family.
Thanks for being with us on the journey.
... and merry Christmas and thanks from these guys ...
Hope, DJ, Alex, Lucas and Sophie
Hope, DJ, Alex, Lucas and Sophie
Robyn and Lucy
Robyn and Lucy
James, Alex, Lucas
James, Alex, Lucas
Thanks to our partners
Your ongoing support means we can continue to work with people who are struggling.
You play a VIP part in providing a place where people's lives can be restored by God. We can't do it without you.
Kind regards and many thanks,
Ray & Jan Curle on behalf of the Arapohue Retreat & WSCT team
574 Hoyle Rd, Arapohue 0374
Wild Side Charitable Trust Registration No. CC55065
p. 09 439 5717 | 027 254 6778 | ray@thewildside.net | wildsidetrust.org
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