Faith on the field: Sharing Jesus through football
Legacy of Faith: A family’s journey with SU Unlimited: Helping young people to flourish
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Faith, football and fortitude
Read how Faith Guide Jen Bradshaw felt called to share the love of Jesus with children from really challenging family situations –whatever it took! 10
From generation to generation
The Naish family’s association with Scripture Union goes back almost to the time of Scripture Union’s founder, Josiah Spiers! Discover their amazing history of involvement.
Faith without limits
Helen Vinter tells us about the additional needs holiday that helps young people to flourish. 16
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A new season in Wales
Rhian Evans shares how God is calling young hearts in Wales to seek him and the church to reveal him.
Did you know?
Our #DiscoverSU campaign launches at the end of February to introduce more people to Scripture Union and encourage them to play their part in revealing Jesus to the next generation. If you received an ‘It’s Time to Act’ pack, consider sharing it with someone in your church. Pray that many will be inspired to get involved, so more children and young people can discover Jesus. su.org.uk/discoversu
Connecting You is Scripture Union’s supporter and prayer magazine, keeping you up to date with what God is doing through the work you support. Connecting You magazine is also available online at: www.su.org.uk/connectingyou. If you have a
story for Connecting You, or a suggestion on how we could improve our service to you, please contact the editor: eddien@scriptureunion.org.uk
For general enquiries Tel: 01908 856000 Fax: 01908 856111 Email: info@scriptureunion.org.uk www.scriptureunion.org.uk
Published by Scripture Union, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 ODF
Serving Jesus on our home turf
‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you’ (Mark 5:19 NIV).
When Jesus visits the Geresenes (Mark 5:1-20), he meets a man whose life has been taken over by demons. He is isolated, living in a graveyard, violent towards himself and others and yelling at the top of his voice.
Jesus dramatically casts the demons out of him into a herd of pigs. The man is transformed –calm, clothed, sitting at Jesus’ feet in his right mind.
However, the locals are terrified. They tell Jesus to leave. Unsurprisingly, the man wants to leave with him! But Jesus has other plans for him – to return home and share what God has done for him with these currently hostile neighbours. The man obeys, and his faithfulness in revealing Jesus in his local community eventually leads to the founding of one of the earliest Gentile churches in the area.
Knowing Jesus changes everything! This we know from our own faith journey, even if our testimony is less dramatic! And as we seek in turn to reveal Jesus to children and young
people, God often calls us to do so on our own home turf.
The children and young people we connect with may be wary to start with. It may be a bit uncomfortable and unfamiliar for us, too. But just faithfully being there for them, caring about them, sharing the good news not just in words but in our daily living and in a familiar space, can reveal Jesus in powerful ways.
Please do pray for churches across the country who are taking those courageous steps to reveal Jesus to the next generation, and that those children and young people will develop vibrant faith.
God bless,
Dave Newton National Director, Scripture Union England
and
Wales
Faith, football and fortitude
Many of the children came from really challenging family situations, which sometimes played out in their behaviour. But Faith Guide Jen Bradshaw felt called to share the love of Jesus with them – whatever it took!
SARAH
Red House is a deprived ward in Sunderland with high unemployment, lots of children, and few families who venture into the church.
Jen is a vicar and local primary school governor – the children know who she is, but she needs a route to deepen those relationships if she’s to readily share faith. She wonders if football might work as local children love it, even if she doesn’t consider herself to be ‘sporty’.
So, with SU Sports Mission Pioneer Sarah Bowey providing on-the-ground support and advice, Jen and church volunteers John and Nikki start their journey of using mission through sport.
June–October 2024
CONNECT
Having run two camps at the primary school and then at the church, Jen and team want to set up regular opportunities to build relationships with the local children.
Sarah suggests creating Holy Ground – using sport in a public space to connect with children and introduce them to Jesus. They start weekly football sessions for the group on a playing field opposite the church. Other children see what’s going on and join in.
November 2024–March 2025
BREAKTHROUGH TO EXPLORE
Football sessions continue inside the church hall over winter.
But how to move on to exploring faith, when the children aren’t really there for that? Sarah suggests using SU’s new Half Time resource. It consists of 3 series each of 12 short sportsthemed videos based on Mark’s Gospel. They can be shared on a digital device or TV during the refreshments break.
Questions prompt a brief topical discussion followed by a prayer ‘huddle’ – then it’s back to the beautiful game!
