WHO WE ARE
Update 16.05.2024
We are currently in the process of becoming a registered Charitable Trust. Our website is in the process of being updated, so if you have an queries please don't hesitate to reach out.
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We warmly welcome you to our website which is our hub for delivering information, administrating our referral process. Founded in 2019 in Christchurch by John Bruce, the group was initially a men's ministry group - a safe space where men could learn to trust, relax and just be themselves. Building a bond of friendship with like minded men to enhance each others journey in recovery. The group has grown and branched out, helping people in the community with the essential necessities such as food, shelter and support. "Avodah Spiritual Respite" is an extension of our mission, providing a temporary interval of respite from difficulty, located in Kaikoura (based within the Vineyard Church property at Hapuku).
Where It Began
In March 2019 John Bruce started a men's ministry group in Christchurch called “AVODAH”...the name being Hebrew for Work, Worship and Service. The meaning of “AVODAH” fitted very well to the ethos of the group...creating honest relations with one another through working together. The worship element being talking about and acknowledging a faith and coming together to do a service for those that need help in our community.
John saw a gap in the community where men could belong to a group and just be themselves, learn to trust, let down walls and talk openly and honestly. To find wellness and growth in themselves by uplifting and encouraging each other and exploring and building on a faith. There was an opportunity to give to those in the community that were worse of or in need of physical help.
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When AVODAH first started John was in the Salvation Army as a soldier, starting of as a peer support worker eventually becoming a chaplain. In September 2021 it was decided as a group to open the group to women and children and AVODAH doubled in numbers and came to life with children, husbands and wives attending. The increase in numbers and the family dynamic allowed the group to enjoy more activities like day trips, picnics and other social events.
What We Do
AVODAH became more widespread in Christchurch when branching out helping people in the community and feeding the homeless (more commonly known as “feed the people”). Other work is helping the elderly, other community groups and beneficiaries who were needing assistance with things like accessing food, gardening and maintenance and moving house.
Vineyard Church
Avodah started to run camps up to Vineyard Church in Kaikoura where the guys worked on their inner self together and attended Vineyard Church on Sundays. The camps were hugely successful as Vineyard joined in sharing food together and showing the guy’s absolute love and acceptance. The guys soon became very fond of this place and experienced some very healing moments.
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In April 2022 Vineyard Church contacted AVODAH asking if they would like to use the church house for ministry purposes. The Avodah group had just been praying for housing and although not expecting it to come in the form of being in Kaikoura, were honored, and jumped at the chance. With a committee in place for AVODAH John set off to start AVODAH Spiritual Respite in Kaikoura.
