This last year we have had the joy of getting to know some wonderful young people here in Ashburton. For about six months a handful of Capernwray students from “the Crossing” in Geraldine have been joining with us as we gather on the Lord’s day. More recently they have been regularly participating with our youth group and also last month they led a service for us.

I have been impressed as I have come to know the students and the Capernwray leadership. The calibre of these young people is a tribute to the school (1 Corinthians 3:7).

During the service they took I was impressed with their obvious love for Jesus, their commitment to and knowledge of the Scripture (the 19-year-old gent who preached that day was top notch!) and also the creative ways they express the faith.

These young folk have taken a gap year before they jump into university and full time employment. From yarning with them, I don’t think many of them have set apart this time because of aspirations of pastoral ministry, but it would appear that they are at Capernwray to prepare for life.

What an investment and what a challenge! I wonder what the Church today would look life if every Christian parent would encourage their kids, and support them, to take a gap year so they could to train for life?

A year set apart to diligently study the Scripture, a year set apart to live in community (as Bonhoeffer says, the ideal of community is easier than the reality of community), a year set apart for training in mission and service. What an investment and what a challenge!

I want to put a plug in for Capernwray. To find out more about them, please email Dale Epp, “the Crossing” director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone him, (03) 693 9689. Alternatively, you can peek at their website www.capernwray.org.nz.

– David Jensen
Senior Pastor, Ashburton Baptist Church