Despite significant challenges, generous SU supporters raised an amazing $414,382 for our Schools Ministry Fund! Here are just some of the encouraging stories from Schools Ministry, that your support makes possible every day:
Go to:
- Taylah’s Story
- Jeannine’s Story
- Nicholas’ Story
- Dharshana’s Story
- Evan’s Story
- Lisa’s Story
- Hollie’s Story
Taylah’s Story
Seventeen-year-old Taylah discovered the love of Christ at the ISCF lunchtime group at her school in South Coast NSW. Taylah says she has grown in her relationship with God and her knowledge of the Word through the group, and the faithful discipleship of those around her. Praise God for how she has grown in faith and maturity to become a student leader of the ISCF group now.
ISCF has been instrumental in shaping me into the listener and leader I am today.
– Taylah
What has it meant for you to belong to the Christian community at ISCF?
ISCF has been a place to laugh, lead, listen and be listened to. The group can be boisterous, but it’s always been a place to have fun and be supported. School can be tough, so it’s always comforting to know there’s a group of people behind you.
ISCF has been instrumental in shaping me into the listener and leader I am today. When you’re sitting in a room with a group of loud kids, all clamouring to give their opinion, you have to learn pretty quick to listen, share the turns around and take the initiative. I wouldn’t say I’m the greatest leader, or that I do it alone, but I certainly do enjoy the experience.
What’s your SU story?
I have been involved with SU for a couple of years now. In 2018, I attended the first Above and Beyond Day Camp in Dalmeny, and I am discipled on Tuesday afternoons with SU Regional Coordinator for South Coast NSW, Cheryl Burton. Aside from that, I help lead our ISCF group on Tuesday at lunchtime.
Where do you go to Church?
I go to Batemans Bay Baptist Church!
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about joining an ISCF lunchtime group or going to Leadership Conference?
Go for it! There’s so much to learn and enjoy. You won’t regret it.
Jeannine’s Story
Jeannine is a volunteer leader at a St George Region ISCF.
What motivates you to be involved in SU Schools Ministry?
The Gospel is what saves. English and History prepare you for the HSC and perhaps a life of learning, but teaching the Bible prepares students for eternity. By providing a safe and inclusive space for students who have parental permission to attend the group, I long to see the students grow in their understanding of the Bible, their sense of fellowship with other Christians and to see God’s name glorified.
What’s your SU story?
SU encouraged and grounded me, helped me find my identity in Christ, and pointed me to my future vocation. I got involved in ISCF in my senior years of High School (1991-92) and have since been involved in ISCF at several schools in Sydney. In 2015, God led me back to my high school to lead ISCF and what an amazing privilege and delightful surprise it has been, to be used by God in this way, in this place again!
How have you personally been impacted by volunteering in an SU Schools ministry?
As a student, helping lead ISCF really paved my path. It developed in me a desire to share the Good News with students. Week by week, the girls who now come to my lunchtime group are such an encouragement and a joy to me. They are my sisters in Christ, and it is exciting to think of how God might choose to use them in the future to build His Kingdom. I tell them that, and I’m encouraged to think about their futures and how God might use them, too.
The Gospel is what saves. English and History prepare you for the HSC and perhaps a life of learning, but teaching the Bible prepares students for eternity. I long to see students grow in their understanding of the Bible, their sense of fellowship with other Christians, and to see God’s name glorified through providing a safe and inclusive space for students to attend.
– Jeannine
How did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian as a little girl. My mum led me to Jesus through songs and the Word, and her belief that ‘God holds onto you through whatever you have to face in life’ is a truth I cling to daily. I knew Jesus was my saviour but when I was in Year 10, I started thinking about what it meant for me that, “Jesus is Lord.”
Were there particular people who had an impact on your journey to faith?
My primary school scripture teacher, Mrs Tobin, and the SRE teacher at the high school where my ISCF group ran, Miss Kalaf, were women I looked up to and who pointed me to Jesus through their words and care for me. My time with the Evangelical Union at Sydney University really grounded me in the Gospel and gave me assurance that I was a child of God. Teen Ranch helped train me as an evangelist and showed me how to disciple people by ‘getting alongside them.’ My husband, Richard, models Christ to me every day, and my kids show me what childlike faith is and inspire me also.
