The 40 Hour Challenge Good News Project: Inspiring young Christians through environmental action

On June 22, 2024, The 40 Hour Challenge Good News Project, brought together A Rocha, Eco Church and World Vision in a collaborative effort to regenerate native bush at Spencer Park in partnership with Christchurch City Council. This event aimed to engage local youth groups and inspire young Christians to take part in practical environmental action, creating a space where participants could hear the Good News and actively be the Good News through environmental restoration.

Event Highlights:

• Over 30 enthusiastic young volunteers participated in the restoration project.

• Participants planted over 350 native trees and plants.

• The collaborative spirit and dedication of the volunteers were evident throughout the project, fostering a sense of community and purpose.

James Beck, Eco Church Co-ordinator, encapsulated the event's spirit: "We are here as part of the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, tackling global justice issues around climate change. And we're also here with A Rocha and Eco Church, which are trying to get churches involved in conservation and climate action. So those two things have come together, and here we are, a whole bunch of young people from different youth groups, getting their hands in the dirt and doing a little bit to make the world just a little bit better."

Levi Whiting, a young volunteer, added, "Yeah, it's just cool to get out there, get the environment pumping again, get the plants back in the place where they should be."

The Good News Project stands as a testament to the power of faith in action, showing that young Christians can make a significant impact on the environment while deepening their faith and building stronger community ties. As this initiative grows, it will continue to inspire and equip the next generation to care for God's creation.