| Auckland Baptist Tramping Club |
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AGM DINNER Mt Albert Baptist Church Sat 1 Aug |
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Our AGM Dinner was at Mt Albert Baptist Church this time, the previous venue for many years at Penrose
had been sold by Carey Baptist College. 52 people were present for a yummy dinner of ham and vegies starting
at 5:30pm followed by a dessert of cake, cream and icecream. The club had just bought a portable PA system
with two wireless microphones, and this was christened at the event. Our guest speaker Paul Campbell gave an interesting talk about the Te Araroa Trail. Paul has been a member of ABTC for over 25 years. He spoke about his experiences last year when he attempted to kayak, walk and cycle the length of NZ. He had eight months leave from his position at Glenfield College and began kayaking from Cape Reinga on 28 September 2025 heading down the east coast. However, 33 days later he was rescued from rocks near Goat Island after capsizing and losing his kayak! He returned to Cape Reinga and began walking on 21 November 2025. 150 days later he reached the most southerly road on Rakiura/Stewart Island to complete the walk and promptly began cycling north - all the way back to Cape Reinga. He showed videos and photos of significant locations along each journey and particularly how friendly and helpful the people had been as he met them along the way. At the end he acknowledged God's hand throughout his journey - particularly in the circumstances of his rescue - and explained how he uses his experiences to encourage the young people he works with as a secondary school counsellor. He had available his recently published book "ON THE ROCKS" which includes full details of his adventures including a day-by-day summary of each journey. The back cover includes an endorsement by Nelson Young which notes his time as ABTC President. Roger Donnell thanked Paul and commended him for his perseverance and resilience. David Rutherfurd opened the meeting in prayer. The attendance register was circulated and apologies recorded, last year' minutes were accepted, and the annual reports from the exec members were presented. Phillip Donnell was invited to introduce the nominees and he expressed his confidence in all of them: David Rutherfurd - President Paul Ungemuth - Vice-President Barbara Steel - Treasurer Murray Black - Secretary Committee - Tina Chen; Roger Donnell; Barbara Langridge; Christine Mashall; John McCarthy; David Walker Each of these members were successfully voted in. There were general announcements regarding the summer tramps, Kaimai workday on 3 October, the photo competition, FMC Backcountry magazine, and the training programme. Leila Corban reminded the meeting that there was a rerun of the TV series 'First Crossings' which retraces historic Kiwi backcountry expeditions using only the period-accurate tools, wool clothing and rations, a good watch for ABTC adventurers! David R gave the closing reflection, reading Mathew 20:28 and noted Jesus' focus on service. He highlighted areas of service undertaken by ABTC members, including two who represent Barnabus Aid NZ which provides hope and aid for the persecuted Church, others who are involved in regular trap line monitoring as part of the Hunua Kokako Recovery Project in the H?nua Ranges, leaders who organised the 'ABTC Walk the Talk' sponsored walk that raised funds ($2000) for refugee support by Christian World Service, trampers who spent time in cleanup work at the Mangamuka Hut as part of the 'Love our Hut' project and, of course, all those who participate in the track work done on the regular Kaimai Project workdays. He asked - What opportunities of service would Jesus want us to take up? The meeting closed with prayer at 8.45pm. |
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