4/16--Sudan Quiz Night

One thing Hope Valley does really well in my opinion is fund raise for missions. I already told you about the "A Day Without Shoes" campaign that raised nearly $9,000. The missions pastor, Roger, just does a great job of finding new, creative and exciting ways of raising money.

One thing that is very popular in the pub culture here in Adelaide is Quiz Nights. Yes, these are exactly what they sound like. You gather a team together, answer questions, and the most points in the end win the day. These are so popular, they have bled into other spheres as fund raising tools. The idea being that everybody pays to be on a team, they play, and then there is some prize at the end for the winners (usually donated). It is brilliant because it helps build community within the church (and outside it for those that come for the occasion) and gives people something to spend their money "on" instead of just giving it away. At very little cost to the church, they can raise a bunch of money in a fun way for a cause that most would be willing to donate to anyways! It is really a good idea.

Moreover, during the night they have little mini-games that people can donate to play. So, for example, in between rounds they might have a paper airplane flying contest. The winner gets a prize, but all contestants donated to play. Again, most are happy to do it, as it is a fun way for them to donate money they would normally give anyways.

Long story short: Hope Valley held one of these to raise money for "Kingdom Assignment Sudan." This is an organization that goes into the Sudan to pour into the people and build the Kingdom of God there in practical ways. Katie Joyce's parents invited me to play on their team. They foolishly thought I would be an immense asset to them. I certainly helped, but not much as the questions were mostly pop culture ones. I am horrid with pop culture! But such is life. The night was fun though and it was good to hang out with some of the adults in the congregation.

After the quiz, we went to Steve and Nicole Crocker's for a bonfire. That was a nice way to finish off a fine Saturday. Steve and Nicole are wonderful. I can't thank them enough for their continued friendship.

In Christ,

Chris