February 2025
In the Office
We had a busier-than-usual end of 2024 with more activity in-store. After a couple of weeks closed over the holiday season we launched straight into camps and then back into catching up on everything for the new year. During this time we also received the container of Blue Bibles and 5 pallets of stock from various suppliers in the USA. We have just completed getting all this stock on the shelves and getting back orders sorted.
With the large expenses of purchasing these goods plus all the camp meeting costs we were initially concerned with projections of our cashflow situation for the end of January. We tracked this and have been blessed with how it has hugely improved by the time February actually arrived. God has finances under His control and He just leaves the work for each one of us to do - not the worrying.
Video Production: See our YouTube channel for weekly releases in December and early January, all recorded in our studio. We also live-streamed camp presentations in both the North and South Island. These are all available to view on our YouTube channel (autumnleavesnz) and we share new content via our Facebook page also.
Events
Summer Camps: Both the North Island camp (14-19 Jan) and South Island convention (23-26 Jan) were well attended this year. Speakers were Dr Conrad Vine, Pr Andreas Mellas and Paul Klix. Recordings of the camps are available to purchase. See meeting recording form.
Friday Night Live: On February 28, 7.00pm we have our live-from-studio event. The popular Friday Night Live is a time of singing and devotion where you have the requests and join with our local singers to enjoy an evening of fellowship and joy together. Put it in your calendar now! The following Friday Night Live will be 30 May, 7pm.
Australian Camps: Camp Meeting, Crawford, Queensland, Australia. Thursday, April 17 through to Monday, April 21. Contact: Dio Rusera - dio.r4services@gmail.com
North Island Trip: Doug and Angela will be traveling in the North Island during May. Be in touch to connect. More details will be in the April newsletter.
Projects
Blue Bible Project: The anticipated container load of Blue Bibles arrived late December and straight away were starting to scatter for distribution, the first being given to one of the truck drivers who was doing her last delivery before taking maternity leave.
This international Blue Bible project aims to produce and distribute an ideal sharing Bible with good features and low prices.
The ‘Blue Bibles’ have the full KJV Bible text with good size print and approximately 150 additional pages of study aids and information about the Bible. The resources include a 32-part Bible study series, 104 commentary quotation by E G White, extra reading and links to more resources. Along with a nice imitation leather blue cover and blue ribbon markers, the stitch bound pages have a clear and readable font with words of Christ in blue.
This project was promoted at the camps and thousands of copies have already begun to be distributed. We have had international interest in these Bibles and we are subsidising them so that more can be shared. You can help this project but either purchasing these at subsidized prices to share in your communities or you can donate to cover the subsidy so that others can afford to purchase to share.
If there was one Book that you would want to share what would that be? Which Book would you invest time, effort and finance into?
We are aiming to raise about $50,000 to get the Bibles down to $5 each by the box of 20. So far we have already raised just over half the amount needed. Any excess funds will be used to for similar Bible projects.
Contact us to learn more about this exciting project and to get the Best Book into the hands and homes of as many people as possible.
Building Project: Recently we have been thankful for the indoor space where we can unpack and pack pallets and a large sealed area for trucks to come and forklifts to load and unload. Each task can be easier when you have facilities designed for the purpose.
Since our last update, over $5000 progress has been made to cover the remaining portion of funding this project.
December 2024
In the Office
Since we have changed to new accounting and inventory management systems we have not only improved our efficiency but also are much better able to see data of orders and items being processed. With more detailed figures available we were surprised at the actual quantity of orders and products going through. It is encouraging to see so many resources getting out to people who can benefit from the messages they contain.
We also currently have about $99,000 worth of stock arriving during November to January from the USA, Europe and Australia. This, plus the financial commitments to the Blue Bible Project, makes for a cashflow tightspot.
We have checked on expected spending and income and with some with frugal management it looks to free up in February. A contribution to any of our current projects or purchase of items helps us during this period of growth.