April–September 2025
BREAKTHROUGH TO RESPOND
SU advises on and funds some kit and equipment for the group. Jen and team head back outdoors for football sessions.
In May, the lads are taken to play another Mission Through Sports team at Sherburn. Jen and the team share how Jesus is the ultimate ‘man of the match’.
In June, the lads are taken on a trip to Newcastle United Foundation’s rooftop pitch to play teams from Durham, Gateshead and Newcastle in SU’s first Holy Ground Football Festival. Every child gets a medal and the team wins various awards too – Tom, aged 10, says it was ‘amazing and fun’.
In September, seven of the team go on SU’s Half Time sport and faith themed holiday in Seahouses. There’s a shift of momentum –Sarah says, ‘We did a huddle evening where the boys shared more deeply about Jesus, and they kept asking if they could do it again!’ Volunteer Nikki recalls, ‘The kids grew so much as people, character wise and spiritually!’
Feeling inspired?
Football has given us amazing opportunities to break down barriers and share Jesus.
October 2025
Now, there are two football sessions each week, for children of different ages and stages of faith.
Jen says, ‘They have so much fun – although their behaviour can be challenging sometimes! Football has given us amazing opportunities to break down barriers and share Jesus. The children are at different stages on their spiritual journeys, but some are already showing signs of faith and understanding. We’ll continue to journey with them and demonstrate God’s love, in the hope that they will come to know him for themselves.’
Mission through sport could transform your outreach! Head to su.org.uk/sport to discover more. You’ll find links to the Half Time and Holy Ground resources, as well as info on our sports team who’d be happy to inspire and equip you further!
Prayers
WEEK BEGINNING FEB 22
Please pray for churches already doing mission through sport, and for those requesting our help to start revealing Jesus to children and young people through using sport and physical activities.
Sunday 22
Praise God that mission through sport has enabled churches to connect with children and young people who they might otherwise find it challenging to build a relationship with.
Monday 23
Give thanks to God for inspiring and leading the SU Mission Through Sport team to develop activities, resources and training to help introduce Jesus into sport and physical activities effectively and safely.
Tuesday 24
Please pray for churches already using mission through sport. Ask God to bless their relationships with the children they are journeying with and that faith will take root in those young lives.
Wednesday 25
Please ask God to release the
necessary funds for more Mission Through Sport staff so we can support the many churches who have asked us to help them start doing mission through sport.
Thursday 26
As the weekly football sessions at Red House grow, please pray for more volunteers to come forward and help Jen, John and Nikki to run them.
Friday 27
Please pray that the Red House team find a way to involve more girls in mission through sports.
Saturday 28
Please pray that the football sessions at Red House, which extend beyond primary school age, help the church to keep connected to children once they move up to secondary school.
Prayers
Sunday 1
SU Philippines thanks God for the launch of Light to My Path Devotional (English 2026) and Tanglaw 2026 (Tagalog/Filipino). Pray that these will inspire daily engagement with the Bible and draw many closer to God.
Monday 2
Pray for Trish and Becky from Mission Partner Impact in Bedfordshire as they deliver their Easter Experience event with a team of around 40 volunteers, performing for nearly 500 pupils and staff. Pray that the story of God’s love will have an impact on all involved.
Tuesday 3
Pray that Mission Enabler Lisa Jones will know God’s guidance as she seeks to support more churches in Kent, providing new ideas for reaching children and young people in the community. Pray too for wisdom as she plans an activity day in the summer for children from Faith Guide groups.
Wednesday 4
Give thanks for over 1,000 volunteers who served children and young people through one of our missions, holidays or events last year. Pray that
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those who are thinking about serving this year will apply and help to reveal Jesus to this generation.
Thursday 5
The Digital Solutions team is always looking to improve security. To help us comply with industry-wide payment card requirements, a new solution is being introduced that will protect all who make donations or buy resources. Pray that all the technical changes go well and the renewal of our accreditation is complete.
Friday 6
Pray for Mission partner The Lighthouse Project (Crawley) as they present Easter Explored to hundreds of primary school children this month. Pray that as the children immerse themselves in the Easter story, they will understand that it is good news for them.
Saturday 7
Pray for central Team Leader Dom Conidi as he speaks at a conference for people working with children and young people. Ask God that as Dom shares something of the Revealing Jesus mission framework, God will encourage and inspire all who are there.
Prayers
Sunday 8
Join SU Bangladesh in praying for peace and stability in the country amid the growing political unrest, asking for God’s protection for the citizens, especially minority communities, in the face of rising incidents of persecution and violence particularly in rural areas.
