God is doing a new thing in SU this Spring! From drought to bush fires, to COVID-19 as well as a potential merger into SU Australia, this year has highlighted the prayerful dependence, adaptive strength and persevering spirit of our Movement.
We are so thankful for your support. Please be encouraged by these ministry updates our regional team members have prepared for you:
- Sydney West & South West NSW, Rachel Bemmer
- Inner West, City & Georges River NSW, Meghann McCloud
- Western NSW, Andrew ‘Parko’ Parkinson
- Central Coast NSW, Ella Peachey
- Hunter NSW, Jasmine Ruigrok
- Sydney North NSW, Adam Smyth
- South Coast NSW, Cheryl Burton
- North West NSW, Dave Tankard
Sydney West & South West NSW
Rachel Bemmer, SU Regional Worker for Sydney West & South West NSW, reports:
SU Volunteers press on for the Kingdom
As you can imagine, ministry has been particularly challenging in a COVID-19 context for SU volunteers in Sydney West and South West NSW, as it has been elsewhere.
Some of our volunteers here have experienced direct hardships from the virus and all have had to find creative responses to new safety restrictions in order to (safely) stay connected with children and youth with the Good News at this time.
However, seeking God in prayer for wisdom, discernment and strength, I have seen our volunteers pressing on for the Kingdom, much like the early church: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47 NIV)
These virtual events not only provided a space for young Christians to continue meeting together, but they also created a way for SU to reach previously unreached people with Jesus, through a more accessible and perhaps more comfortable online format. This has been an incredible game-changer for SU!
I think C.S. Lewis captures this idea well, of forward momentum amidst struggle, in his book The Screwtape Letters,
Satan: “I will cause anxiety, fear and panic. I will shut down business, schools, places of worship, and sports events. I will cause economic turmoil.”
Jesus: “I will bring together neighbours, restore the family unit, I will bring dinner back to the kitchen table. I will help people slow down their lives and appreciate what really matters. I will teach my children to rely on me and not the world. I will teach my children to trust me and not their money and material resources.”
For SU, this idea of meeting together took a predominantly online format in the first few months after COVID-19 hit NSW. These virtual events not only provided a space for young Christians to continue meeting together, but they also created a way for SU to reach previously unreached people with Jesus, through a more accessible and perhaps more comfortable online format. This has been an incredible game-changer for SU!
Ministry story: Glen
SU volunteer, Glen, has been involved in a Western Sydney High School ISCF as well as several other local ministries for the past eight years. We asked him:
Can you share about your relationship with your school?
Glen: Our school seems to really like what ISCF offers. In fact, some of the teachers have opened up to us in the last few weeks, as they see us wrestling with the same restrictions they are. I think some of their questions show they’re looking for a hope that COVID-19 can’t take away.
Our relationship with the front-office staff and school executive has been invaluable and we’re hoping the next few months will make our connection even stronger.
How have you seen God working through your ISCF group?
Glen: Our Year 11 students came to us earlier this year to ask us why ISCF wasn’t back yet. Once we explained the restrictions that were in place, they demanded to run it themselves!
The group itself isn’t back to the size it was at this point last year, but the fact they wanted the group to start again, and were willing to set aside their own lunchtime to run it as well as recess to pray with us and do some prep work, is amazing.
We’re not sure how long this season will last, but the maturing growth of these new student leaders has been super exciting.
Ministry story: Donna
Donna is committed to her local community in South Western NSW, spending much of her week serving at a local High School as an SU ISCF Director as well as a Chaplain and SRE teacher. However, towards the end of last year, it was decided by the school that only students could lead this and other ‘community groups’, and only with permission from the Principal.
Donna said, “This actually strengthened the students, as they volunteered to carry on the ISCF group on their own. It sparked a flame in these young Christians to become the leaders of the group.” One of the new student leaders, Bek, took this so seriously that she attended SU Leadership Conference Online in July to be able to take what she learnt back to the school to train her peers.
