Vision and Mission The Power of Truth Teen camp Boy's Froggy Pond Christian Teachers train October Leadership Mini Camp Partner with us Holiday Club Trendsetter Tristan SU Books resources Our Staff Team
Every young person transformed by Jesus and filled with hope Leading young people to know and walk with God
WC Regional Director
My sons and I listen to a teen devotional podcast as we drive to school in the mornings. The couple who produces the podcast are very animated and insightful. Each day they wrestle with a biblical truth and give some practical applications. At the moment we are in the middle of a 6-part miniseries called “No Doubt – The Six Things We Can Know For Sure”. The six things are: forgiveness, relationship, truth, victory, love, and salvation. Now that is quiet a list! My heart is encouraged and challenged by their input because sometimes I have doubts in these areas too. And I hope and pray that it is the same for my sons. We are all prone to doubt. If everything was sure, beyond doubt, then why would we need to have faith? Faith fills the gap between what we have heard and seen about God and the reality of what is happening in our lives. Sometimes circumstances and feelings make us doubt the cornerstone of truth. This is especially true of the young people we serve. Peers
In Christ
Grant
In this newsletter you will read about the many occasions where the Word of God is opened to young people in schools, holiday clubs and other activities. Pray for our young people, that they would experience the power of God’s Word in a dynamic and life changing way!
The truth of God is able to give encouragement to a young person’s heart because it comes with spiritual power. It is not just black and white on a page but is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires and can teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Tim 3:16).
One of the best moments was the turnaround we saw in a boy who was regularly fighting. His leader came alongside him and helped him see an alternative way to deal with his struggles and conflicts. We were particularly moved to see that exact boy praying for his leader at the evening of the gospel presentation.
In the June/July school holiday we had the opportunity to do a Froggy Pond Junior Boys camp at the Camp Times Fresh Air camp. We had about 100 people on camp. The week was filled with many blessings and we continued to see God’s hand in the lives of all those on camp.
We got the sense that this camp was an opportunity for the boys to be just boys – playing, receiving love and having fun, away from their circumstances. It was amazing to hear their stories and to build the SU-style relationships that allowed them to open themselves to receive what God intended for them. Our hearts were full of hope for them and for the as we planted seeds throughout the week.
The boys who come on camp are very excited and enthusiastic. We expect a certain degree of behavioural challenges from the boys, but the team decided that, above trying to manage behaviour, we ought to be the incarnation and embodiment of Christ to the kids. This was the most important way for us to witness to them. We cannot change years of unfair circumstances in just one week, but we can love them with the extravagant love of Christ.
Thank you to all the leaders who gave their time and love (and sleep) to be on the camp. Praise God for the stories of life-change that we saw.
There were a couple of days of sunshine and the boys were very excited to go to the beach.The water was freezing cold, but it did not seem to bother them. We even managed to chase Jason (SU staff member) into the waves. The “penguin walk” also brought much joy to their faces.
Scripture Union has a long legacy of running schools based Christian Groups., These weekly groups are fun-filled and exciting gatherings of learners under our interdenominational banner. They provide the opportunity for young people to learn about God. Under the guidance of an enthusiastic teacher, parent or volunteer, young people are encouraged to explore their faith in Jesus and to help them become thoughtful and regular Bible readers. This is done through stories, games, discussions, music, testimonies, and object lessons.
On Saturday 3rd September we had an opportunity to train 23 teachers to start and run these kinds of groups in junior and high schools. There was a mix of High School and Primary School teachers. Several of our SU staff were involved in delivering the training. In true SU style, the day was full on participative learning and group discussions. Even though we came there to deliver the training, we also learnt from this dedicated group of teachers. Each teacher left with a term's worth of material that we had prepared to support them in this important task.
There are many demands on teachers and they are often hard pressed in their classroom environments. Please pray that God would strengthen and enthuse all Christian School Teachers as they make time to reach children for Christ.
October Leadership is aimed at training learner-lead Christian Union Group committees and leaders for 2023.
Lunch will be served. The cost is R100 per person. Please RSVP as soon as possible for catering purposes.
Scripture Union is excited to announce that Leadership is happening this year on the 15th of October!
October
Langa Sinawe Programme - this work has produced much fruit in a short time. We have secured part of the funding necessary to continue the programme for another two years, however we still need to raise a significant portion. Would you consider partnering with us to support the salary costs of those who faithfully minister to the young people of Langa. Camp Sponsorship - Who doesn't love getting away from normal routines, participating in crazy activities, and building friendships? Mini and Teen camps are unforgettable experiences full of exciting adventures where you can learn more about yourself and God. Please consider sponsoring a camper at the cost of R1200 for a four day experience.
If you would like to give through our online portal, CLICK HERE. In the "Leave an appreciation message" please reference: SUWC + [your name]
If you would like to give by EFT Sakh’Ulutsha | Standard Bank | Rondebosch Acc # 270689559 Reference: SUWC + [your name]
We are thankful to God for his faithful provision to SU. He continues to gives us what we need when we need it! Thank you to all of our prayer supporters and financial partners through whom God has been providing for us.
In keeping with our trust in God, we would ask you to consider partnering with us in one of two ways:
Ravensmead, Phillipi, Ottery, Heideveld, Northpine, Pinelands, Kensington, Kenilworth, Langa, Harfield, Retreat
It is the sounds that we have missed for the last two year and it was BACK with POWER this HOLIDAY CLUB season. Young kids were singing praises to our God, shouting war-cries, bellowing our memory verses and dancing to the theme song. For the three weeks of the June/July school holidays there were several different Holiday Clubs running at schools and churches across Cape Town.
At one holiday club during the craft time, a child quickly finished her craft and began writing a letter. The leader later shared that this was a letter to her Mom who had recently passed. Being able to be there for the her and assist her in the grieving process was truly a God ordained moment.
Amidst all that’s happening at home and school, when you hear a child sing loud and boldy, ‘My God is big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do”, it tugs on your heart. It is encouraging to know that children leave full of songs, bible stories and memory verse that will stay with them forever.
Scripture Union supported 12 churches through prayer support, leaders training and by providing a contextual holiday curriculum. The week started off with the kids learning that they are valuable, they have a purpose, they have been forgiven, and they can trust God with their future. We ended the week off by encouraging them to tell others.
I h b i l d in a few schools, including, Peak View Primary, SACS, and Norma Road he beginning I started preparing our e ice-breakers and/or games like harades, etc. Thanks to the guidance nd J. Van Blerk I have gotten to see ifferent lifestyles and different ways understandings.
s of The Froggy Pond Boys camp y first camp as a leader, I could mense pressure and worry. I was esponsible leader and care for the I received this opportunity as it w environment. Journeying with the al was to show the children that they ted and that violence is never the m.
eam has been really hospitable to me, at God has provided me with this e His children. And as I continue, I will greatly improve as well.
Tell us some highlights of your schools work
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