Does Gospel witness end when the bell rings? No way! In this article, SU Regional Coordinator for South Coast, Cheryl Burton, explores the ministries that exist outside of these groups, and how they are not just reaching kids for Christ, but also training and discipling the next generation of Christian leaders for mission in NSW, and beyond.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
2 Timothy 2:2
In hundreds of schools across NSW, students are gathering during their lunch breaks to discover Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him through Bible study and prayer. SU lunchtime groups are run by volunteers in both high schools (ISCF groups) and primary schools (SUPA Clubs).
In hundreds of schools across NSW, students are gathering during their lunch breaks to discover Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him through Bible study and prayer. SU lunchtime groups are run by volunteers in both high schools (ISCF groups) and primary schools (SUPA Clubs).
But these groups are just the beginning, with many young NSW Christians going on to access ministry leadership training and further volunteering opportunities. SU ISCF camps, Leadership Conference, Above & Beyond, Train & Plan and Supa Days provide life-changing opportunities for students to connect with others, grow and be equipped and empowered for ministry.
Our vision is for disciple-making disciples. SU day camps and conferences enable students to be intentional, godly leaders, encouraged and built-up by students from other schools.
At the first ever South Coast Above & Beyond youth day camp last November, nestled beside a glistening beach and tranquil lake in the quiet coastal town of Dalmeny NSW, 38 students and ISCF group leaders gathered to laugh, cook, eat, play, listen, chat, sing, share, study, pray and dream together.
Of the camp, Year 12 student Grace Faletoese said, “I really loved being around other Christian people my age and being able to learn from them. I enjoyed the day, and it encouraged me in my Christian walk and leadership role.”
SU volunteer Jeremy Kidd shared from Romans 5:6 about how Jesus went above and beyond for us, all the way to the cross. Many made ‘next steps’ commitments. One student said, “I want to step up to be more of a leader in my church, youth group and lunchtime group.” Another said, “My next steps are to have more quiet–time with God, be more vocal and prayerful.”
At the My Schools My Responsibility student leadership conference in Nowra earlier this year, over 100 students from 11 South Coast schools gathered (as they do every year) to be inspired, equipped and empowered for mission.
Our vision is for disciple-making disciples.
Alongside other organisations, SU presents training seminars and workshops promoting opportunities to serve through SU camps, missions and conferences. It was a joy to watch Year 12 student, Tash Kettlewell, graciously and confidently lead students through bible-based workshops on apologetics and stress. Tash has led ISCF groups at Nowra High School and previously attended SU Leadership Conference to further develop her leadership skills.
Scripture Union is passionate about empowering students to lead, so we provide the training and resources to equip them to do that. Through the SU seven week L.E.A.D. (Leadership Encouragement and Development) course, young Christian leaders learn how to build a strong foundation in Christ, grow in godly character, plan and run a group, deliver a Bible study or talk, effectively handle conflict and train future leaders.
Built up and sent out for the Lord
Each lunchtime group is unique but all aim to reach out with God’s love through games, songs, drama, film, food, discussions, prayer, Bible studies, testimonies and guest speakers, and all have a Bible and prayer focus.
Taking students on a journey outside of the classroom encourages them to apply what they have learned to new mission contexts, and connects them with the wider SU family through SU camps and missions.
SU partners with churches and families to see young people come to faith, be built up in the Lord and go on to become leaders within their churches and communities for Christ.
God-willing, we will establish more regional workers in strategic locations across NSW, to support future ministry growth. Will you partner with us? Please pray for our students, who are increasingly taking the exciting journey beyond the classroom.
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Combined ISCF camps exemplify collaboration, mission-heart, sacrifice and resourcefulness. SU Regional Worker, Meghann McCloud, asked ISCF Director Samara Mikheal (pictured left) what motivates her to run a combined ISCF camp, and how she’s seen Gospel fruit blossom in this incredible space.
CHAT-A-BOX
In partnership with former ISCF Director Wendy Kettlewell, we’ve developed this resource for high school aged students. CHAT-A-BOX is a fun and relaxed way for young people to get together and discover what the Bible says about 40 relevant topics.
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM
This 8 week resource on the ‘I AM’ statements of Jesus is designed to help SUPA Clubs think more deeply about who Jesus is and what this can mean for them today. Each week contains a short video, Bible study and fun activities for the students to enjoy!
Donate
Allow this wonderful work to continue! Consider making a donation to our tax-deductible Schools fund, for an impact that truly goes above and beyond the classroom.
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