SRE is thriving in Blacktown – thanks to Youthworks Ministry Support!
“Every time I think I can organise something, it doesn't work out – and then God strips it back and he provides in the most miraculous way.”
About a year ago, Kim Anderson, a Blacktown local for 45 years, had it on her heart to reignite the SRE ministry in her area. She contacted Youthworks Ministry Support Advisor Annemarie Rivers, who met with Kim to answer all her questions about the role and what was required to run SRE smoothly in her four local schools.
Kim was aware there were sometimes challenges in recruiting SRE teachers. However, she was joyfully surprised to discover that each time there’s been a need for a teacher in the team, God has faithfully provided. She shares,
“God has lined it up and convicted them and then they've made time in their busy week to teach SRE. They have the flexibility of working from home a few days a week and they’ve asked their bosses for a long lunch break so they can teach SRE.”
Ministry Support Advisor Annemarie Rivers
The Blacktown SRE team has gone from a few classes to 18 weekly classes and 12 teachers, including more cross-cultural teachers, who are especially beneficial in an area where many students have a language background other than English.
Kim has experienced first-hand the value of having a Youthworks Ministry Support Advisor available to help her be an effective SRE coordinator. Most of the work she does is behind the scenes, ensuring the team is supported with teaching materials, accreditation and any timetabling issues that may arise. She says,
“Annemarie has been absolutely amazing in encouraging and supporting me. She’s always available to help and answer any of my questions, no matter how silly they may seem. I can only do this SRE coordinator role because at any time of day I can text Annemarie and I know within a very reasonably short period of time she will respond.”
One local school hadn't run any SRE for many years as the previous principal had been quite negative about it. Jen Phillips (a Christian SRE representative) and Kim went along to meet with the new principal, who told them straight away, “I'm so glad you organised this meeting as we want to do scripture.”
Kim shares her excitement,
“I feel like this never happens with school principals! Once we started SRE, the principal even visited the classes in the first few weeks – she’s so keen for the students to get into it and see that it's positive.”
Youthworks has a team of Ministry Support Advisors who work across the Sydney and Wollongong areas to train, advise and assist SRE coordinators and teachers to reach children and young people with the good news of Jesus in their local schools. Find out more here.