On A Mission! New Zealand

Two young people are set for the experience of a lifetime as they embark on a six-month mission to New Zealand. Ruth Boyd, aged 21, and Timothy Rocks, aged 19, who are both from Ballymena, are part of Scripture Union’s Action Abroad placement scheme, in which volunteers drawn from throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland serve in a local and often under-privileged community.
 
Once in New Zealand, Timothy, who left earlier this month, and Ruth, who will fly out on 4th February,  will be spending the placement running children’s and young people’s camps, taking classes in schools, and learning about living in a different culture.

Ruth is looking forward to the challenge: ‘I wanted to do something to help others while taking a break from study. I hope to have a few memorable experiences in New Zealand.’ ‘I wanted to experience a different way of life and a different culture.’ added Daniel who says that his most nerve-racking moment before travelling to New Zealand was speaking on BBCs Question Time.

Scripture Union’s Missions Programme Manager Clare Luxton, organiser of Action Abroad placements, says the experience will have a positive impact on Ruth and Timothy as well as those they are working with: ‘It’s amazing to see how much the experience of living and working in another country changes the volunteers. They have a fantastic impact on those they are working with but they also learn a lot about themselves and return more capable and willing to serve others.’

[ends]

NOTES TO EDITORS
1) For more information please contact Scripture Union’s media officer: Christina Farley on 01908 856143 or 01908 856161 or media@scriptureunion.org.uk

2) Action Abroad is a six-month placement scheme, enabling volunteers between the ages of 18 to 30 to serve with other Scripture Union movements in Australia, France, India, Peru, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand, Swaziland and the Isle of Man.

3) Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 140 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families.

4) Photo credit: Adam Petrie