What do you do with your time during the week?
I have been teaching SRE and running ISCF since 2015, but COVID-19 has put a pause on this for the moment (I have been teaching my ‘World Religions’ class through Google Classrooms!). Doctors have recently discovered there’s something wrong with my lungs, so I’m taking Term 3 off to find out what this means and so SRE and ISCF can continue uninterrupted under healthier teachers. I’d appreciate prayer.
On the one hand, I have heavenly assurance. On the other hand, I have loved my job and wanted to be a little old lady who has taught the Bible for 50 years. I guess I got halfway there and whatever the future holds, I know this is God’s work, not mine, and I have been privileged to share my Jesus with so many students over the years. I can’t wait to see who stands with me before the throne, with our perfect resurrection bodies that will never get sick or sore!
Where do you go to Church?
Menai Anglican Church!
How have you seen God working powerfully through your SU Schools Ministry?
This year God raised up a student who has brought many of her friends along to the group and another student has faithfully continued to come, sometimes by herself, for two years. This is all God’s doing!
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with SU?
God will guide you, strengthen you, teach you, transform you and encourage you through SU Schools Ministry. My husband was a Beach Mission volunteer and he has used those skills in many ministries since. “Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness (which He gives you through Jesus), and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matthew 6:33). SU supports you with resources and prayer, networks and training, and you are always supported when you volunteer with SU. Do it!
Nicolas‘ Story
Nicolas is a volunteer leader at a Northern Sydney ISCF.
It’s a real privilege to work alongside the next generation as they think through what it means to be a Christian in the world today. It’s such an encouragement to see the passion that many of the students I work with have to know, follow and share the love of Jesus.
– Nicolas
Can you share a story of how you’ve seen God working powerfully through your SU ministry?
There are many great moments, having been involved in ISCF for eight years now. The most memorable moment is probably from one of our annual ISCF camps, that we hold with the equivalent ISCF group at the local girls’ high school. I remember asking one of these girls what she thought of camp so far, as I knew it was her first time attending, and she replied, “It’s amazing, I only wish I’d starting coming when I was younger.” I asked why that was and, I’ll never forget her reply, she said, “I’ve never felt love like this before.” It blew me away and was such an encouragement and testament to the environment and sense of community our students and leaders had created. Seeing the impact that loving Christian community can have on young people is a real joy.
Another highlight, and key focus for me, has been working to disciple the next group of student leaders each year as we learn, grow and do life together. I’ve seen that, as they lead their peers, by facilitating discussions, giving talks, and supporting, mentoring and praying with others in the group, they in turn develop their own faith and skills.
What motivates you to be involved in SU Schools Ministry?
SU Schools Ministry is a fantastic opportunity to guide the next generation as they wrestle with the challenges of high school and develop their own sense of identity and faith in this world. It feels like there is an ever-increasing fast pace to our culture and it can be hard for young people to give the necessary time to think through who they are and why they are here.
It’s a real privilege to work alongside the next generation as they think through what it means to be a Christian in the world today. It’s such an encouragement to see the passion that many of the students I work with have to know, follow and share the love of Jesus.
How have you personally been impacted by volunteering with SU in Schools ministry?
Leading ISCF has blessed me in many ways. Firstly, my relationship with my regional SU coordinator, Adam Smyth, has been a tremendous blessing as I have navigated some tough situations in the school in which I serve. He has always been there to lend an ear and to lift me up in prayer as I also work at the school as well. Not to mention all of the helpful resources he and the team at SU provide for us.
The relationships that I have made with the students over the years, in particular the leaders, has been a real blessing as well. I’m still in touch with many of them and now call them my friends. Leading people is by no means a one-way street. A few years ago, I had cancer and a bunch of them rocked up at my house unannounced and surprised me with their heads shaved in solidarity. How good is that!
How did you become a Christian, were there particular people who had an impact on your journey to faith?
