News Article

From The State Director - September Update


  Tuesday 1st September, 2020

As a movement, our sense of God’s vision for SU is that every child, young person and family has opportunities for transforming experiences with Jesus and a life-long journey of discipleship and service. This vision continues to inspire our ministry engagement and innovations as we serve in communities across Victoria.

In a time of continuous change, where life can feel a little ‘on hold’, this vision has seen SU staff and volunteers pivot ministries and adapt program activities, all to keep helping people of all ages encounter Jesus - online SUFM, holiday camp and youth programs; online ministry and leadership training for volunteers and churches; resources for discipleship and Bible engagement; care packs and Coola Kitchen. God is at work through SU Victoria.

We celebrate the appointment of Kate Cowden as the SU Catalyst for the Shire of Orbost, working alongside Rev Jude Benton in Mallacoota, supporting our summer teams and working throughout the year to rebuild lives and restore hope in that region. Thank you to each one of our supporters who gave generously to make this appointment possible!

This week we farewell Dave Tolputt as Northern Regional Coordinator, and welcome Di Duursma to continue to strengthen and develop SU’s ministry in this region. During a time dominated by remote learning in our schools, we’ve welcomed six new Chaplains.

As we look forward to the lifting of some of our current restrictions, our Field Team and Training specialists are supporting volunteer mission and camp directors and teams in exploring missional possibilities for serving this summer. We’ve got collaboration on training and field ministries happening across state borders. A new national Board has been appointed, and Alison Hunter, our former Board Chair of SU Victoria, has been appointed as the inaugural national Chair. The details of the new national Board can be found here and this national Board will govern the process of national integration. State members will vote in early March 2021, with a view to the proposed merger being formalized at the end of March 2021.

We’re glad you’re part of SU, as together we strive towards every child, young person and family having opportunities for transforming experience with Jesus. Your prayer, involvement and generosity make all the difference. Together we continue to be part of God’s work in young lives across Victoria.

God bless you!

Justin
State Director