Monday 9
Kingdom Builders is Scripture Union’s latest holiday club programme, exploring the kingdom of heaven in Matthew. Pray that many churches will be inspired to use it and that many children will hear and respond to the good news of the kingdom.
Tuesday 10
Please uphold Mission Director Richard Shaw in prayer, as he leads the Missions Team. Pray especially that God will guide him as he looks for ways to grow our mission and equip more Faith Guides to effectively reveal Jesus to children and young people.
Wednesday 11
Pray for Mission Partner COINS running Easter events in 11 primary schools in Newbury, seeing 550 Year 6 pupils over two weeks. Pray for bookings from schools, for enough volunteers and that pupils and
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teachers exploring the Easter story will be encouraged to see the love that Jesus has for them.
Thursday 12
Next weekend 130 young people will gather for Amplify Spring. This is the final weekend of a six-month programme to equip young people to talk to their friends about Jesus. Please pray that they will leave with renewed confidence and enthusiasm to speak about their faith.
Friday 13
Pray for the south region as they look to increase the number of Faith Guides and Faith Guide churches. Pray for clarity for the team as they seek to find the right priorities, look to God for the right strategy and make connections with potential partner churches.
Saturday 14
Pray for wisdom for Finance and Services Director Sharon Esnard. Sharon leads the team who will be implementing the new financial reporting framework affecting all charities (effective from 1 April for SU). Join her, too, in giving thanks for God’s continued provision.
From generation to generation
The Naish family’s association with Scripture Union goes back almost to the time of Josiah Spiers! Thanks to Chris Naish, we’re able to share more about their amazing history of involvement.
In the photo above: Peter Naish (back row, second from right), his parents Sam and Ada (back row centre); Ruth Naish (front row, second from right), Margaret Jack (front row second from left); Donald Jack (front row left).
Chris’s grandfather Sam attended a Scripture Union mission in Birmingham in the 1800s as a boy.
Sam’s son Peter discovered Scripture Union in his teens, through a magazine advert. He wrote, ‘I followed this up and it led to a life-long association.’ At university, Peter joined the Christian Union ‘and learned much from Bible studies’. He also participated in missions in the industrial north.
Peter and his sister Ruth went to CSSM missions (CSSM later became SU). Then, in 1942, Peter founded a CSSM mission at Borth-y-gest, helped by Donald Jack; later they were joined by Ruth, and Donald’s sisters Margaret and Priscilla. Priscilla and Peter married, continuing their involvement at Borth-y-gest until 1956 when they had their daughter, followed by son Chris.
Ruth became a teacher, sharing her faith with her pupils using SU resources. Margaret, also a teacher, worked for ISCF for many years and became an SU Council Member.
Peter and Priscilla regularly took their children to SU’s Bude mission.
Chris recalls, ‘It was a really formative experience. I became a Christian there, aged about six. In my teens, one of the team was a great support – I’m still in contact with him. Later, I too joined the team, even bringing along my wife to help, right after our honeymoon!’
SU is always looking for new opportunities to share faith
Chris admires SU’s ability to adapt. ‘Young people now have so few opportunities to get to know Jesus personally. SU is always looking for new opportunities and ways of connecting with them and sharing faith – some of their ideas are so creative.’
We thank God for the enduring commitment of the Naish family which has enabled multiple generations of children to encounter his love.
Revealing Jesus to tomorrow’s children
Ruth Naish has recently gone to be with Jesus. Her life and faith continue to speak to the next generation through the legacy she has entrusted to SU, for which we are deeply thankful. If you’d like to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, visit su.org.uk/legacy or call us on 01908 856???.
CHRIS
RUTH
Prayers
Sunday 15
SU Slovakia has organised three regional workshops in cooperation with local churches, the last of which takes place next Saturday. Give thanks for the new, young generation of children’s ministry leaders taking part. Pray that they will bring fresh passion and commitment to the churches they serve.
Monday 16
Thank God for our Easter resources (such as Easter Cracked, The Best of Easter for Children and The Best of Easter for Young People). Pray that they will be widely used this Easter to help children and young people understand how much God loves them.
Tuesday 17
Keefe Owen (Mission Enabler in Wales) asks us to pray that he will be filled with God’s Spirit and wisdom as he seeks opportunities to encourage and empower the Faith Guides (and potential Faith Guides) in north and mid Wales this spring and summer.