I didn’t grow up in church and stumbled my way into one in Year 12 to check it out with a friend. I was immediately impacted by the love and generosity of the people I encountered, and this had a significant impact on my faith journey. I did not encounter the ‘blind faith’ that I had been led to believe church was full of and, even though I had initially gone along with the intention of dismissing it all as nonsense, the deeper I went the more I discovered that there was far more to Christianity and the person of Jesus then I had previously known.
It wasn’t long before I had seen enough and knew it was the real deal. If you had told me when I started that journey that in ten years I’d be where I am today, I would have laughed in your face, but here I am!
What do you do with your time during the week?
I work at a school during the day and do my best to serve the school community in many and varied ways. Otherwise, I am married and have two beautiful young boys that are two and four years old. Between these things, there’s a little time left over for a bit of sport here and there but otherwise it’s pretty hectic!
Where do you go to Church?
Epping Baptist Church!
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with SU?
Do it! It’s such a great way to encourage and support the next generation and, potentially, forge lifelong relationships. It truly is a joy and privilege to be involved in ISCF and work with the passion and energy of our young people. It is very satisfying knowing that you can be part of the process of sowing seeds that can have an eternal impact. It’s also great to know that you have the support of SU and all of their years of wisdom and experience behind you.
Dharshana‘s Story
Dharshana is a volunteer leader at a North West Sydney ISCF.
The presence and influence of older Christians in my life— the folk at church who had been Christians longer than I had been alive, kids and youth leaders who mentored and helped to nurture my own faith, and the faith of my family members in their own life journeys and situations —had a great influence on my own faith story.
– Dharshana
How you’ve seen God working through your SU ministry?
While many students involved with our ISCF group come from Christian homes, some of them (including a few student leaders over the last few years) have been the first, or among the first, believers in their families. The testimonies they have shared, and their continued journey of faith in their homes, has been courageous and inspiring to say the least, and has inspired the faith of many others within the group, including my own as Director as well as the other leaders.
What motivates you to be involved in SU Schools Ministry?
Research shows that 80% of people who come to faith make the decision to do so before their twentieth birthday, which means that ministry to young people is critical for the sake of the Kingdom. SU Schools Ministry is one way in which fellowship can be fostered in schools, a dominant space where young people gather, and it provides an opportunity for students to encourage others in their faith.
SUPA Clubs and ISCF groups are also spaces where seekers and believers alike can invite their friends to come along to check it out. These ministries provide a legitimate platform for fellowship to happen in the public spaces, where teachers and other staff members can engage with students about their faith in a non-classroom setting.
How have you personally been impacted by volunteering with SU?
I’ve been really encouraged by the ministry of SU, because of the depth of resources they offer, their heart for sharing Gospel hope, and how they also seek to connect schools in broader programs to help equip student leaders and directors in ministry.
It is great to be connected to a global organization which has been around for centuries, and which has been making a positive impact for the gospel.
What’s your SU story?
I had heard of SU while I was a young adult through friends at church and the Christian group at my University, who were involved with Beach Mission. Also, while I was at Bible college, SU did a presentation on their ministry amongst children and teenagers.
On a personal note, I have been able to reconnect with some friends from college, as they now serve as some of SU’s regional advisors. These connections helped me quickly adapt to volunteering with SU, connect with other directors, and be part of collaborative projects with others involved with ministry in schools in NSW.
How did you become a Christian, were there particular people who had an impact on your journey to faith?
I was lucky to grow up in a Christian home where we went to church every week and regularly prayed at home as a family. But it wasn’t until my tween/teenage years that my faith became my own, and I really went on a journey of determining who I was in the eyes of God, and what the call on my life would be.
I found my own years at high school to be rough, and it was during some very tough times that I was able to cultivate a stronger faith in God and to better understand His care, compassion and protection for His own people.
The presence and influence of older Christians in my life— the folk at church who had been Christians longer than I had been alive, kids and youth leaders who mentored and helped to nurture my own faith, and the faith of my family members in their own life journeys and situations —had a great influence on my own faith story. Having understood the value of having older Christians in my life, has encouraged me to seek to be likewise for this emerging generation of young leaders as they grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus.