Flash forward, and the ISCF group now has three new student leaders about to take on the responsibility of running the group! Bek says, “I had the flame, and then I passed it onto the new leaders. The students are loving it. They’re having fun and really enjoying themselves.”
Donna says she was able to see that the challenges to her leadership actually meant more fruit for the group in this case, and a greater strengthening of their faith.
Over the past few months, it has been a joy to hear stories from SU volunteers in Sydney West and South West NSW, of how God has been at work in this region during our ‘Western Sydney Zoom catch-ups’ each month.
During our time together, we have praised God, shared and prayed for the needs of the region and spurred one another on for the Gospel. To end each session, I would ask everyone, ‘What is one way you have responded to COVID-19?’ These were some of the responses: “Spent more time on my theological study”; “Played more imaginative games with my kids”; “Went on more prayer walks”; “Bought an exercise bike”; “Did some DIY-edging around the garden bed”; What about you? What is one thing you have done because of COVID-19?
With several SU events now being held online, Leadership Conference Online was no different. Over two days in the July school holidays, eighteen students came along to be trained with a tool-box of practical skills for them to make an impact for Jesus in their school, church and local community. The time was ended by one of the Year 12 students giving a stellar devotion about ‘God with us’.
This not only allowed him to put what he had learnt into practice but it also encouraged and inspired the other students in their own walks with God. A few weeks after Leadership Conference Online, we were told about a few students who had taken the initiative to become student leaders of the ISCF lunchtime groups at their schools. Praise Jesus!
Inner West, City & Georges River NSW
Meghann McCloud, SU Regional Worker for Sydney Inner West, City & Georges River NSW, reports:
SU volunteers bring Gospel hope amidst uncertainty
How do you approach ministry amidst a pandemic? This has been the leading question confronting SU this year.
SU ministry Directors in the Inner West and Georges River regions of Sydney have responded with faithful prayer and dependence on God in order to meet the ministry needs of the moment, embracing new COVID-safe rules so they can continue to share and reflect the love of Jesus at this time. As a testament to the resilience we see across our Movement, they have been, and continue to be, faithful witnesses. Let me introduce you to:
Ministry story: Katie
Katie has been leading the ISCF group at her local school in Sydney’s Inner West for the last two years.
Her presence at the ISCF group this year has helped students find hope amidst the chaos of the year. Of her experience Katie says,
“This has been a season of learning to hang onto God, when all the usual structures are flexing and changing, it can feel like the ministry is getting badly buffeted by so much disruption. But, really, God is using that buffeting to build his Kingdom. We have to trust him.”
Katie has been a faithful presence to the students and teachers who are involved with ISCF. Although it’s been hard for students to come consistently, Katie is confident that seeds of hope in Jesus have been planted.
Katie says, “I think it has been a good season for reflection and for figuring out how to persevere in new ways and encourage students that now is the time to seek Jesus like never before.”
Please continue to pray for Katie and her ISCF groups!
Andrew has a passion for building up the resilience of young Christians’ faith. His approach to ministry encourages them to abide in Scripture and prayer to help them come to terms with any anxiety or struggles in their faith.
Ministry story: Andrew
Andrew has been the ISCF Director at three schools in the Georges River for two years now. Unfortunately, the schools he leads these ISCF groups in have not been able to resume, as yet, but that’s not deterred him.
The time Andrew would usually devote to ISCF has instead been devoted to exploring new resources and future ministry ideas that his groups may be able to use in the future.
One of his initiatives has been producing his own podcast called ‘Pause,’ comprising 6-7 minute facilitated contemplations on Scripture and prayer.
Andrew has a passion for building up the resilience of young Christians’ faith. His approach to ministry encourages them to abide in Scripture and prayer to help them come to terms with any anxiety or struggles in their faith.
Whilst face-to-face discipleship opportunities are decreased for the moment, Andrew has been able to use time to reflect and build resources to help shape the next generation of Christian leaders!
Please pray for Andrew and his ISCF groups!
