Words + Photo: James Beck (Eco Church Project Manager, A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand)

On 22 June 2024, a transformative event took place at Spencer Park, the site where Southern Easter Camp is held annually. The second iteration of Good News Project, in partnership with the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, brought together A Rocha, Eco Church, Wilberforce, and World Vision in a remarkable partnership with Spencer Park, Christchurch City Council and youth groups from across the Ōtautahi Christchurch.

This event aimed to inspire young Christians to engage in practical environmental action, creating a space where participants could not only hear the Good News but actively embody it through environmental stewardship.

The Good News Project saw over 30 enthusiastic young volunteers come together to restore and rejuvenate Spencer Park. These participants, united by their faith and commitment to environmental care, planted over 350 native trees and plants. 

One of the most significant achievements of the 40 Hour Challenge Good News Project was its ability to engage young Christians from diverse backgrounds. This initiative fostered a sense of belonging and a shared mission among participants, emphasising the importance of integrating faith with tangible action for the environment. The event also strengthened relationships between local churches and conservation projects, creating collaboration and a sense of connection to place that will endure for years to come.

Participants expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to combine their faith with environmental action. Many highlighted how this experience highlighted the importance of these types of projects within the Christian community. The project not only provided a platform for young Christians to make a positive impact on the environment but also allowed them to grow in their faith and understanding of Christian stewardship.

It is essential that young people develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between their faith and the care for God's creation. By planting native trees and plants, and contributing to the restoration of Spencer Park, not only were they part of creating a habitat that will support local biodiversity and enhancing the natural beauty of the area, but the plants with grow alongside them as they grow in faith. 

James Beck, Eco Church Co-ordinator, encapsulated the essence of the event:

"We are here as part of the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, tackling global justice issues around climate change. And we're also here with A Rocha and Eco Church, which are trying to get churches involved in conservation and climate action. So those two things have come together, and here we are, a whole bunch of young people from different youth groups, getting their hands in the dirt and doing a little bit to make the world just a little bit better."

The Good News Project also carried a profound message of peace, especially from a Christian perspective. By engaging in environmental stewardship, participants were not only caring for creation but also fostering peace within their communities and their own hearts.

Spencer Park holds a special place in the hearts of many young Christians as the venue for the Southern Easter Camp. The Good News Project added another layer of significance to this location. As these young people return to the camp each year, they will witness the growth of the trees and plants they helped to nurture. This growth will serve as a powerful symbol of their own spiritual journey, growing in faith as they watch the natural environment flourish.

Levi Whiting, a young volunteer, shared his excitement:

"Yeah, it's just cool to get out there, get the environment pumping again, get the plants back in the place where they should be."

The Good News Project is a striking example of the need for faith in action, demonstrating that young Christians can make a significant impact on the environment while deepening their faith and building stronger community ties. This initiative offers a practical and faithful way forward in a world increasingly aware of environmental challenges. It shows that faith communities can support and encourage meaningful change, embodying the gospel's call to love and care for all of God's creation.

As more churches and young Christians join the Eco Church movement, the impact will continue to grow. The Good News Project provides a powerful example of how the church can lead in building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world, fostering peace through the stewardship of God's creation.

Find out more at ecochurch.org.nz