Youthworks Appoints Acting Executive Director of Outdoors
Zac Veron is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Farrand as Acting Executive Director of Youthworks Outdoors until the end of 2012. Bill will oversee the work of our Outdoors Team at Youthworks sites located at Port Hacking, Springwood, Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Valley.
Bill’s appointment follows the resignation of the Rev. Jodie McNeill as Executive Director of Outdoors. Jodie has faithfully served at Youthworks for the last 10 years in various roles with Youth Ministry training, Year 13 and Outdoors. As he transitions into parish-based ministry he will continue to use his gifts and experience in some special projects at Youthworks.
Bill brings with him over 20 years of experience in business management, having worked as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the financial sector for companies such as BPAY and Pirelli Cables. Bill was converted to Christ at the Billy Graham Crusade in 1979 and no one was more surprised than him! He spent eight years growing and serving at St Clements, Mosman, before moving to Northmead Anglican Church where he has served in various capacities including warden, parish councillor and congregational elder. Currently Bill and his wife Margie are members of Northmead’s Young Adults congregation serving in a mentoring capacity to younger leaders and meeting with younger Christians to disciple them.
Zac Veron the CEO of Youthworks comments that “Bill is a godly man who is committed to Word ministry and seeing young people won to Christ. Bill is an excellent fit for the job of leading our Outdoors team during this interim period.”
Bill steps into this role at a time when the camping industry faces many challenges emanating from economic and market changes. He writes, “The Outdoors team share the good news of Jesus with well over 30,000 school children every year and provide a wonderful outdoor educational experience which is greatly valued by our partner schools. At the same time we are investing in raising up a generation of missional disciples keen to see the name of Jesus proclaimed in our world and I desire to see this good work continue.”
Bill adds that “The churches of the Sydney area also greatly benefit from the quality conferencing facilities and the opportunity for enrichment through temporary community. Many people remember with enthusiasm the impact that God’s word has had on them as they relaxed and learned at the Youthworks sites in the company of Christian brothers and sisters. We trust that the value of camping and retreats will continue into the future, for the glory of God”.
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For more information about Youthworks Outdoors please contact 85253100 or email info@youthworks.net