Western NSW
Andrew ‘Parko’ Parkinson, SU Regional Coordinator for Western NSW, reports:
From drought to disease : ministry challenges in Western NSW
Rain has fallen across most of the region bringing relief from the drought, but now COVID is making life difficult, even in the bush.
Things are looking very green in the West. Dams are full, crops are growing and farmers are smiling again, BUT, the effects of the drought are expected to last for years. It may take several seasons of good harvest to recover financially from the drought. It may also take several years for many farmers to build up their stock (sheep, cattle, etc) again after selling most of it off during the drought.
I recently took a trip to the farms of a couple of our camp directors. Dave and Irene Pottie who host our SUPA Ag Camp, live at Eurimbla, between Molong and Wellington and their Canola crop took my breath away. Fields of brilliant gold so high that you could get lost in them they were almost ready for harvest.
From there I headed out to ‘Talgong’, the site of our Ag at the Centre Camp and the home to SU friends, the Fragar family. This property is in the geographical centre of NSW and was once part of the original ‘overflow station’ of Banjo Paterson’s poem,Clancy of The Overflow. Six months ago it looked dry and dusty, with empty dams, hungry stock and not a skerrick of green. Today the dams are full, crops have been planted and there is green everywhere. You couldn’t wipe the smile of their faces as they took me on a tour of the property.
However, COVID-19 has also had an impact in the west. Earlier in the year, SU ministry Directors Dave and Irene had to cancel SUPA Ag Camp in the midst of the initial outbreak. And, my trip to Talgong was to drop off some large dome tents to act as semi-permanent dorms for Ag at the Centre Camp into the future, however, the Fragars were wrestling with the difficult decision of whether to proceed with this year’s camp amidst strict COVID-19 regulations and with leaders and campers who travel from around the state and even interstate. It has certainly prompted some creative thinking about alternative ways to remain connected to campers in some of the small towns such as Nyngan, Warren and Narromine.
This pandemic has also had its affects on me. I have found myself unable to visit schools, unable to visit churches and with many of the camps and other activities in my region cancelled. I’ll be honest, I have struggled to figure out how to continue to support ministry across the region.
However, I have been able to help develop some of our online resources including SUPA.TV, to write future programs for SUFM, to be involved in developing and leading online camps and conferences and occasionally I even still get out to have a coffee with real people!
Please pray for the churches of Western NSW and the many Christians struggling to keep ministry alive in the bush.
If there is any way I can help you or your church “to make God’s Good News known to children, young people and families” during this time, then please give me a call or send me an email.
Central Coast NSW
Ella Peachey, SU Regional Coordinator for Central Coast NSW, reports:
Ministry connections grow on the Central Coast
I have been in the role of Central Coast Regional Coordinator since the beginning of this year.
It has been wonderful over that time to be able to connect with the established ministries on the coast but also to dream with volunteers about new ministry opportunities.
Recently we had a networking meeting with those running lunchtime groups on the coast. It was great to be able to facilitate this meeting. Volunteers were able to share ideas with each other as well as some of the challenges they are facing in their ministry and also to pray together.
It has been wonderful over that time to be able to connect with the established ministries on the coast but also to dream with volunteers about new ministry opportunities.
For over a decade there has been a group of faithful volunteers running an inter-school camp here on the coast called FUSE.
FUSE is a residential camp that allows campers to continue to build off what they have learn about Jesus in their local high school plus have a ton of fun.
This year we’re excited to announce that FUSE has become a part of the SU Camps ministry.
Please pray for FUSE camp, happening in the second week of the Spring school holidays!
Hunter NSW
Jasmine Ruigrok, SU Regional Coordinator for Hunter NSW, reports:
COVID-19 has not cancelled connection
The COVID-19 season has made in-person ministry challenging, and like many people, there is a sense of frustration and agonised waiting for things to return to some kind of normal so that ministry in schools and the launching of camps can get back to business as usual.
