Ruapehu Apostolic outreach to open

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 526, 8 March 1994, Page 15

Ruapehu Apostolic outreach to open

The Ruapehu Apostolic Outreach Centre's (RAOC) new base will be opened this weekend, in the former Ruapehu Motors garage. The RAOC, formerly known as the Ohakune Apostolic Outreach began in Ohakune about nine years ago when Kevin Martin, a member of the Wanganui Apostolic Church used to travel each weekend up the

Parapara to hold small house church meetings in Ohakune. The ensuing years have seen one congregation grow under the care of Kevin Martin, Ted and Sue Kumeroa, Pastor John and Jenny Sefton and now Pastor John andJan Mason who were called to Ohakune in December 1991. In 1 993 25 of the congre-

gation were released to begin an Apostolic contact in Waiouru under the care of Ted and Sue Kumeroa. During these years the RAOC have met in a number of places, finally making Ruapehu College senior studies block their meeting place. Sometimes prior bookings meant that another facility had to be found, usually in Raetihi.

On numerous occasions they had looked for suitable facilities of their own. In October 1993Rex and Kay Oliver, former proprietors of Ruapehu Motors, to seek their approval. Subsequently after the leadership and congregation had considered the proposal they put in a tender. They raised $ 1 3 ,500 and shortly after, the National

Apostolic Church raised the finance required to secure the property. $10,000 was sent to the RAOC and they began renovations. With a team of enthusiastic volunteers - Willie Allen, Kerry Reuben and Rene Vlaanderen, under the steady encouragement of Alan Goddard and experience of the Pastor the work began..

The mezzanine and some internal walls were removed, excess items were sold in garage saies, a new floor was laid - even under the back lean-to which was temporarily rai sed before being lowered onto the new floor. Walls were lined With styrofoil for warmth and sound proofing. Additional rooms were added for offices and children' s facili-

ties. The rear lean-to was di vided to take toilets and a matching lean-to added for a mother and child-care room and paraplegic toilet. Many people have yet to be thanked for their help in converting the building into a church facility. An article on the opening, with more details will follow.