Wednesday 18
We are seeing opportunities to accelerate our mission to the next generation. Pray that we assess opportunities wisely and discern how to maximise our resources for the
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greatest impact. Pray that we are truly in step with the Father in all we do.
Thursday 19
Please pray for all the guests who are thinking of coming on a holiday or event this summer. Last year we served over 1,250 children and young people on our holidays. Pray for people to register for an amazing time away having fun, trying new things and learning about Jesus.
Friday 20
Give thanks for all those who faithfully support the work and enable our vision to reveal Jesus to the next generation to become reality. Pray that they will feel that they are partners in this vital work and may be encouraged.
Saturday 21
Please pray for Mission Partner YoYo and their team as they share the Easter story with approximately 15,000 children and young people in York schools. Ask God that many will understand in new ways the significance of the events of the first Easter.
Prayers
Sunday 22
Pray for the dedicated team of Scripture Union Chile volunteers who lead training sessions, asking that God will increase their faith, renew their passion, and keep them steadfast in sharing the gospel of Christ.
Monday 23
Pray for Senior Data Manager Gill Russell as she navigates complex challenges in data security, adapts to evolving technologies, and implements measures to protect against threats. These efforts are essential to ensuring these objectives are met in a cost-effective manner so that the mission of SU continues smoothly.
Tuesday 24
Pray that the children who this Easter will receive a copy of Jesus Died for Me? or the Welsh edition: Bu Farw Iesu Drosof Fi? will understand why Jesus died and the difference it can make to them. Pray that those who give out the copies will continue to journey with the children as they explore faith.
Wednesday 25
Thousands of children in primary schools across Wales will have the opportunity to think about Jesus’ death and resurrection through Easter Cracked (or Cracio’r Pasg in
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Welsh). Thank God for these opportunities and pray that doors would continue to remain open.
Thursday 26
Pray for those who will be attending the Kestrels sailing holiday that begins over the Easter weekend. Pray for good sailing weather, positive relationships between team and guests and profitable conversations about Jesus.
Friday 27
Gifts Administrator Allison Highton is inspired and encouraged by the generosity of supporters and their stories of how God has led them to support our work. Pray for her and the rest of the Finance team asking that as the year-end accounts are prepared all will go smoothly.
Saturday 28
Pray that as the SU Council meet today they will have God’s wisdom as they consider how we can share the good news in today’s world. Pray for wisdom in the appointment of a new Council President to succeed Penny Boshoff.
Prayers
Sunday 29
Pray for the ongoing construction of the Sports Complex being built by SU Madagascar and for the provision of all the funding. Pray that it will become a centre for evangelism, education and sustainable ministry.
Monday 30
Pray for Mission partner BSYW in Blackpool as they deliver workshops in schools on the theme of Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life. They also ask for prayer as they invite schools into local churches for their immersive Step into Easter outreach, sharing the events of Holy Week and pointing to John 3:16.
Tuesday 31
Pray for Eddie Nock (Head of Marketing and Communications) as he leads a small team to inspire people by the work of Scripture Union. Pray particularly for success for the #DiscoverSU campaign that aims to share SU with even more people.
Wednesday 1
Please pray for wisdom for the SU North team as they look for ways to grow the number of residential events and Faith Guide holidays as a way to introduce children and young people to Jesus. Please pray for the provision of leaders, team and venues.
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Thursday 2
The Bake Off and Create holiday takes place next week. Pray for the team and guests as they come together to create amazing craft and fantastic cakes; pray that they will learn much about Jesus and respond to him.
Friday 3
Today, as we reflect on Jesus’ love through his sacrifice on the cross, let’s pray that churches supported by SU can reach and share this message of love with children and youth who have yet to understand it.
Saturday 4
The Mission Through Sports team is stepping into an exciting season of growth. Pray for Team Leader Mark Oliver as he carries the responsibility of ensuring new team members are effectively brought on board and are ready to help more churches use sport and physical activity to reveal Jesus.
Prayers
Sunday 5
SU Hong Kong’s theme for this year is Equip. Pray that through their programmes and activities, God will equip children, youth leaders and Bible teachers with the knowledge, skills and spiritual maturity to serve faithfully.
Monday 6
Please pray for Research and Innovation Leader Sarah Davison. Ask for inspiration, creativity and wisdom as she continues to help us explore the role that innovation plays in the resources we produce to help churches create spaces for children and young people to respond to Jesus.