However, a great benefit has been the ability to spend time not just dreaming about future mission, but strategically planning for it. Now is an opportunity to see God put the right ideas and people into the right place through a network of connections being built and strengthened Hunter-wide, ready for the ministry that will happen next!
Through technology, God has made it possible for us to stay connected with one another in ways we never have before. We’re already seeing how this new form of engagement is building momentum Hunter-wide: online prayer meetings have made it possible for people to attend remotely.
Camp.Net, an online SU Camp for high schoolers ran over a weekend in July, giving kids a fun time packed full of games and the Gospel from the comfort of their homes.
Our online Christian Teachers’ Connect event last month was a place where teachers from across the Hunter got to meet other DoE teachers, some for the first time. People are reaching out via email to ask about ways they can get their youth leaders involved in mission, or get new ISCF groups started in new schools. Innovation is flying around regarding possible ways of creating engaging content for missions that children and families can access via online or portable media.
Kids and youth are being blessed by SU NSW resources that are now available on YouVersion. Phone conversations with pastors have been full of passion and encouragement. Face-to-face meetings over coffee with volunteers have been opportunities to pray and intercede for students. God is certainly doing great things in the hearts of people across the Hunter when it comes to discovering new means of sharing the Gospel message!
In the vein of connection, on the 4th of September I had the privilege of attending a small (socially distanced!) gathering prearranged by Glenn Coombs where I was able to meet with a number of faithful SU supporters from the Newcastle region.
It was a night full of many stories and rich histories of lives changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministry of SU. I heard stories of serving at SUFM, being a leader on Zookeepers Camp, taking kids on mission to Vanuatu, Pastors of churches supporting local ministry, and countless other breathtaking accounts of God’s goodness through His people.
Stories and connection. How well these two work together. Like many people, it was through a relational connection that I first volunteered on an SU camp. Now I have a story: a story of a deeper and more transformed faith. That story created further connections, which have gone on to create more stories. It comes as no surprise that the Author Himself told some of the world’s greatest stories, and through them tells of His desire for connection with us.
Please pray that God continues to bless the connections that are being formed across the Hunter Region, and that great fruit would come from them.
Pray for innovation and courage to flow in the pursuit of ministry opportunities in this uncertain season.
May people’s lives continue to be changed by the power of the Gospel story we exist to proclaim; that eternity may echo the stories of what God has done in the Hunter Valley.
“I am the true vine… Abide in me, and I in you. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” (Jn. 15:1,4,5)
Sydney North NSW
Adam Smyth, SU Regional Worker for Sydney North NSW, reports:
A time to connect, reflect and pray
The Sydney North Region, as with all others, has seen many changes and challenges to ministry this year. One thing that has not changed however, is the care and dedication SU volunteers have towards the children and young people they minister to.
The school landscape has been changing rapidly this year, and in many cases, ministry looks very different than it did just a short time ago. Although this has meant I have not been able to visit SUPA clubs and ISCF groups as I normally would, one of the surprise blessings of this season has been the increased opportunity to gather multiple volunteers from local areas together to connect, reflect and pray for each other. It’s amazing how simply meeting with people in person has become such a precious gift.
It has been evident throughout these meetings that despite many volunteers finding themselves in a period of being separated from their lunchtime groups, their hearts are still stirred for those they would normally be ministering to in SUPA and ISCF. There is a genuine care for these students that is evident and a real desire to see them know Jesus more and more in this season.
One of the great things about being an SU Regional worker is the opportunity to connect local volunteers with each other and to encourage and spur each other on as we partner to see God’s kingdom extended in our region.
Ministry story: Sandra
Sandra, who supports two ISCF groups on Sydney’s North Shore, said:
“I think one (of) the hardest things about the past few months when our lunchtime groups haven’t been able to meet is not being able to connect with the students in the same way and support them from week to week. I’ve felt bad about the situation. But at the same time, I’ve felt that God has been reminding me that he is so much bigger than me, and that I can love and pray for the students and trust that God is still working in their lives, even when I’m not there. I’ve had to get over myself!!”
