This series of four short films and accompanying discussion guides is designed for use by churches, student and youth groups.
Bounce Back, the first installment in A Rocha’s ‘Elements of Hope’ video series, asks us to examine where we find our hope amidst environmental disasters, such as extreme wildfires or terrible floods. The film explores the idea of ‘refugia’, defined as an area in which a population of organisms can survive through a period of unfavourable conditions, especially glaciation and fire. In the example of Mount Saint Helens in the USA, after the forests were destroyed by a volcanic blast, ecologists were surprised to see regeneration happen much faster than expected. They attributed this to small pockets of refugia that were able to persist and help the rest of the ecosystem recover.
Forests do not regenerate without fire, and, like our own personal walk with Christ, we too must face challenges and be pruned and refined to grow in our faith. Loving God’s creation comes with lament and heartbreak for the things that are lost. But there is hope. Reflecting on the devastating wildfires of 2019, A Rocha Australia National Director Stuart Blanch states, ‘The word of God points us to the importance of creation care. I want to be optimistic, not naive, and hopeful, determined. That’s the mindset we have to have. If we give up, we’ll just lose more…. Christians needs to be the forefront of caring for creation and nature. It’s not a distraction from the gospel; it’s where we demonstrate that we are committed to loving our neighbours and loving God who gave us this good world.’
Learn more about finding hope amidst disaster in the ‘Bounce Back’ film and please share with your church, school, bible study or youth group.
The next video in A Rocha’s ‘Elements of Hope’ video series, Take Root, explores the benefits of developing deep relationships and committing to a particular place or community over time.
This video shares A Rocha’s approach to conservation over the long term through two specific stories including the protection of vulnerable habitats of the Alvor Estuary in Portugal, and living by example amidst a younger population in Uganda new to ideas such as creation care.
Sara Kaweesa of A Rocha Uganda explains, “I think when we take down root, God is probably doing something. Maybe using your life to speak to somebody else. You just have to get there and do what you’re supposed to do so that other people can either copy you or your light shines out to them and they will see the light and know where to go.”
Being rooted in a community helps us grow and flourish, while also giving shelter and encouragement to others through our faithful and steady obedience to God’s calling for us, whatever it may be.
Marcial Felguira of A Rocha Portugal adds, “This is how A Rocha views conservation. You grow roots. You are dedicated to a place. I think that has made a huge impact. The reason for success is God, definitely. It is because we’ve obeyed God’s call that we’ve managed to keep the area (the Alvor Estuary) as it is.”
Join us in watching Take Root and feel free to share the video with your church, school, bible study or youth group.
Introducing “Small,” the third instalment of A Rocha’s “Elements of Hope” video series. This inspiring short video highlights the power of small endeavours, reminding us that even the smallest actions can make a significant impact.
From the small beginnings in conserving the threatened Dakatcha woodland in Kenya to being reminded of the beauty and creativity in every detail of God’s creation, “Small” encourages us to have hope and not be discouraged by the smallness of who we are or what we can do.
Join us in watching “Small” and let it inspire you to take small but meaningful steps towards caring for creation. Share “Small” with your church, school, bible study or youth group and see how God uses your small actions for his kingdom. Download the video from our Vimeo channel and tell us how you are sharing it with your community!
The final instalment of A Rocha’s ‘Elements of Hope’ video series, titled ‘Blue’, delves into the relationship between mental health challenges and the positive effects of nature on our wellbeing. We investigate how immersing ourselves in nature can pull us out of our internal struggles and rekindle our connection to God and His call for us to be stewards of creation. In this video, you’ll hear from A Rocha interns Michaela Stenerson and Allison Cutting as they share their experiences of finding relief from anxiety and depression through their proximity to the ocean.
We’ll also hear from Murray Tessendorf, the National Director of A Rocha South Africa, as he shares how his experiences as a crisis chaplain have motivated him to practice proactive self-care in dealing with depression and anxiety. This includes activities like taking daily walks in nature and engaging in other practices to help us redefine our sense of purpose and connection with our creator.