Video Production: Our latest content on our YouTube Channel includes a 5-part series by by Reg Peterson based on his trip to the Reformation lands in Europe. It covers significant historic events and a message for us today. We have also been working on filming some completely new content with a presentation on the publishing work based in the Netherlands as well as a series presented by Doug Hurley. These will be edited and available as our weekly video releases on our YouTube channel (autumnleavesnz) and via Facebook.
Calendars: For 2025 we have produced our own calendar. You can have beautiful New Zealand scenes and inspirational quotes on your wall and to give to others while you help us raise funds by purchasing these colourful calendars. See them on our web-shop or contact us for details.
Events
Australian Camps: The two camps in Australia during October were well received and we are already booked in again for the same time next year at Neville, NSW and Mt. Tamborine, Queensland.
Plans are also underway for another camp in Queensland at Easter 2025. More details will follow. Please feel free to contact if you would like more information.
Friday Night Live: On November 29 we have our live-from-studio event.
The following Friday Night Live will be 28 February 2025, 7pm.
The popular Friday Night Live is a time of singing and devotion where you have the requests and join with our local singers to enjoy an evening of fellowship and joy together.
Put it in your calendar now!
Summer Camp & Christchurch Meetings: North Island camp from January 14-19 and Christchurch Meetings January 23-26.
Projects
Blue Bible Project: If there was one Book that you would want to share what would that be? Which Book would you invest time, effort and finance into?
This international Blue Bible project aims to produce and distribute an ideal sharing Bible with good features and low prices. The ‘Blue Bibles’ have the full KJV Bible text with good size print and approximately 150 additional pages of study aids and information about the Bible.
We have just received videos of the Bibles in production and we are obtaining over 11,000 from this initial print run and we need your help to make this project most effective!
The total cost of this project is high but we are raising funds to reduce the effective cost of each Bible as much as possible so they can have a very low price enabling them to be purchased and distributed in bulk. We have interests with people who can use these in prison ministry, book stalls, personal sharing and other outreach projects.
We are initially aiming to raise about $45,000 to get the Bibles down to $5 each. Every dollar raised drops the price of the Bibles.
You can help in two ways: Donate to help reduce the costs, or commit to purchasing and sharing Bibles. We look forward to working with you to get Bibles into the hands of anyone with a need for God’s Word.
Contact us to learn more about this exciting project to get the Best Book into the hands and homes of as many people as possible.
Building Project: Since our last update, steady progress has been made to cover the ever diminishing portion of funding this project. We thank those who have given large and small amounts over the period of this project. At the current average rate of funding this project should be covered within two years although we hope to find funding sources to complete it sooner. Each dollar towards this frees up funds to move on to other projects.
October 2024
In the Office
System Change: In mid August we switched to new accounting and inventory management systems. This replaces software we have been using for decades and helps us to have an easier workflow and integrate better with newer technology. We are pleased with the change which was relatively smooth and we are continuing to improve and find more time saving. This change has meant the transfer of a lot of data. If you notice any of the details we have for you are incorrect please let us know so we can update them.
Product increases: We have imported pallet shipments for many years. These have been either bulk of economical outreach books which sell by the box or a combination of many different items. Of recent times we have been experiencing the need to order more of many general titles and this has included pallet lots of a single title of books that are often sold singularly. This is evidence of many more books going out to many more people. This is most noticeable on health topics with an increase of awareness of personal responsibility for our own heath over the last 4 years.
Videos: Our latest content on our YouTube Channel includes a 5-part series by Daniel Pel entitled Stories that Transform. This series is based on parables. Also 6 sermons by Tony Rykers and we are currently realeasing a series on health by Rob McClintock, all of which have been prepared for broadcast. You can keep up to date with our weekly video releases on our YouTube channel (autumnleavesnz) and via Facebook. The more you watch, share and comment the more people that are blessed exposed to videos.
Calendars: This coming year we have decided to produce our own 2025 calendars. You can help us raise some funds purchasing these colourful calendars with New Zealand scenery and inspirational quotes. See on our webshop or contact us for details.