Ministry story: Gabrielle
Gabrielle, who runs a SUPA Club in Northern Sydney, said:
“I was deeply blessed… to meet the Christian studies teacher from the local high school, who was also a youth leader from a nearby church. It invoked a sense of unity between the three of us which was so encouraging & it increased my faith in what the Lord is doing in our area.”
God is certainly still at work! I am so thankful to God for the many wonderful volunteers in Sydney North who are dedicated to seeing school students know the love and hope they have in Jesus. Please pray for these leaders.
Please also pray for Christian students right across the region to intentionally connect and encourage each other in their faith in Jesus, and to share His incredible love with those in their worlds with boldness and grace!
South Coast NSW
Cheryl Burton, SU Regional Worker for South Coast NSW, reports:
Light in the Darkness
As the smoke cleared, ash settled, and new shoots of grass appeared, bushfire recovery slowly began for a hurting South Coast region where hundreds tragically lost homes. Then COVID-19 hit and recovery slowed to a halt as people bunkered down to face new daily uncertainties.
Despite all this, God’s people here have continued to take up the call to share the Good News of Jesus and to demonstrate His love.
Reverend Doug Newman, from Batemans Bay Anglican Church, told me recently that he has been very encouraged by Scripture Union’s positive approach. He says, “It would be easy to be discouraged and to focus on mission opportunities missed and ministries put on hold but our calling is to look to the Light and to continue to reflect that light to our communities, especially for a time such as this.”
In days such as these it is a great encouragement to know others are hearing and responding to God’s enduring call to mission. We serve a God who is faithful and that as we plan and prepare in uncertain times, we do so in anticipation that the ‘one who is able’ will enable these activities in due course.
Ministry story: Paula
In response to a spiritual hunger and enthusiasm of the children, Paula is pioneering a new after-school SUPA club. Many of the children and, indeed, Paula herself lost their homes in the devasting fires that destroyed much of Mogo. In spite of this, mission continues.
Paula asks, “Will you kindly join me in praying for the establishment and running of this SUPA Club, that God will bless it, bring the people He wants to be part of the SUPA Club Team and for children to come along to the Club – come to know God, be blessed and find it a safe, happy place? There is such an openness from the children of Mogo to be involved in activities and learning about God! I believe God has prepared this time, supported by prayer, belief and faith.”
Christian students lead the way
Taylah, Year 11, leads the lunchtime group at her school. She says, “ISCF has been instrumental in shaping me into the listener and leader I am today. I certainly enjoy the experience. The Christian community here means that I have a place to laugh, lead, listen and be listened to. School can be tough, and it’s always comforting to know there’s a group of people behind you.”
“If someone else is thinking about joining an SU lunchtime group, I’d say, ‘Go for it! There’s so much to learn and enjoy; you won’t regret it.’”
A pause on Camps leads to prayer
SU Camps: Camp Conqueror, Fishing & Diving, Zoo- keepers’, Coast Camp and Senior Ag Camp were, by necessity, postponed earlier this year. However, leaders are praying for campers and investing in team development as well as exploring new and creative ways to disciple campers online.
A South Coast online prayer gathering recently brought together SU volunteer leaders from across Camps, SUFM and Schools ministries to lift up the needs of the South Coast region.
Ministry story: Wicky
Shining the light of Christ through what have been some dark times for the region is Wycliffe ‘Wicky’ Onyango, full-time SRE teacher and SU ISCF leader at a South Coast High School.
Wicky says these times have caused him to meditate on the verse, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
Wicky has had many opportunities to be a witness for Christ and to extend pastoral care, especially after recent tragic events in the region.
He shared that he appreciates Scripture Union’s care, prayers and accountability for him personally in his ministry role. SU supports Wycliffe as he disciples ISCF students who are growing strong in their faith, especially during trying times.
