Visit from Fae Pratney

Fae Pratney and her brother Paul paid us a surprise visit this week when they sailed into the bay on a beautiful catamaran. Fae is the wife of Winkie Pratney (youth evangelist) and long-time friend of Orama. Winkie had a great impact on Orama’s ministry back in the day. Norm and Fleur were also visiting at the time and were able to relive old memories with Fae of their time at Orama and Winkie’s teaching at summer conventions.

Cultivating Leadership

Every now and then we cater for corporate groups and so when Cultivating Leadership got in touch with us about hosting their corporate conference we were keen to ensure they experienced Orama's special hospitality. Ryan managed the overall event and Alex, Rochelle and their team of vollies did a magnificent job catering both in the Orama kitchen and over at Paul and Anne Marie's place (Owhitu Bay) where we hosted an evening barbaque at the end of a day of water-based activities run by Hillary Outdoors. Cultivating leadership were blown away by the warm welcome, genuine hospitality and authenticity around our faith. It was refreshing to be able to share with them what we were all about and to have them encourage us in our ministry.

A Day with Brad Jersak

On Friday 20th July 2018 about 60 people (including members of the public, church leaders, educators, counselors, and a mix of Orama staff, trustees, and members) attended the Brad Jersak workshops at Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral. The workshops were awesome and followed a 2-day visit by Brad and his wife Eden to Orama earlier in the week where we were able to get to know them better and have the opportunity to chew on theological and spiritual topics over the course of four sessions. Following Brad’s visit to Orama he had this to say:

“My experience of Orama is that it’s a community that embodies the hospitality of Christ. While I believe Christ has opened the heavens to all, people who go to Orama seem to experience God in a unique and profound way. I think the reason is that the community treats everything they do there as a sacrament. They know it’s not only when they’re worshipping or praying that they’re connecting with God—they’re mindful of how their work on the land or on the water or in the cafeteria is a way to connect with the love of God. They participate in God’s work, mediating the love of God to the people who are visiting. Because they’re mindful of that, it feels a bit like what the ancients called a “thin place.” Visitors are able to lay aside attachments to the busyness of the world system and experience the open of the skies, the wonders of ocean sailing and the company of rare birdlife—the whole property becomes a living sacrament. Orama also offers a way of seeing God that’s all-inclusive. So, while not everyone is aware of what Christ has done for them, the community is aware that everyone they welcome has been included in God’s love, and should be treated with that kind of dignity and love.”

Shulz Family back to Minnesota

We said au revoir to the Shulz family as they left to go back home to Minnesota for a couple of months to get their affairs in order, with a view to extending their time at Orama. Whilst there were a few tears at the bridge we were happy to see them excited to be going home to see their loved ones, in the knowledge we would be seeing them again very soon.