Events
Australian Camps: Plans are in place for two camps in Australia this year. The first at the usual place in Neville, NSW 10-13 October and the following weekend in Queensland 17-21 October. Be in touch with us for further details.
Subjects will be: Earth’s Final Warning, Faith Against All Odds, Light Shining in Darkness, Love or Self, Woman and the Whore 1 & 2, Need of Good Fathers, Crisis of Unbelief - and more!
Friday Night Live: Our next live-from-studio event will be 29 November at 7pm. The popular Friday Night Live is a time of singing and devotion where you have the requests and we join with our local singers to enjoy an evening of fellowship and joy together. Put it in your calendar now!
Summer Camp & Christchurch Meetings: North Island camp from January 14 -19 and Christchurch Meetings January 23 -26.
Projects
Blue Bible Project: If there was one Book that you would want to share what would that be? Which Book would you invest time, effort and finance into?
Over the last couple of years we have been connected with an exciting large project to print an ideal sharing Bible with good features and low prices. This international project is now coming to fruition with the initial print run starting soon. The ‘Blue Bibles’ have the full KJV Bible text with good size print and approximately 150 additional pages of study aids and information about the Bible.
We have the opportunity to get a large amount of these at their production costs and are aiming to bring a shipping container loaded with these Bibles into New Zealand and we need your help to make this project most effective!
We are raising funds to reduce the cost of this project as much as possible so that the Bibles can have a very low price enabling them to be purchased in bulk and distributed. We have already begun speaking with people who can use these in prison ministry, book stalls, personal sharing and other outreach projects and every dollar raised drops the price of the Bibles.
There is a large initial outlay for these Bibles and we are initially aiming to raise about $45,000 to help offset shipping and printing costs which will get the Bibles down to a very affordable $5 each. We already have a little over $5000 raised from some folk who have been aware of the project coming up. The more that is raised the lower the price can be, or the more Bibles we can get in the future.
You can help in two ways: You can donate to help reduce the costs, or you can commit to purchasing and sharing Bibles. We look forward to working with you to get Bibles into the hands of anyone with a need for God’s Word.
You can donate directly to our bank account (details on back page) or via our website. Or feel free to contact us directly to learn more about this exciting project which aims to get the Best Book into the hands and homes of as many people as possibl
Bibles for Africa: Thank you to those who responded the project in the last newsletter with the project to fund Bibles for Uganda. Some donations were given to this project and we were able to redirect some other funds to cover the balance of that project so that we can direct the focus to the Blue Bible Project.
Building Project: Each year at the anniversary of the opening of the building we have to obtain a Building Warrant of Witness to certify the building is safe for use. We are thankful for the modern and well built building that easily passes these checks so that we can continue to focus on our purpose. Since our last update, steady progress has been made to cover the ever diminishing portion of funding this project. Each dollar towards this frees up funds to work on other projects.
August 2024
In the Office
Earth’s Final Warning, Faith Against All Odds, Light Shining in Darkness, Love or Self, Woman and the Whore 1 & 2, Need of Good Fathers, Crisis of Unbelief - and more!
We are re-introducing a South Island Bible Convention from Thursday evening, January 23, through to Sunday, January 26.
With the break over the pandemic era, we have not established a South Island programme, but with the speakers coming to bring a treasure trove of blessing this year to the North, we want to give the South the opportunity to again share in those blessings.
Getting a venue has not been easy, with so many being booked out, but we have found a suitable hall for hire over the dates required.
There will be no camping facilities at the South Island convention, but contact if you are needing accommodation and we can help advise where you may be able to book.
June 2024
In the Office
There are also plans for reintroducing a South Island Bible Convention for Friday Evening and Sabbath, January 24,25.
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April 2024
In the Office
Donation Receipts: With the end of the financial year just past we are issuing donation summary receipts. These can be used to claim back income tax paid on the donated funds in New Zealand. If you would like a receipt and have not received one, be in touch.
There are also plans for reintroducing a South Island Bible Convention for Friday Evening and Sabbath, January 24, 25.