Creativity triumphs in the lead up to Summer Missions this year
SUFM teams are exploring creative ways to build relationships and share Christ with locals and holiday-makers on the South Coast whilst adhering to recommendations in the interest of public health and safety. In faith, much time and energy has been given to planting new missions but we trust God with the outcome.
In days such as these it is a great encouragement to know others are hearing and responding to God’s enduring call to mission. We serve a God who is faithful and that as we plan and prepare in uncertain times, we do so in anticipation that the ‘one who is able’ will enable these activities in due course.
We are all so grateful for your ongoing prayers for the South Coast region. Pray with me, “Jesus, you are the light of the world. You promise us that whoever follows You will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)
“We pray that many will see their need of you, will come to know you as their personal Saviour and will grow in faith, walking through dark times, knowing that you hold them by your righteous right hand and will never let them go. Amen.”
North West NSW
Dave Tankard, SU Regional Coordinator for NorthWest NSW, reports:
God of the valley and of the mountain: SU ministries adapt to keep reaching out to kids and youth
The middle part of 2020 has seen God’s people in the NorthWest on their knees seeking how to share Jesus through the pandemic.
Pins & Needles Camp sews Good News into the lives of teens in NorthWest NSW
SU volunteer, Janelle Tongue (pictured left), has just led her team through the first-ever Pins & Needles Camp near Tamworth in early September!
The key has been ensuring all leaders and campers are from the local area, and things are on a modest scale i.e. 10 leaders and 12 campers.
This model is one that we can all learn from. It will be a joy to watch the ‘follow-up’ advantages in local towns and schools over the weeks and even years to come!
Cricket Camp looks ahead
SU Volunteer, Maria Buster, and her Cricket Camp team were absolutely determined to run Cricket Camp for the 16th straight year this Spring. Even when their regular venue was sold out from beneath them in July, they made plans to relocate.
Unfortunately, the mounting unknowns meant that Cricket Camp had to make the same hard decision many other SU ministries have had to this year as well – to pause going ahead for now. Meanwhile, Maria and her team will post out care packs out to previous campers.
Equipping young Christians for life and ministry
Leadership Conference Tamworth has been rejigged for October 5-9. We’re retaining much loved parts, and are thankful for a chance to try new things! We’ve lowered costs and managed some of the COVID-19 risks by having students and leaders sleeping in their own homes, or arranging to be billeted with local families.
We expect it to include predominantly NorthWest-based students, with a small number from further afield pending health advice which is being watched closely. You can follow the Leadership Conference Tamworth Facebook page, for updates and highlights.
Student leadership has long been a hallmark of dynamic and effective lunchtime ministry in schools, and my prayer is that Leadership Conference 2020 in Tamworth this October will equip students to step up and lead groups in their schools.
This year, student leaders are proving to be more valuable than ever as outside visitors are restricted from visiting schools due to COVID-19. So many ISCF groups could begin to run again if students took the lead!
Pressing on for the Kingdom
In several NorthWest schools, the lunch groups (SUPA and ISCF) are keeping on because a regular staff member— DoE staff, or in some cases an SRE teacher or Chaplain where they are regarded as ‘regular staff’ —have been permitted by the Principal to facilitate these important lunchtime groups. I praise God for the evidently strong relationships and abundant trust underpinning this!
One extra challenge I’m finding this year is in how to stay connected to volunteers in this region that I love, while simultaneously helping to lead our regional team around the state and even contribute to the work of SU around Australia.
I am keen to find solutions so that existing ministries in our beautiful region will be properly supported, and so that new ministries are launched. Please pray with me for answers!
I write a quarterly newsletter about God’s work through SU in the NorthWest, called ‘Bush Salute.’ The next one goes out soon and will elaborate on some of these things. Email me to sign-up!
Support Gospel ministry into the future
If you’d like to support SU as we seek to reach NSW with the Good News, you can donate now at sunsw.org.au/donate or call us on (02) 9638 9000. Thank you!
Read the full SU NEWS Spring 2020 edition (PDF 2.5MB)
All stories have been published with permission.
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