[The people of the North Eastern churches] know what the New Zealand people are going to do; that they are going to sacrifice, actually, and put money into this rice basket. It's an offering, it's a sacrifice, and they are just so thrilled that they can be a part of this. They feel like they are one along with you people in New Zealand because they have made it, and you are sacrificing, and it's just ... it brings you together." - Ps Winai, South East Asia

 

The theme for the 2012 Prayer and Self Denial campaign is Are You Ready?

Three aspects of this will be explored: Are you ready to Reach? Are you ready to Redeem? Are you ready to Restore?

The material draws on the experiences of Paul and Silas, and their companions, as they continue their mission in Phrygia and Philippi (modern Turkey and Greece) in Acts 16.

The sticky rice container we will use as a receptacle this year is an integral part of tranzsend's reaching, redeeming and restoring. Made in the Kalasin province of Thailand by the Isaan people, it is part of a project bringing economic help to a poor region, and providing opportunities for the local churches to reach out to the majority Buddhist population. There will be one large 'family' container for each church, as well as a small container for each family.

This is a campaign to raise support for the work of tranzsend – both financially and spiritually. It is about raising awareness of the work of mission, both globally and locally, stirring the church to pray and give. The national fundraising target is $600,000. The larger goal is Matt 28:19-20.

The children's material follows the same scripture stories and themes, but under slightly different headings. For the children, the emphasis will be: Are you ready to go and help? Are you ready to stop and help? Are you ready to help anywhere?