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February 2024
In the Office
Free offers: We have a monthly free offer advertised primarily on social media. This has proved an efficient way to reach more people with less cost. Many items are placed in the hand of people who are specifically requesting them and so there is less waste than bulk distribution and or printed flyers and newspaper/magazine advertising. We still use these avenues to reach people also and all have their benefits. We have noticed a trend of interest in offers that include items assisting Bible study and personal devotion. You can help this project by liking and sharing the posts if you see them online (this draws more attention to them) or contributing to a fund we have set aside to cover the cost of books and postage.
Videos: Each Friday we also release a video to our YouTube channel. These may be a broadcast edited version of a camp meeting sermon or an entirely new production. Subscribe to our channel (autumnleavesnz) to watch and share these videos.
Print jobs: Our print equipment is also kept busy both with items we print for ourselves and also jobs for other people. We love to assist others in achieving their varied forms of ministry and have been printing flyers, booklets, calendars and other resources. Be in touch if you have a project we may be able to help you with.
This year we were also able to livestream the messages. In the past this has not been possible due to unstable internet connections, but thanks to Starlink we were able to get a reliable and strong signal. This benefits many more people who cannot attend in person. This report we received on the last day perhaps sums it up nicely:
[We] would personally like to thank you and everyone involved in the current camp. We were unable to attend as God has blessed us with an incredibly busy season... We have however joined you online where possible - we have laughed, cried, been inspired and revived - thank you so much! As you wrap up camp this morning, may you know your work has been uplifting and greatly appreciated.
The streams of the messages are still available on our YouTube channel and recordings are also available on flashdrive or DVD.
South Island Camp: In the past few years we have had a South Island ‘camp’ as a virtual live event but this year we have decided to trial an in-person family camp at Easter weekend. This gives the opportunity for fellowship and re-connection that more people can attend. This will be a little different to our usual camps with more of a practical, family focus.
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December 2023
In the Office
We also had the opportunity to spend time in visitation as well as working with individuals who serve the homeless in their communities.
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October 2023
In the Office
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August 2023
In the Office
Order increases: In the last newsletter we reported that domestic and international orders had increased up to 130%. This increase has not slowed but continued to increase with July’s website orders reaching 360% from the beginning of the year which is when we began to notice the sharp increase in orders. Health related books and products still show the main increase. As you can imagine this increases the workload and we have had to call other help in to process orders. Continue to pray that the material that goes out may bless many people.
Staff changes: Estelle has joined us back in the office part-time and we have also been blessed to have Vitalii join us in the area of video production where he has extensive experience to help this area grow further. God has opened many doors to make this possible with the complicated process through immigration happening miraculously fast and smoothly.
The Days of Noah: We recently had a person who saw the Days of Noah documentary series and was so impressed and became passionate about sharing it with as many other people as possible. The Days of Noah is a 4-part documentary series produced by Laymen’s Ministries that investigates the prophetic parallels between the message of Noah and the book of Revelation teaching the truth about the ark of refuge at the end of time and how to enter into it.
Not only were sets of the discs sponsored to make them much more affordable, but TV and radio advertising has been secured to make this material more available. If you have not viewed this fascinating series yet, now is an opportunity to secure a set to see the end-time truths presented, and even the bulk prices have also been halved so you can join this project to share this impacting message with others. Call us or order online. Keep this project in your prayers over the next few months.
Projects
Studio equipment projects: We recently received our new Audio Mixer to use in the studio control room. This was set up and first used for our Sabbath to Remember and was a pleasure to use and definitely an enhancement to our facilities with more ease of use and better sound quality.
We are also aiming to upgrade the video production computer so that we have more computing power to increase speed and ability to process more advanced video productions. This will cost between $4,500 and $8,000. We already have some contributions to this project and aim to purchase the most capable equipment we are able to.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/autumnleavesnz to see content we upload each Friday in time for you to enjoy some spiritual content for the weekend.
