by Tim Nugteren
To close out the 2025 winter season, SFC New Zealand hosted our annual retreat at the base of Mt Hutt in Canterbury. We were absolutely blown away by the turnout of 40 people and are deeply thankful to God for the momentum building in the SFC ministry across New Zealand.
Here in New Zealand, we’re intentional about making sure SFC and shred ministry are for everyone—people of all ages and stages of life.
It was such a blessing to have a diverse group join the retreat: energetic groms, young adults, families, and even a grandfather from Latvia. Watching people young and old ride together, worship, pray, and encourage one another was a powerful reminder of God’s goodness. Time and again, He brings just the right people together in ways we could never plan ourselves.
Attendees came from all over New Zealand—from the far north to the deep south—as well as a few visitors from the U.S. (including Ryan from our support office) and Europe. We were also stoked to have friends from our partner ministries, YWAM and Christian Surfers, join the gathering—SFC truly is a ministry for everyone!
A major highlight of the weekend was the teaching led by local pastor Josh Rich, who unpacked two powerful stories from the Gospel of John: the raising of Lazarus (John 11) and Jesus reinstating Peter (John 21).
His messages were a strong reminder of the greatness of our God.
There’s nothing in life that compares to the joy of following Jesus and offering our lives for His purposes. God is always at work—and by His grace, we get to be part of it.
We also announced two exciting developments for the 2026 winter season:
- SFC’s 30-Year Celebration which coincides with our Annual Retreat, to be held in Queenstown in August 2026.
- The official launch of SFC Wānaka, led by Jesiah and Allen, who will be moving there in the coming months.
Winter 2025 was a blast! God is doing amazing things here in New Zealand, and we’re humbled to be part of it.
As we head into summer, we’re looking forward to some relaxation, summer adventures, and all that’s to come.
Bring on 2026!