New Zealand Christian Network director Glyn Carpenter has been assisting a group discussing opportunities for Christian outreach at the Rugby World Cup in 2011. ‘This group is well connected,' said Carpenter, ‘with links to international Christian sporting groups, as well as all of the major local groups. Most denomination leaders have already endorsed their initiative and it may be a good idea for local church leaders to nominate someone in their church to stay informed of developments.'

After a recent planning meeting, the group leaders issued the following statement:

‘New Zealand will receive the world during the Rugby World Cup 2011. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our country.

‘The Rugby World Cup is the third-largest major sporting event in the world and the biggest event in 2011, and we have the chance to serve the 60-80 thousand tourists expected to arrive in the country, and to demonstrate our hospitality, friendliness, and passion for life. It's a chance for us to serve others and share hospitality as Christ has called us to do.

‘A variety of volunteer positions are available, requiring a vast range of skills from technical, previous volunteer work, leadership and operational roles to name a few. Jobs within these skill sets are abundant. Many of these roles could be filled by people within our churches and community groups, and being part of a volunteer group for a major event like the Rugby World Cup is an opportunity for us all to develop life-long friendships as we serve and support each other and the world in our country. Lasting impressions are made at these events for the over 4 billion cumulative audience who will be watching this event.

‘To start the volunteer selection process to hold an official Rugby World Cup volunteer position, attend a public forum in your area or go to the RWC website: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/ and click on ‘volunteer'.'

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