What do you do with your time during the week?
During the week I work at a school in North West Sydney. Outside of this, I play a little music, do a little knitting and reading, and enjoy going for walks and being amongst nature. I love connecting in with my family and friends either online or in person (even if also social distancing in this time!). I’m also trying to catch up on some TV and Netflix when I get a chance to.
Where do you go to Church?
I have been going to Epping Baptist for a little under 2 years!
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with SU?
SU is a fantastic ministry which has been recognised by the wider community, both in Australia and abroad, for many years. Their ministry is invaluable, as they provide spaces and opportunities for everyday people to engage with the gospel and to hear about Jesus.
For those of who volunteer, you will learn a lot from training and networking, and also be equipped and supported by the team who work alongside you in ministry.
If you’re thinking of getting involved, I would encourage you to reach out to SU (get in touch with your regional team member at sunsw.org.au/schools) and discern where you might be able to partner with them in their wide-ranging ministries!
Evan‘s Story
Evan is a volunteer leader at ISCF and SUPA Clubs in North West Sydney.
How you’ve seen God working through your SU ministries?
High school student, Sam, is a part of the youth group at our church. In primary school, Sam came to our SUPA Club and brought friends with him every week. Since coming to High School, he’s wanted to be a part of the student leadership of our ISCF group from day one. Last week, he brought one of his friends to me, asking for a daily Bible reading guide for his friend, and told me he had invited almost everyone in his grade to the group!
What motivates you to be involved in SU Schools Ministry?
Young Christians, like the Year 10 student who recently spoke at an SRE seminar (attended by about 60% of his grade), sharing that he loves coming to our ISCF group because of the sense of peace and calm he experiences every time he comes.
I also love being able to encourage our church kids at school, because it’s the place where they spend most of their week and giving them a place where they can invite their friends to hear about Jesus as well.
I became a Christian after high school. I had a friend, who I’d known since primary school, meet up with me for lunch every day in the city. After a while, he invited me to a Bible study group in his house and I began to read the Bible for myself. I realised I didn’t really know God personally but grew to know that I could, through Jesus.
– Evan
How have you personally been impacted by volunteering with SU in Schools Ministry?
It’s super encouraging to see students so impacted by Jesus that they take initiative to have conversations with their friends and invite them to ISCF. It encourages me to keep pressing on, because God is at work.
What’s your SU story?
I started volunteering with SU by leading a local SUPA Club. I also ran a high school lunchtime group, which I soon converted into an ISCF group, and then started another SUPA Club at a different local primary school as well.
How did you become a Christian, were there particular people who had an impact on your journey to faith?
I became a Christian after high school. I had a friend, who I’d known since primary school, meet up with me for lunch every day in the city. After a while, he invited me to a Bible study group in his house and I began to read the Bible for myself. I realised I didn’t really know God personally but grew to know that I could, through Jesus.
What do you do with your time during the week?
I teach SRE through my local church, lead lunchtime groups in three schools, and work in a high school in the area. I also wrangle my four young kids with my wife!
Where do you go to Church?
Norwest Anglican Church!
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with SU?
It’s such a
great opportunity to be supported as you minister to young people in schools,
the space where they spend most of their week. I love providing them with a place
to hear God’s Word and build friendships with other terrific young people in
their school! Do it!
Lisa‘s Story
Lisa is a volunteer leader at a Central Coast Region ISCF.
I would encourage anyone to consider volunteering with SU. It is just the most valuable use of your time and you will be surprised how much it grows your own faith and how much it will benefit you. When you give time to others, you will be surprised how much you get back in return!
– Lisa
How have you seen God working powerfully through your SU ministry?
The most exciting thing about being involved in an ISCF Lunch time program has been seeing students make the transition from school to church. I am a high school SRE teacher but I have found that lunch time programs provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships outside of the classroom in a more fun and relaxed environment.
It also provides the opportunity to invite students to attend local youth groups. It has been so great to see many students exploring local youth groups and connecting with local churches.
