We are constantly inspired and energised by the passion of SU volunteers in dreaming up and developing ways of connecting young people with the Good News about Jesus in the most amazingly creative ways! Glenn Coombs, Associate Director of Regional Development, recaps here, the latest news from SU Camps:
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
SUPA Serve Expansion
SU NSW have been partnering with SU Northern Territory (NT) for 10 years in growing teen leaders through SUPA Serve to run KidsGames for children in years 3 to 6 in Darwin. Although it will be our last time heading north, this year’s program went to a whole new level.
Ox Roberts, the new SU NT director, is passionate about seeing this program continue in Darwin and will be running a Katherine KidsGames in September. We also invited Chris Battistuzzi from SU South Australia, plus Andrew Parkinson from Central West NSW as they are also making plans to expand this style of ministry into Broken Hill in 2020.
I understand sometimes you don’t see the fruit of your labour, you just keep doing the hard yards and simply trust God, but on some occasions, God provides a glimpse of growth into the future, which encourages us and spurs us all on.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching teen leaders pray with children as they make their first steps of faith towards Jesus and witnessing their delight in going home with a Bible.
I have been encouraged seeing children who initially came to the program in Year 3, now stepping up to be teen leaders.
I have also been deeply encouraged in seeing children who initially came to the program in Year 3, now stepping up to be teen leaders. One shared recently, “SUPA Serve KidsGames has changed my life, so we pray that the expansion will see many more young people with the opportunity to grow in leadership and for children to hear about Jesus”.
It was brilliant ministering alongside Ox Roberts, especially as he had recruited so many local teen leaders which made the leadership team grow to 28, plus my other SU colleagues from around Australia. Maybe it is a sign of things to come?
V19 in Vanuatu was a blast
A group of 24, mainly students from Scone Grammar made up the team for V19 this year and it was a blast. They visited schools, churches, youth groups and served local communities.
Nick, V19 Director said, “My faith has grown exponentially since I have been involved with Scripture Union,” which I am sure is the testimony of many of us.
We would also like to say that V19 did a great job this year with their team, the schools and on Children’s Day here in Vanuatu. Their Bible studies were really good; their Gospel presentation was clear to the kids here. We look forward to receiving them again next year.
If you are in Years 9–11 and are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, don’t hesitate to make an application!
Brand new camps and missions
We launched two new camps and a mission to the Solomon Islands during Winter! I am often asked, ‘How come so many new SU camps are happening?’ Well, the answer is pretty easy really: passionate SU volunteers, who love Jesus and have a specific interest. The definite advantage is that we are offering a greater diversity and therefore opportunity to connect with young people of diverse interests.
When I visited Board Games Camp, Eorl, one of the camp directors said, “I don’t know why a camp like this hasn’t been running for years?” It was clear to me the campers were having a brilliant time and learning about Jesus.
Songwriters Retreat is another example, where the camp leaders created a supportive environment for teens with diverse musical talents and instruments (including an Ocarina!) who were encouraged to write and perform some original work. It was so inspiring to see how they supported one another.
Sol’Serve was a new mission to the Solomon Islands where a team of 21 (predominantly made up of young people from Newcastle) ran programs for the SI community in partnership with SU SI, sharing Jesus by words and actions. The team included young people at various stages of faith. One said, “Now I have seen Christianity in action, I have decided to follow Jesus.”
I continue to be inspired by camp volunteers who channel their passions into powerful Gospel witness.
New camp possibilities are limitless! If you have an idea for a new camp, let us know.
Benevolent Fund finds a way
SU Camps are known for their affordability, but there will always be financial barriers for some families. God’s people have been incredibly generous but these funds will likely run out soon, could you help?
Make a tax-deductible donation today
Call (02) 9638 9000 | Monday to Friday | 9am to 5pm
Now in its second year, the Scripture Union Rugby Union Camp is on a roll
Forty-four boys from Year 5 to 8 and over had the time of their lives, honing their footy skills and living a vibrant holiday adventure.
One of the special extras this year was the presence of Brad Thorn who has played for both Australia and NZ and is currently head coach of Queensland Reds.
“I heard about the camp from the minister at my church in Brisbane,” Thorn said. “They asked me for a video. I said, ‘I think I can do better than that.’
Register for Camp!
Spring and Summer camps are just around the corner, go to sunsw.org.au/camps to register today!
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