Parachute three

One of our motives for attending Parachute was to work out how Church Army NZ could use the event next year to publicise what we do, especially the Gap Year programme, and possibly raise support. So I wandered around the displays of numerous Christian organisations with interest, determined to steal ideas and gain inspiration.

Instinctively, in my head I tried to calculate the cost of matching or bettering the gleaming displays of many of our "competitors" (I know you don't like me using that word, but we are all after the interest and the $$$ of the same, small market!) Add the cost of the thrilling giveaways we'd have to offer, plus the cost of the stall in the first place...and serious doubts crept in.

I'm an idealist...and my hope is that CANZ will be known, respected and paid for because the ministry we do is of such quality and impact that people want to be on our team. Changed lives; the least, last and lost being lifted, promoted and saved; thousands of Christians being motived, trained, equipped and supported to share Jesus in their everyday locations - this is what I long for CANZ to be known and love for. Not glossy brochures or dazzling handouts.

And afterwards I imagined all the Christian organsations agreeing to have a publicity fast - and the tens of thousands of dollars we'd all save being pumped straight into frontline work! Better go, my image consultant is on the phone...