Tuesday 7
Pray for Jane Webber, worker with Mission Partner SCWP in Oswestry, as she runs Prayer Spaces in the primary schools in April. Ask that the presence of God will fill the schools, and that pupils and staff will take the opportunity to pray and engage with each activity.
Wednesday 8
Today the mountain biking holiday GW Tracks starts at Great Wood in Somerset. Pray for the 30 young people as
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they build their skills on the bikes, and take time out to hear about Jesus and think through who he is and how he relates to their lives.
Thursday 9
Our Mission Resources team exists to put tools in people’s hands to help them connect people to Jesus and grow as disciples. Pray that recently appointed Content Creators Joanne Gilchrist and Anna Leadbetter will settle in quickly and will bring vision and creativity to their roles.
Friday 10
So many young people rarely enter church, yet their hearts are open and searching. Thank God for this opportunity and ask that he empowers Scripture Union and local churches to guide young hearts toward Jesus.
Saturday 11
Pray for Mission Partner Christians in Calderdale Schools; for Chris Mason mentoring students in secondary schools, Robert and volunteers helping to bring a Christian perspective on curriculum subjects (through assisting with lessons), and for the distribution of It’s Your Move to 70 schools.
Faith without limits
With our 2026 holidays and missions underway, Helen Vinter tells us about Unlimited, the SU additional needs holiday which she founded and leads. She explains what led her to launch it, what makes it special – and how it helps young people to flourish.
My parents founded SU’s Harriers holiday, and going on it each summer was crucial to my own faith development. Later I helped lead it, even after having children when my husband stayed home on childcare duties!
In due course, our eldest daughter went to Harriers as well. Our two younger children had additional needs – thankfully SU had holidays for them too. However, the upper age limit was 18 so I founded Unlimited for those aged 19–25. Last year, most places sold out within 12 hours!
Now, some of the group are too old for Unlimited. There’s nothing else catering for their faith, age and needs, so this August we’re launching Boundless for those aged 26–30.
Unlimited, based at the Horstead Centre near Norwich, attracts about 15 young people with a range of additional needs. Some are very sociable and able to look after themselves, others need more assistance. Most can’t read or write and a few are non-verbal. They’re supported by around 15 volunteers.
It’s a wonderful, full-on holiday! Morning worship starts with a song followed by a themed activity introducing the day’s Bible story. One time, we played a very unfair game of Pass the Parcel where the leader got the parcel every time, then did an interactive retelling of the story of Zaccheus who wasn’t very fair to other people. After prayers, songs, quiz, talk and
It’s a wonderful, full-on holiday!
HELEN
memory verse, we have a final fun activity to highlight key learning –for Zaccheus, we mixed household ingredients to make foam, to highlight how meeting Jesus dramatically changed Zaccheus and can change us too. Then in the afternoons we do activities such as paddleboarding and crate stacking. Transforming young lives God is really moving in these young lives, most obviously in their worship which is incredibly heartfelt, honest and moving. I see their confidence grow – during paddleboarding, one girl was anxious but eager to take part. With much encouragement, she managed to get up and knelt on her board with the rest. When the instructor eventually invited us to stand up, she was the first on her feet, beaming!
Unlimited gives these young people a sense of belonging, too. On one lad’s first visit, he couldn’t cope with being in the main meeting and had to sit outside the window. The next year, he sat just inside, near the door. Nowadays, he’s right in the mix!
Back home, changes continue. One dad said his son was now praying regularly, using a pebble we gave
There is something really special about being in that Christian community for a few days!
him inscribed with ‘God loves you’. A mum told me how she cried when her daughter voluntarily said sorry for the first time after doing something wrong.
Often, churches can’t meet these young people’s needs, so Unlimited becomes their spiritual home. (We offer two online events as well, to keep them connected during the year.)
As with all SU holidays, there is something really special about being in that Christian community for a few days. One of our volunteers summed it up when she said, ‘If joy could be bottled, this would be it!’
What’s volunteering at Unlimited like?
Scan the code, watch the video!
We’re looking for more volunteers!
Our holidays and missions wouldn’t happen without our many committed volunteers! If you, or someone you know, might like to volunteer, find out more at su.org.uk/countmein or email countmein@scriptureunion.org.uk. No experience necessary, although training or experience in additional needs is helpful for those particular holidays.
Prayers
WEEK BEGINNING APR 12
With our 2026 holidays and mission events programme already underway, please pray for the volunteers, staff, children and young people who are involved.
