News

People and Leadership Development and Training has seen slow but steady growth, particularly with the increase in LEAD camp participant numbers. Over the year we have run 30 non ministry-specific training events, with 324 participants. 100% of these people reported that they grew and were satisfied with the training event. We have received excellent feedback about LEAD camps and hope that this translates to increased attendance and church engagement.

“The best part about LEAD camps is the amazing community and family feel of it from the moment you walk in the door, and the leaders are there for you even when you’re not on camp.”

“I think every young person should come to LEAD because it’s a great week, awesome personal and leadership development as a mixture of theoretical and practical learning alongside other fun and loving people. I’ve never come away from a LEAD camp feeling like I wasted my time, on the contrary, I’d call it the best possible use for my time in that week.”

We have also received very encouraging feedback since the rollout of our updated Orientation training. Volunteer comments included, “Great variety of formats”; and in answer to the question, ‘Which parts were least helpful?’ we received the comments “Everything was helpful” and “None – always good to refresh ALL areas covered.” It’s been exciting to see Orientation refreshed, and to have a renewed confidence that all volunteers are on the same page in terms of beliefs and commitment to our Aims to see people and young people discover and build relationship with Jesus. We will be releasing an online Orientation training package for our regional volunteers very shortly, and look forward to sharing our DNA with new volunteers in a more accessible and interesting way.

El Holmes

News

This year has been a great year for our Community Mission program. Our Summer Mission teams, AMUC camp and Cheers Community outreach has continued to reach out to people with the gospel. We are looking forward to expanding our Summer Mission program from its current eight teams to include others from Esperance, Narrogin and perhaps Exmouth and Geraldton.

Our Boost Youth Discipleship program has been running now for 18 months of a 2 year cycle and, during this time, we have worked with some 50 young people to develop their skills and boost their understanding of their faith. This journey has been an amazing experience to participate in as we have explored a number of quite weighty topics. Such topics include Christian vs other world views, leading small groups and individuals on a discipleship journey, sharing life and faith, outreach, and hands-on leadership skills. This program has 15-18 year olds as its target and seeks to prepare our young people as they leave high school and move into university and the work force. We are looking forward to reaching a new audience for the two years ahead and we trust the friends and family from SU will encourage their children to join us to grow & develop their teenage children.

Paul Edwards

News

Fine Edge went out with a bang last season with a wonderful Christmas show that toured the metro, south and northern rural areas of WA sharing the story of Jesus’ message of love and grace to all. The show was received with absolute delight! We had some lovely feedback from teachers, and some students sent in drawings and letters to their favourite characters!

We are now full steam ahead with Reel Change as videos are being completed and schools are being contacted with the details of the program. We are also sharing the films with some current chaplains and teachers for feedback so that we can make sure the program is lining up with what schools need and want at the moment. A fundraiser is running at the moment for Reel Change, through ‘Go Fund Me’, as we need to purchase some film equipment to be able to continue collecting the stories we find! We have some wonderful stories to share from everyday Western Australians, who walk us through their journeys with God and what they have learnt about His character through those times. I can’t wait to see these films opening up discussions in high schools and also presenting and normalising a side of God that perhaps hasn’t been explored by these young people before. Please pray for Reel Change as we begin sharing these stories in schools, that doors and minds will be opened for young people to start building a real picture of who God is.

Bonnie Hughes

News

Many of SU’s family who have had their life touched through its ministry are so appreciative that they couldn’t imagine WA without SU and therefore take steps to make sure it continues for years to come.

Are you aware that you can leave a legacy to SU WA in your Will? By leaving a legacy, you help provide an opportunity for ongoing ministry, enabling future generations to hear the gospel. Please consider including SU WA in your Will.

Contact the SU WA office on 9371-9100 or email info@suwa.org.au for more information on how you can leave a legacy to SU WA.