SU Victoria

As a practical response to a call to pray for Victorians affected by the recent bushfires, Scripture Union has received strong encouragement to develop programs and support strategies aimed at affected young people and families  during the longer term recovery phase.

Dave Tolputt, State Director in Victoria believes that SU can support churches and the local community by placing 2 community development chaplains into the affected communities, one to specifically work amongst teens and the other with children and families.

“We have staff members who have lived in that community all their lives, and they have been extensively involved in the schools and community life.  Our belief is that these local people will be able to minister effectively because of their local sensitivities and knowledge”.

Possible programs might include:

• Setting up a ‘space’ and programs to support teens.
• Facilitating grief and recovery education and support programs.
• Encouraging Christian families to proactively participate in the recovery of their communities.
• Community pastoral care programs.
• Working in the schools
• Facilitating story telling for personal growth and healing.
• Just being with young people and families as they work through the pain.

If you’d like to support this initiative either financially or practically, contact Dave at the SU Victoria office on (03) 9482 5700.

You can also contribute financially by donating online by using the link below: