parachute 08

Israel New Breed, Parachute Band, Red, Switchfoot (from left to right)
Check out more Parachute pics here.


PARACHUTe 08 was the first Parachute I have attended in its 17 year or so running. An estimated 30,000 people attended the 3 day event in Mystery Creek, Hamilton sheltering in tightly packed camping grounds. I camped with Stephen and his Elevate pals in the hot, hot sun. If this isn't an indication of global warming, I don't know what is.

The highlight of Parachute of course is the music. Standing in front of the Main Stage among thousands of people huddled together listening to rock and roll, looking up to the Heavens above. Amazing.

Another huge thing that weekend, Stephen and I both decided to sponsor a child. To make a difference in this world, to give back something.
This is my child, Pierre from the Kubuga community in Rwanda.


Pierre Nyamurangwa is 7 years old (this may only be an estimate, isn't that sad?). He's not in school but his chores are to carry water. Pierre loves to play and hide and seek.

Pierre lives with his mother and brother, his father abandoned their family.

I'll get Scuba to post something about his child shortly...

If you would like to sponsor a child, please visit World Vision. To learn more about making a difference, visit Rampant. Remember, the money goes towards the community (water tanks, classrooms, medicine etc). This in turn helps your chosen child and their family.


*Michael*

when in rome...

Okay, so this actually has nothing whatsoever to do with Rome, but I liked the idea of 'When in Rome' being a title.

Kiwi artists. International artists. 7 stages. January 25-28. Mystery Creek, Hamilton. This can only mean one thing. PARACHUTE '08. As the biggest Christian music festival in the Southern hemisphere draws closer, thousands of New Zealanders are preparing themselves for a weekend of heat, tenting, loud music, lack of sleep, and awesome atmosphere.

With international bands like Switchfoot, Red, Hillsong United, Leigh Nash, Israel and New Breed, and Jonezetta, and Kiwi artists like Rapture Ruckus, Mumsdollar, and many other well-known Christian bands, who wouldn't be excited? I know I am. I've got my ticket already and Parachute is the next big thing on my calendar.

This will be my third year at Parachute, but I still can't contain the excitement. The first year I didn't really know what to expect, so I actually ended up staying in the tent for most of the weekend. Last time, I was walking round the Village for most of the time, and was at Mainstage from about 6pm-11pm, listening to some of the best artists I've heard live. Next year is gonna be off the charts.

Lets just hope it doesn't rain hard on the last night, and everyone's tents get destroyed again.



*scuba steve*

Michael: Welcome Stephen, aka Scuba Steve, to that gamer. Stephen will post some occasional randomness to break up all my gaming posts. Good luck Scuba! :)