Building Project: Some steady progress from regular donors has helped this fund to increase steadily since we last reported. Thank you!
Events
A Sabba
th to Remember: The last weekend of July we had our latest ‘Sabbath to Remember’. It went extremely well with requests for hymns from as far away as Uganda. Our guest speaker, Tony Rykers took all the meetings and it was well presented, and also well received.
You can visit our youtube channel and view the entire weekend. www.youtube.com/autumnleavesnz/streams
Friday Night Live will next be on the fifth Sabbath of the month, being September 29. The few hymn choices we ran out of time for we have saved up for next time! Be sure to put this date in your dairy and join us for another night of fellowship and song.
Cooking Classes: We are just commencing another health and cooking series in the town of Kaiapoi. We ran one at the same location last year and we have had requests for more this year.
This six week series plus a closing banquet runs every Wednesday evening from August 16 through to September 27. See www.whatscooking.co.nz for details.
Australian Outreach: In late October to early November, Doug and Angela will be in Western Australia, taking a revival Sabbath, then all week with cooking classes in the afternoon and public outreach in the evening, with a revival Sabbath to follow. This will be a very intensive week. We will be staying a little longer to be available for backup of interests and visitation.
Projects
Uganda Project: We have worked on projects teaming up with an experienced retired church worker in Uganda to supply approximately 500 Bibles in this mission field. That has been a great success with many individuals and study groups receiving Bibles.
We have received another request to see if we can support a different project in Uganda. A set of 50 leaflets has been produced and are proving extremely successful in sharing the gospel. Christian and non Christian people are responding well to these. The leaflets cost $1.60NZD each.
Our friend in Uganda is supporting 28 workers along the Uganda/Congo border and would really like to put 20 sets of these tracts into the hands of each of them to better equip them to spread the gospel.
To supply a full set of 50 would amount to $80.00. To provide 2o sets for one worker would be $1600. To equip each of the 28 pastoral workers with just one set would be $2240.00. To supply 20 sets for all 28 workers would be a very large sum of money. Regardless, each set is at least one useful tool in the hands of a worker that can potentially reach many people in this area with limited resources. We are working to coordinate what we can and lay this project before you if any would like to contribute.
Tongan Project: We have recently received requests for more Tongan language material to help the work in Tonga. Tonga itself has funded the printing of 1000 copies each of 3 different books including Bible Studies. We will fund the shipping. We are currently printing these and have funds already on hand to cover the shipping.
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June 2023
In the Office
Order increases: We have recently had a large increase of orders both domestically and internationally. The popular products are health related books and the main increase has been from new contacts through our webshop. March was up 50%, April over 130% and May has followed a similar pattern. Pray that the material that goes out may bless many people.
The extra work involved has driven us to look at ways to automate more of the order process to give us better efficiency and accuracy.
Staff changes: As of the end of May, Michelle who has been in our video editing and studio work, is leaving our team to further her career. We are grateful for her four years of learning and accomplishment she has put into our video and media ministry. We are also thankful to have Vincent Zhang joining us part time to contribute his graphic design experience and helping with video production work.
Events
25thAnniversary: On the evening of May 20 we had a small gathering at the ministry base to commemorate 25 years since Autumn Leaves was established. This time gave opportunity for reflection and worship of what God has done and of the work of those who have been a part of Autumn Leaves and the work it has accomplished. We praise God for His leading in the past, to this time and trust His guidance for the unknown future before us.
Australian Camps: From the beginning of June Doug and Angela will be attending and speaking at camps in Australia.
June 1-4, Natural Bridge, Queensland
June 8-11, Karuah, New South Wales
June 15-18, Neville, New South Wales
North Island trip: In early July Doug and Angela will be travelling in the North Island. They will first be in Auckland for a special weekend holding meetings on family and running cooking classes. The following weekend they will be in the Manawatu. Between and around these dates they will be travelling and visiting. Be in touch if you would like to connect with them.