Sunday 12
Praise God for all the generations of children and young people who have found a deeper faith in Jesus through going on an SU holiday or mission.
Monday 13
Give thanks to God for the incredible commitment of volunteer leaders and team members, without whom none of SU’s holidays and missions would take place. Ask him to bless them in their own walk of faith.
Tuesday 14
Please pray for more volunteers from all ages and backgrounds to help on SU holidays and missions. There truly is a role for everyone, and the fact that so many volunteers come back year after year suggests they really do enjoy it!
Wednesday 15
Praise God that he wants every single child and young person to find a really warm welcome in his kingdom, including those with additional needs of all sorts.
Thursday 16
Please pray for the SU Mission Events Operations team as they seek to find ways to create new holidays to meet the needs of children and young people who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Friday 17
Please pray for Helen Vinter as she leads this year’s Unlimited holiday and launches Breakthrough holiday for older children and young adults with additional needs. Ask God to bless her with lots of energy and with more volunteers to help!
Saturday 18
Our new holidays booking system now means children and young people can sign up to go on an SU holiday the following year right after going on one this year! Please pray that many children and young people will take this step, so that their faith can flourish.
Prayers
Sunday 19
Pray that the renovation work following the fire at the chalet owned by SU in French-speaking Switzerland will resume smoothly after the winter break, that insurance matters will be resolved and that the chalet will be ready to host camps again by the autumn.
Monday 20
Please pray for Tanya Pencheva as she looks after the administration for SU’s Bible Reading Guides – printed notes, apps and Word Live. Pray that she will know how to provide fast and accurate support to the Mission Resources Director and the new members of the team.
Tuesday 21
Pray for Beth Gomm and Wayne Dixon of Mission Partner Christian Connections in Schools, working in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. Pray that the recent Easter Cracked presentations involving approximately 50 local schools and around 2,500 pupils will have a lasting impact.
Wednesday 22
Please pray that, as the Mission Events team prepares for the summer, all essential safety checks will be completed without issue. Ask that each team is able to fill every required
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role, and that all the necessary land and venue hire agreements for the beach missions are successfully finalised.
Thursday 23
Retired members of staff and volunteers will meet at Trinity House on 8 and 9 May for their annual conference. Pray for the organising team as they make the final arrangements and ask God to make this a fruitful time of fellowship and prayer for the work of SU.
Friday 24
On Monday and Tuesday, the central team will gather with Faith Guides and Local Mission Partners from the area. Pray for Support Worker Racheal Chapman, who has spent the last few months organising the event, as she oversees the administration. Pray that this will be a beneficial time.
Saturday 25
Please pray that the children and young people supported by Mission Partner Bridgebuilder in Milton Keynes will truly experience God’s love. Also, pray for the ongoing success of Hope Unite, which brings young Christians together, and remember the schools’ workers (Carol, Luke and Pete) in your prayers.
Prayers
Sunday 26
Pray that God will provide the necessary funding for the construction of SU Burundi’s campsite centre in the north and that it will become a sanctuary of spiritual renewal and transformation for all who come.
Monday 27
Step by Step is a new SU resource telling the big story of the Bible for primary age children, designed to be used in schools in a variety of settings. Please pray that those working in schools will make good use of the resource and that children will see how the Bible speaks today.
Tuesday 28
Please pray for Assistant Accountant Susannah Quinn and the Finance team as they carefully prepare the yearend accounts. Ask that their hard work and attention to detail will ensure everything is completed smoothly and accurately.
Wednesday 29
Pray for Mission Partner Engage in Woking as they hold their fifth ecumenical youth event, Encounter. Launched in response to the work done in secondary schools and the main college, this is an opportunity for young people to come together to hear God’s Word, worship and build community.
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Thursday 30
Rooted facilitates building long-term relationships with those aged 8–14, enabling children and young people to explore faith in their own way and at their own speed. Pray for the training workshops taking place across all regions to help churches and schools create accessible Rooted conversation spaces.
Friday 1
Ask God to bless young Christians as they seek to share Jesus with their peers. Ask for courage in the task and for open hearts and minds.
Saturday 2
Pray for Mission Events Coordinator Karen Quinney as she deals with volunteer applications for the summer holidays. Pray that sufficient volunteers will come forward and that they will be processed and cleared to serve in plenty of time.
A new season in Wales
Rhian Evans recently joined SU Cymru as National Mission Co-ordinator. It’s not just a new season for her, but also for mission to children and young people across Wales. She shares how God is calling young hearts to seek him and the church to reveal him, and opening the doors to new ministry opportunities in schools.
