Trampolines, Redwoods, and Kids Camp – April with the Taylors

Hey friends,

We’re writing this from a quiet little house in Te Puna, New Zealand — the rain is tapping on the roof, the kids are playing quietly (miraculously), and we’re reflecting on a month that’s stretched us, surprised us, and reminded us again why we’re out here doing this.

We just got back from a week at a kids’ Bible camp near Rotorua. (photograph above) The boys were finally old enough to join as campers and had the time of their lives — horseback rides, canoe paddles, new friends, and enough sugar to fuel a small army. Jathyn even won “Camper of the Day,” which meant prizes and a grin that lasted for hours. The girls, a bit too young for official registration, made their own magic — barefoot runs through the grass, trampoline flips, and giggles that could be heard across the campground.

We came home just in time for Easter Sunday, and celebrated at a local church that felt like family the moment we walked in. It wasn’t flashy. Just voices lifted, hearts opened, and a clear reminder that Jesus is alive — and that changes everything. After a whirlwind week of activity, it was like coming up for air.

On the drive back from Rotorua, we took a detour through the Redwoods forest, and we’re glad we did. Giant trees arched overhead like a cathedral. The path was soft and quiet, and the only sounds were our kids asking questions about God’s creation and marveling at how tall trees can grow. It wasn’t a scheduled ministry moment — but the presence of God was thick. We needed that.

Back in Te Puna, we’ve been working with some beautiful local ministries — helping feed the homeless, praying with women in crisis, leading worship in a local prayer room, and even walking through the red-light district, asking God to bring light into some of the darkest corners. One woman we met was living out of her van after the death of her father. She was haunted by nightmares and desperate for peace. We prayed with her, gave her a Bible, and connected her with a ministry here that’s following up regularly. She’s not alone anymore. That moment — that’s why we’re here.

We also visited a YWAM Ships vessel docked in Tauranga — a huge highlight for the kids — and had some sweet times of family adventure: beach walks, hikes, seashell hunting, garden harvesting (pumpkins and squash!), and soaking in New Zealand’s beauty together.

Living in a shared home with six other team members has stretched us in new ways. We’ve had to be really intentional about carving out family time and staying connected with the Lord. But through it all, we’re seeing the fruit of slowing down and staying obedient to the Lords voice.

The Kiddos

We asked the kids to share their favorite parts of the trip so far — here’s what they said in their own words:

Emery (5):
“I liked going to the pool, and the trampolines, and finding the white bunny! I loved the flight, and the beach, and parks, and I love kids camp.”

Adaleigh (7):
“My favorite was jumping on the trampoline, finding the unicorn, and the bunny. And the park and the beach and the pool and being with my family and having a house for shelter. And having a car. That’s it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jathyn (8):
“I really like New Zealand, meeting all the friends, and kids camp. It’s so much fun — New Zealand, YWAM's ship, and the hike. And I love the rain.”

Korban (8):
“Kids camp was really fun, and I really like it here in New Zealand. The rain is beautiful. I’ve been having so much fun seeing glowworms, meeting new friends, and learning more about the stories of God. The YWAM Ship was fun too — I liked going on that big ship. Oh, and the beach! I collected a bunch of seashells there. We also went to a garden and picked pumpkins and squash. That was fun too.”

What’s Next

We’ll continue serving in the Te Puna area through the end of April, and then head to New Zealand’s South Island in May. We’re looking forward to what the Lord has in store and are keeping our hearts open to every new opportunity He puts in our path.

How You Can Pray

• For rest, clarity, and focused time with the Lord
• For continued unity and joy as a family in shared community living

• That the Lord’s will would be done in and through our time here — above all else

With Grateful Hearts

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Thank you for journeying with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are making this season possible, and we are so thankful to be on mission together with you.

With love from New Zealand,

The Taylor Family
Damion, Keira, Korban, Jathyn, Adaleigh & Emery