June 30 to July 2, Waitac Church fellowship
Friday evening: First family meeting
Sabbath morning: Two family meetings
Sabbath afternoon: Question and answer time
Sunday morning: Plant-based cooking demonstration
July 8, Sabbath 11.00am, Woodville
Winter Virtual Convocation, 28-29 July from 7:00pm NZST
This midyear weekend is streamed live from our studio to help connect with you where ever you may be. We have our live singing and will also have a series of messages. Join us for this weekend of spiritual uplift in message and song. See back page for details.
Cooking Classes: In mid August we will be starting another plant-based cooking class series in the nearby town of Kaiapoi. We ran a series last year in conjunction with a church fellowship and there have been many enquiries for another. These are an excellent way to share the many advantages of plant-based diet while also connecting with the community. See www.whatscooking.co.nz for details.
Projects
Tell of His Power: We have just finished releasing the 6-part video series presented by Doug in our studio on the topic of God’s power and the impacts it can have on our lives now and for eternity. It is now available on our YouTube Channel www.youtube/com/autumnleavesnz and will also be broadcast weekly on Firstlight TV from May 29. We have also produced the entire series on DVD for you to own, watch and share for $45.00.
Studio Equipment: Our Friday Night Live event in April presented us with some challenges with the audio feed. With frantic resetting and rebooting of our equipment, we got it up and running and it lasted through until we were about to close off for the evening. For those watching and participating, we apologise for the glitches, but in saying that, we thoroughly enjoyed being with you through the airways and being able to sing your favourites. It was also a blessing to have Australian violinist Hayden Wiseman join us for this event.
We have been aiming to improve the audio system for the studio recording and live feeds and have now purchased a new sound desk to improve and streamline the system. We look forward to getting it installed and tested. We are very grateful that this key piece of equipment has already been funded to enhance the media side of the ministry. Thank you, it is greatly appreciated!
Building Project: We have now been operating from this new building for over two and half years and continue to appreciate the amazing resource it is. We have had a boost in funds since we last reported and at the current rate estimate to be completing the funding in about 3 years. As this happens it releases finance borrowed from other funds to allow us to continue and expand the work of Autumn Leaves. Thank you for the continued support this project and, in turn, the entire ministry.
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April 2023
In the Office
International Sending: Over the last month, on top of the usual orders, mainly going out to New Zealand and Australia, we have had an increase in parcels going to other international locations including the UK, France, the United States, Canada, Africa, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
EOFY: With the end of financial year just been, we have been busy with stock take and financial preparations. We have over $270,000 of stock on hand which is an increase on previous years and reflects the higher amount of products we make available. We are buying more in bulk to keep prices down where possible.
We have also been working on donation summary receipts for you to use for claiming income tax back. Most are automatically sent but contact us if need be.
New Video Production: We have just completed a new 6-part video series with Doug Hurley entitled "Tell of His Power". This series was filmed in our studio using new technology and techniques. This will be released on our You Tube channel on Fridays starting from April 14, as well as on Firstlight TV and also available on DVD.
Events
Friday Night Live - 28 April from 7:00pm NZST
Join us for another evening with a devotion and an hour of singing favourite hymns.
We will be physically in our studio, with a team of singers and open for people to attend in person, but for most of you, it will be in your homes and you can join in and enjoy with YouTube and Facebook.
This month will be a little more special, as we will have Hayden Wiseman with us to share in his amazing talent on the violin.
North Island trip: Due to circumstances changing, instead of April, Doug and Angela will be travelling to the North Island now in early July for a special weekend at Waitac Church group holding meetings on family and cooking classes. We will be visiting during the trip up as well. Be in touch or visit our website for further details.
Australian Camps: Doug and Angela will be attending and speaking at camps in Australia in June. See back page for further details.
Projects
Studio Equipment: We have been researching new necessary equipment for the filming studio and have just ordered a new digital sound mixer that integrates with the studio and computer. This is a significant cost but will make the work more efficient and intuitive. We are also looking at video switching and router equipment.
