Summer Harvest

Friendship is the primary influence in people deciding to follow Christ

Summer Harvest provides an ideal opportunity for youth group members to invite their friends:

• to a program that will help them share their faith naturally
• and a setting that fosters friendship

The 15-20 age is when the majority of people decide to follow Christ

Harvest camps are designed specifically for 15 - 25. The fun, entertainment, messages, and themes are targeted to this age group.

Harvest Camps provide the four most effective methods of evangelism

According to the 1992 survey in Vision NZ, these were: friendship, small groups, outreach services, evangelistic messages.

Summer Harvest is structured around small cluster groups where most of the essential ministry happens amongst friends. The morning meetings are up-to-the-minute youth oriented services - great worship and relevant teaching. The evening outreaches present the gospel in creative formats.

Most people (75%) who decide to follow Christ hear the gospel many times

During the week of Harvest, campers will get to hear and experience the gospel in a variety of settings. This will give them time to think and ask questions, before deciding.

Summer Harvest caters for the key reasons people become Christians

• they become convinced of the truth of the gospel - our camp speakers are chosen for their ability to relate a vital faith to youth
• searching for meaning - the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed setting is a vital Harvest ingredient
• they see something in other Christians - Harvest gives young Christians the opportunity to live out their faith in worship, creativity, sports and fun

Harvest camps help Christian young people deepen their faith, and grow in discipleship

The overwhelming response of youth group kids at the end of a Harvest camp, is that it has helped them in their journey of following Christ by:

• answering some of the questions they have
• providing encouragement through seeing what God can do
• enabling them to witness to friends without having to preach

The Harvest camp track record - check out these references:

• "At Harvest I was able to see things more openly and take time to think it all through. There were lots of people there to answer my questions and not afraid to tell me about God and Christianity, before I made the big jump and became a Christian." - Andrea, 17
• "There were good bands, and lots of really cool things to do. The God bits are very good. My brother and I got quite a few friends to come along, and a little while after Harvest some became Christians." - Donald, 18
• "It was fun and there were lots of good activities and chances to try new things. There were really interesting speakers who made what they were saying about God and Christianity relevant to the young people there." - Jill, 18
• "Harvest is a good fun time, with an excellent controlled atmosphere. Excellent speakers. The location is in a safe place away from other Christmas activities. I think the small group times at the end of the day are great." - Grant, parent