I have been contemplating the story in Exodus 14; God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery, crossing the desert into the chosen land of milk and honey. They had been enslaved under Pharaoh for many years. The Lord provided and protected them throughout the journey. The Israelites had seen many miracles along […]
Hugh Willis and His Journey with Elevate
August 1, 2024
On January 11th, Hugh Willis took up citizenship in Heaven. The funeral service at City Impact Church, attended by over 700 people, was a celebration of his life and a testament to his faith. Many more watched the service online, ‘zooming in’ from the Elevate branches nationwide and from overseas. There’s a lot to say […]
Values
July 30, 2024
When we began creating our current strategic plan, we asked ourselves this question: “How can we ensure Elevate is still around in another 40 years?” This has continued to be a guiding question for us as we outwork the strategic plan. An important element of ensuring the future as an organisation is that our […]
Large Christian-led Events & Accessibility
July 30, 2024
Gathering together is a core part of the Body of Christ; we sharpen each other, encourage each other, and learn together. Across Aotearoa, groups gather with one thing in common: Christ. Two significant gatherings Elevate has loved having connections to are Northern Eastern Camp and Festival One. Festival One is an intergenerational Christian festival […]
Debra Dorofaeff
July 30, 2024
Everyday challenges vanish as they cross paths with Debra; a problem-solver, leader, and initiator, with an eye for detail. You’ll find her moving quickly between tables in the Auckland Drop-in centre, or serving at her local op-shop. Wherever small hiccups in an operation crop up, or support is needed, Debra is involved in showing care […]
Hamish Muir
July 30, 2024
“A security guard” is a role that would never aptly capture the incredible character of Hamish Muir; an entire magazine and fifty volunteer role titles may do his contributions to Elevate some justice. Hamish would strike you as a hilarious, well-respected, and beloved man. The beginnings of his involvement with Elevate were hesitant – to […]
The Leadership of Ross Bay
July 30, 2024
Ross Bay was “born very young,”; and laughter will cause your sides to hurt when you spend time with him. Immersed in family and Christian camping from a young age, you would have found Ross as a young boy in Nelson on his family’s home farm; otherwise known now as Teapot Valley Christian Camp. During […]
A Note From The Director: a reflection on National Camp & looking towards the future
November 28, 2023
Recently, I have been thinking about the significance of this season we are in as an organisation. We have an amazing opportunity to honour the rich history of Elevate and prepare for the next forty plus years. Celebrating forty years of Elevate National Camp at Totara Springs Christian Centre highlighted this again to me. Our […]
Di’s Video
November 28, 2023
We are delighted to let you know that the video of Di Willis’ story is now online! It was great to work with Joy Inc. again to produce this high-quality short film titled, ‘Founders Story: Elevate’. Throughout the process people have been touched by Di’s story. It is clear to see the significance of […]
Elevate Literally Saved Me
November 28, 2023
I attended the 40th Elevate Christian Disability Trust National Camp. Since 40 years is such a significant milestone, I thought now would be a great time to share with everyone the impact this organisation has had on my life. I was first introduced to Christianity at 7 years old. My neighbours at the time took me […]