What motivates you to be involved in SU Schools Ministry?
God placed a real desire on my heart in my early twenties to work with young people. This has manifested in several ways throughout my journey, eventually leading me to becoming a full-time high school SRE teacher.
I am so aware that today’s young people can feel so lost and confused and overwhelmed. They are searching for identity but do not know where to look, or how to find it. Being able to share the Gospel message of hope in Christ with the young people in our local schools is the greatest privilege. Truly, what could I do that was better than that?
How have you personally been impacted by volunteering in an SU Schools ministry?
My connection with SU began about fifteen years ago, when I started an ISCF lunchtime group in my school. Being involved with Schools Ministry is the greatest joy! Young people have so much heart and they love to have fun. I love having fun with them, I love spending time hanging out with them, I love sharing their faith journey and walking beside them as they grow. It just warms my heart and brings me so much joy.
How did you become a Christian, were there particular people who had an impact on your journey to faith?
I was raised in a Christian home, so I always knew of God and I always went to church. However, I had to take the faith journey for myself too. When I was fourteen years old, I attended a camp for young people with a disability as a helper/carer. At this camp, my faith was really challenged. I realised that I had been ignoring God and not letting him be a part of my life. So, when I got home, I made the decision to ask God into my life and to partner with me so we could do life together. It has been one great big adventure ever since!
What do you do with your time during the week?
Before COVID-19, I had a very busy lifestyle. I am married and have four children who are all very active in the sporting community! I work four days per week in two Central Coast High Schools, teaching SRE. I am also involved in Friday night youth ministry in my local church and lead a ‘youth connect’ group on Sundays. Things have slowed down a little at the moment, but I look forward to a time when things return to normal again, though hopefully not so busy! We will have to see if I can balance things out a bit more!
Where do you go to Church?
I attend Coast Community Church Tumbi!
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with SU?
I would encourage anyone to consider volunteering with SU. It is just the most valuable use of your time and you will be surprised how much it grows your own faith and how much it will benefit you. When you give time to others, you will be surprised how much you get back in return!
Hollie‘s Story
Hollie is a student leader at the ISCF lunchtime group in her School, in North West NSW.
I found I was able to work as part of a team and be part of something bigger than myself.
– Hollie
How has SU Schools Ministry helped you to find your sense of value and self-worth?
Before doing Yr7 Team I wasn’t really a Christian, but when doing Yr7 Team I found I was able to work as part of a team and be part of something bigger than myself. At ISCF, I found the stories I’d heard during primary school came alive and meant so much more to me than they had before. Before SU Schools Ministry, I knew of God but wasn’t a disciple of Jesus. I was following the world more than I was following the word. This changed after attending a large combined church event, but it was the constant love of the Christians around me that kept me on track.
How does being involved in ISCF impact your life?
I get to know God more; I have more confidence to live out my faith outside of school. I am not as afraid to speak about my faith because I have a group of people around me who also love God. I have the confidence to stand up for Jesus because of the Christian community. It provides me with a chance to impact the lives of others and that impacts my life. By helping others, I realise how blessed I am.
Why do you lead your ISCF group?
To have a closer relationship with God, and to help others. You hear stories of people living out their faith in harsh places and realise just how easy we have it. For example, I think about the people who can’t even go to church without being threatened, and yet, even with COVID-19 stopping gatherings, we still have it really good.
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about joining a ISCF lunchtime group?
Do it! If you’re struggling with your relationship with God, do it because you will find a bunch of people who love God and they will help you to grow in your relationship. It will help you understand the truth of Jesus dying in your place. You realise what your sin actually is, but even more importantly, the way that Jesus will help you to change your life and forgive you. It really shows you what repentance means, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Support SU Schools Ministry into the future!
If you didn’t get a chance to give and you’d like to support our ministry to schools in NSW, you can still donate at sunsw.org.au/donate or call us on (02) 9638 9000. Thank you!
Read the full SU NEWS Winter 2020 EOFY Update (PDF)!
All stories have been published with permission.
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