These are unprecedented times. The global COVID-19 pandemic and social and economic impacts are affecting us all. Yet within this season of constant change, anxiety and isolation, God is doing a new thing, inspiring missional imagination, and empowering volunteers and staff to rapidly adapt ministry models and develop discipleship experiences and resources.

Our Schools Team are working with Chaplains to provide resources and ideas to help them continue to care for and support students, staff and families, whilst they work from home. In the space of only a few weeks, SU Catalysts have transitioned to online youth and SUFM Programs. Our Engagement and Equipping Team have launched 455, a Daily Discipleship resource for children, young people and families on SU Victoria’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

At the same time, Coolamatong has had all schools cancel their camps during this period. We expect these cancellations to continue for the foreseeable future. On the back of cancelling the majority of our summer camps due to the bushfires, our finances have been significantly challenged.

Our mission remains unchanged: to see every child, young person and family in Victoria have opportunities for transforming experiences with Jesus and a life-long journey of discipleship and service. For the next six months we have identified three organisational priorities:

1. Ensure the safety of staff and volunteers.
2. Adapt our ministries to support our field ministries and develop new ways to resource churches, families and local communities.
3. Financial sustainability.

God is at work in SU Victoria and your involvement, prayers and support make all that you read possible. Please join us as we continue to pray, that ‘God will do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us’ (Eph 3:20).

Justin
State Director