I’m passionate about revealing Jesus to children and young people and doing that in Welsh where that is their heart language. So, being appointed to this role last year was the answer to prayer.
It’s happened at such an exciting time – God is really on the move in Wales after a long dry season. Churches and individuals in scattered pockets did outreach to the next generation but struggled to move beyond the ‘connect’ stage. Many schools did not welcome any sort of ministry activity.
But now, children and young people are starting to ask deeper questions and can be remarkably determined in their pursuit of answers! For example, five years ago some teenagers SU was involved with asked their secondary school in Cardiff if they could start a Christian Union. The school kept saying ‘no’.
The teenagers persisted, the local churches prayed. Finally, last September, the school said ‘yes’. The Christian Union is up and running!
Other schools are becoming more open to church involvement too, especially those under new headship. Meanwhile, many more churches are seeking SU Cymru’s help to start or restart schools ministry.
God is really on the move in Wales after a long dry season.
Increasing numbers of youth and children’s workers are becoming Faith Guides, becoming part of a supportive network of peers who inspire one another and work together for better impact. We are helping Faith Guides access schools and do schools ministry well, so that they move beyond that initial ‘connect’ stage, and are equipped to journey with children and young people to explore, respond and grow in faith as well.
Rhian
Isaiah 45 verse 8 is our prayer for the season we are in:
‘You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it’. (NIV)
Revealing God’s love at a time of change
Using copies of SU’s Y Cam Nesaf (It’s Your Move), Faith Guide Tim Heeley found a really special way to reveal Jesus to 120 primary age pupils in Flintshire, North Wales.
Tim got Year 6 pupils in Holywell, Flint and Mold designing artwork, videos and soundscapes to help them process their emotions around their imminent transition to secondary school. The creations formed a very moving exhibition in local churches for the children, their families and the community to enjoy, with opportunities to explore using prayer to bring their worries and past pains to Jesus. Each child received an individual Bible
If you’re heading for Wales this Easter, here are a few phrases that might come in handy!
This is God’s work – he is stirring the hearts of children and young people, mobilising churches, breaking down barriers in schools. He’s bringing it all together, and I’m sure we’ll see fruit in the years to come.
verse and message written by and prayed over by a chapel member, and an invitation to future events.
Translation: ‘God sees the person you are inside, and he loves you just as you are.’
• God is love = Duw yw cariad (d-you oo carr-ee-add)
• Happy Easter = Pasg Hapus (pask happ-iss)
• Christ is risen = Mae Crist wedi atgyfodi (my kreest wed-ee at-guv-odd-ee)
Please pray for the work in Wales at this exciting time. Ask that the team will seize the opportunity effectively and ask God to bless their efforts. Visit su.org.uk/wales to connect further with this work.
Prayers
Sunday 3
Pray that God will give SU Malaysia Sarawak clear vision and divine guidance as they plan to establish five new ministry stations by 2030. Pray that God will provide the needed resources, open the right doors, and fill the team with faith to enter into all that he has planned.
Monday 4
Pray for Mission Partner FACCTS in Fleet as they plan to run Youth Alpha this term, drawing from the clubs they have been holding in secondary schools. Pray for good, consistent attendance and that those coming find a real faith in Jesus.
Tuesday 5
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Please pray that, as Mission Enabler Lucy Pearson leads Rooted retreat days with Faith Guides in primary and secondary schools across the country, every pupil will understand that they are loved, known and valued by God.
Wednesday 6
Pray for the Scripture Union Board of Trustees as they meet today to consider issues around governance, compliance and strategy. Pray that God will guide their thinking and that they will see clearly where God is leading the movement.
Thursday 7
Get Ready to Go has been written to help young children who are about to start primary school. Pray that children will find practical help as churches and other groups hand out copies and talk about the difference Jesus can make to the challenges and adventures of life.
Friday 8
Give thanks for the Trustees of Mission Partner Christian Initiative to Schools in Letchworth – Ashley Croft, Graham Clark, Penny Bainbridge, Martin Money, Roger Aldridge, Christine Sherriff, Christine Croft and Lindsey Bryant. Pray for them as they oversee the work in schools.
Saturday 9
Please pray for the central team as they help Local Mission Partners work with local churches. Ask that their support will help children and young people grow in their faith and become part of worshipping communities that welcome everyone of all ages.