Building Project: We recently had a visit from a friend who has watched the progress of the ministry transition to the new premises, including driving past for his work — but had not had the opportunity to come in. His comment was that it was much better than he had even imagined and that it was a very peaceful atmosphere. We often hear such comments and, apart from the building design, we attribute it mainly to the heavenly atmosphere we invite into the workplace. Since our last update we have seen a continual increase in funds to complete this project. Thank you and may many be blessed!
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February 2023
In the Office
It has been a busy summer with holidays and camps, but as well as that we have also had a record number of large shipments come in with 6 pallets arriving: 1 in late December, 4 in January, and another due soon. These have included Grain Mills and accessories from Germany, Bulk outreach books (some have been out of stock for many months), two combined pallets from 10 suppliers in the USA, and new stocks of grape juice from Australia.
Earlier we also received 4 pallets of the Great Controversy book printed locally here in New Zealand which are funded for interactive outreach projects. Contact us if you can help scatter these books!
As you can imagine our bulk storage area is filling up! But we are also excited to have many books going out, both with in-store visitors and many parcels on the daily couriers. It is encouraging to see the increasing quantities of items going out as each one represents another leaf that is scattered like the leaves of autumn to do it’s work.
Staff changes: We are be having some changes in staff here at Autumn Leaves. Estelle will no longer be the main contact when you contact us but you will instead be greeted by Tracy. We are thankful for the years that Estelle has put into this important role in the ministry serving you and we look forward to having Tracy serving along side us, with her enthusiasm to join the team.
Kent, who has worked with us for many years, especially in IT and web development, has also dropped back his involvement. He has recently completed a new website build for us. Although he is following other pursuits, we are pleased to still have him available on-call for specific projects. We thank him for the many years of service he has offered.
Projects
Studio Equipment: Each time we work with projects in our studio, we are developing and learning more, finding areas to improve and expand. With Christian Berdahl being with us for camps and especially the South Island Virtual camp based in the studio we pulled on his valuable experience with recording. He has given us some advice for developing our media work to be more efficient and suggested solutions to problems. We plan to replace and add some switching devices, replacing a sound desk and installing a router.
Building Project: We continue to experience the blessings of this resource especially with the virtual camp. Many people were able to be blessed by the facilities here without even being on site. Due to the studio, control room and high speed internet this base enlarges to the world. We also continue to have amazing interactions with people walking in, even providential appointments with other visitors who coincide at the same time. Since our last update we have seen a small increase in funds. Thank you to those who continue to give to help complete the financial side of this project and free up the funds for other projects!
Events
North Island Summer Camp: Thursday January 12, Doug and Angela set off from the ministry with the vehicle and trailer loaded with camp equipment for North camp. The purpose for leaving earlier than usual was to include Sabbath, January 14 at Papamoa. On Sunday, January 15 we arrived at our usual North Island camp ground to begin setting up. The extra time proved so beneficial and we were much better prepared as attendees started to arrive on the Tuesday of the beginning of camp.
The camp was a huge success. Over half of the attendees were new to us, but all we have spoken to thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. From the first hymn right through to the last, the volume of singing was just extraordinary. Surely heavenly angels swelled the volume. Attendance was well up for Sabbath, being over 200.
Plans are already under way for another camp in the North Island, January 16-21, 2024. Many have already booked their accommodation, one year ahead. Of course, it could well be subject to the social and political environment at the time.
South Island and Virtual Camp: The following week, Thursday evening, January 26, we began our South Island convention. This was at our ministry studio which was live-streamed directly to the world, with a small number of people attending. Only two of our speakers, Christian Berdahl and Sam Braga, came south, Tim Riesenberger headed back home after the North Island camp.
Included in this event, we again enjoyed two nights of live song requests singing to the world. Friday evening, Sam Braga gave a short devotional and then we sang for over an hour. Sabbath evening, Sam again gave a devotional which was followed by ministry reports, then we again sang for over an hour. This time, we had requests come in from New Zealand, Australia, Norway and one from Alaska.
Recordings are available from both events.
Up-and-Coming Live hymn singalongs for 2023: Join us for more evenings of live singalongs and song requests this year.
• Friday Night Live on April 28 with Hayden Wiseman, Violinist
• Winter convention, Friday Night Live, July 28; Saturday Night Live, July 29
• Friday Night Live on October 27
View the events page for updates.
North Island trip: Doug and Angela will be travelling to the North Island in April for a visitation trip. Be in touch or visit our website for further details.
Australian Camps: Doug and Angela will be attending and speaking at camps in Australia in June. See events page for further details.
December 2022
In the Office
In the Office: With current inflation and rising costs internationally we have been aiming to keep prices of our resources as consistent as possible. Since we have been buying and shipping more in bulk this has helped to offset many rises but some have been inevitable. We thank you for your ongoing support both in purchases and donations which help to keep resources available at minimal costs.
Great Controversy Books for Projects. A special edition of the Great Controversy has recently been printed for sharing. These are intended to stimulate conversations and be used for projects where interactions can happen. The cover design makes it easy to discuss the Great Controversy theme focusing on the origin of evil and hope for the future. Contact us if you have interactive outreach projects where you may be able to help share this timely book.
Read to me a Parable: Throughout this year we have been working on a video series of a reading of the book Christ’s Object Lessons. The videos feature a chapter of the book and the passage from Scripture focusing on each parable.
These are currently being released weekly on our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/autumnleavesnz Subscribe to keep up-to-date as more are released.
Events
Friday Night Live: October 28 was our 6th evening of song and virtual fellowship. These events are live streamed from our studio with requests for hymns from around New Zealand, Australia and further afield. We had a record turn out of singers on site in the studio, including most of a choir from the local Kaiapoi church fellowship.
Up and coming Live hymn singalongs for 2023;
Friday night Live as part of our South Island virtual camp, January 27
Saturday night Live as part of our South Island virtual camp, January 28
Friday Night Live on April 28
Friday Night Live on July 28
Saturday Night Live on July 29
Friday Night Live on October 27
View the events page on our website for updates.
Canterbury A&P Show: November 9-11 were the dates for this year’s Canterbury Show. This event has not been held for the past two years due to COVID uncertainty. The Wednesday and Thursday were quiet, but come Friday, it made up for numbers with an extremely busy day.
This year, rather than the health approach we have previously taken, we decided to present Autumn Leaves as a Christian resource centre directly. We gave away many books, displayed and sold a sampling of the other resources we have available including Bibles, study aids, spiritual books, children’s material etc. Not long before the show we were offered an extra 3m exhibit space at no extra charge. We took this opportunity and used it for the health materials with the Lifestyle Works branding. During the three-day event many books and brochures were given out and profitable conversations were had from both the spiritual and health areas.
Vegan Expo: We exhibited again at the annual Vege Expo late November. Although this is a smaller event the people visiting already have an interest in health and so many good contacts were made, and quite a bit of literature was distributed.
Cooking Class: We have also just completed a seven week series of cooking classes in the nearby town of Kaiapoi. The average in attendance over the Wednesday evenings for six weeks of demonstrations was 40-45 each night. The banquet was held the following Wednesday evening of November 23 and we again closed with a presentation on the frontal lobe - connecting the physical and mental with the spiritual. Good friends were made and we are now following up those friendships and interests.
Projects
Printing Equipment: We are pleased to report that the new printing machine is fully funded. It now sits on the floor here in the new building, completely freehold and has already completed quite a few printing jobs. We are getting a better understanding of how it functions, which speeds up production of each project.
A very big and special thank you to all who have contributed to this vital piece of equipment. You are dear to us and we greatly appreciate the generous hearts who have so freely given to keep the literature pumping out of this ministry like the leaves of autumn.
Building Project: Since our last update we have seen an increase in funds and continue to be blessed with the location and facilities here. When we built we added a few extra rooms upstairs for expansion in the future. We have recently let these out to a small business of local friends of the ministry to help with raising funds.