Prayers
Sunday 10
Pray for SU Serbia’s ongoing ministry in the Roma settlement in Deliblato, for the children and their parents, and for the family they serve alongside. Pray that God’s love and truth will reach deeply into this community, bringing hope, growth and lasting transformation.
Monday 11
Please pray for Content Coordinator Michelle Newstead. With multiple projects in progress at the same time in the Mission Resources team, she has to ensure everything stays on track – from schedule setting to meeting deadlines – so that creative ideas become resources that serve others well.
Tuesday 12
Please pray for the Digital Solutions team as they manage the changes required with the imminent retirement of Ian Gooding (who has been at the heart of our technology provision for over 20 years), and look at the knowledge, skills and structure required for facing future challenges.
Wednesday 13
Please pray that as the Wales team share the main findings from their
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Gen Alpha research project with churches and key organisations across Wales, they will be able to work together to discover practical ways this research can help shape approaches and increase effectiveness.
Thursday 14
Pray for new Mission Partner Freedom Camps as they seek people to join the Trustees and Ed Pascoe in helping to run events for young people and families following relocation to Tonbridge in Kent. Pray that they may build fruitful relationships with individuals and churches.
Friday 15
HR Assistant Nicola Kinkaid asks us to pray that she will fulfil her role with wisdom and compassion, and will have discernment in supporting staff, especially in sensitive or complex situations. Pray that she will help to foster a healthy, encouraging and Christ-centred workplace culture.
Saturday 16
Pray for children and young people who are curious about matters of faith. Pray that God will put the right people and resources in front of them, to help them discover Jesus’ love in real, long-lasting ways.
Prayers
Sunday 17
Pray that the staff, branch directors, and coordinators who run SU Korea’s Bible meditation and camps will have wisdom and discernment in responding to changing needs, and that this ministry will transform the lives of many people.
Monday 18
At this early stage in the financial year, thank God for financial provision and for our dedicated supporters. Pray that through the coming year he will continue to provide so that we can reach more and more children and young people.
Tuesday 19
Please pray for SU Revealing Jesus Pioneer Anna Brinkley as she supports rural youth workers and churches facing isolation and low engagement. Pray for wisdom, encouragement and fresh vision in her ministry, and for God to stir churches in Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall toward youth outreach.
Wednesday 20
Next weekend thirty 8- to 12-year-olds will ‘Go Wild’ in the Quantock Hills. The event is built around learning in the outdoors and making the connections between faith and nature. Pray these
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children will have a brilliant time and will connect with Jesus through all they do.
Thursday 21
Pray that Mission Partner C4E will have more open doors to take the good news of Jesus into schools in North Wales in the Rhos-on-Sea to Prestatyn area. Pray that those who made a commitment at The Message event in April will continue to grow in their faith.
Friday 22
Please pray for National Mission Co-ordinator for Wales Rhian Evans as she co-ordinates the work in Wales. Pray particularly as the team look to extend their reach and engagement with Welsh-speaking children, young people, churches and schools.
Saturday 23
New schools ministry resource Leap of Faith aims to give secondary age young people a grasp of the big story of the Bible. Please pray that as it is used in lunch breaks or after school clubs, young people will understand the Bible’s story of God’s great love.
Thanks to you…
‘We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.’ 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)
Last summer, we asked if you could make a gift to help children and young people whose families could not otherwise afford to send them on an SU holiday.
Your incredible kindness meant over 300 were able to go – including teenager Gracie*.
Her faith was flourishing, and she was desperate to attend the Amplify Academy weekend to learn how to share Jesus with others. Your generosity enabled her to go! Her very grateful mum says, ‘A heartfelt THANK YOU – Gracie has had the time of her life and it’s been a weekend of pure joy seeing God healing people and learning some amazing evangelism skills. Bless you for blessing us… Gracie’s faith is moving on so much and feeding her life at college and shaping her future.’ Isn’t that wonderful!
More recently, we asked you for help with raising over £200,000 for foundation repairs to our National Office. Because of you, all those costs are covered, and we can stay focused on our core mission – to help the next generation explore the Bible, respond to Jesus, and grow in faith. Thank you!
Join us in prayer each month!
‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
Would you like to join our online monthly prayer meetings for staff and supporters? Over 30 minutes, the SU team will lead us in seeking God’s provision in all that we do, praying for our forthcoming plans, and for the children, young people and churches we serve.
Please email fundraising@scriptureunion.org.uk for further details.
