connecting you

It’s Christmas!Immersing children in the greatest story

Rebuilding Nepal Life after the quake for SU Nepal

Inside this edition:

S-You30 years a volunteer

in prayer and action with Scripture Union December 2015 – February 2016

2

Contents 3 Welcome

from National Director, Tim Hastie-Smith

4 Bread for the soulFind out how food banks are providing more than just food this Christmas

12 Polar extremesThis church have gone to new levels to stand out in their community

15 S-YouSarah’s been an SU volunteer for 30 years. Find out why!

18 After the quakeTim Hastie-Smith visits SU Nepal in the wake of the recent devastating earthquake

22 Come and serveTim Hastie-Smith refl ects on what it means to be truly servant hearted

26 And fi nally...What’s your SU story? We’d love to hear it!

26Blessed to be a blessing

Connecting You is the supporter and prayer magazine of Scripture Union England and Wales produced four times a year, bringing together news, features and comments from key volunteers and staff . We aim to keep you in touch with what God is doing through the work you support.

Connecting You magazine is also available online at: www.scriptureunion.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 at the address to the right.

Published by Scripture Union207–209 Queensway, Bletchley,Milton Keynes, MK2 2EB.

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For general enquiriesTel: 01908 856000Fax: 01908 856111info@scriptureunion.org.ukwww.scriptureunion.org.uk

© Scripture Union 2015Registered Charity 213422Limited Company 39828Registered in England and Wales

connecting you

It’s Christmas!Immersing children in the greatest story

Rebuilding Nepal Life after the quake for SU Nepal

Inside this edition:

S-You30 years a volunteer

in prayer and action with Scripture Union December 2015 – February 2016

24339 Connecting You DJF STG2.indd 1 29/10/2015 10:38

4The greatest story ever – as told to a new generation

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Faithful pioneersWelcome to the winter edition of Connecting You

As I write, I’m just back from the annual SU Prayer and Fellowship Conference in Cirencester. It’s known aff ectionately by those who attend as the ‘Golden Oldies Conference’ because

most are long-standing SU supporters with (I would guess) an average age of 80 or more. It is without doubt one of my favourite events of the year because it reminds me of a deep truth about Scripture Union.

You would perhaps forgive these faithful, prayerful people for wanting to spend their time together talking about days gone by, reliving fond memories. But nothing could be further from the truth. Whenever I visit – often along with senior staff from the movement – I’m bombarded by questions about what we’re up to now, and what’s coming next.

I saw it again this week as Maggie Barfi eld passed round a box of Hudl tablets to show off the fantastic new Guardians of Ancora app for 8-11s. They delighted in engaging with it and seeing why it’s become so popular with older children. They saw instantly how the Bible was coming to life in front of them.

Mission to children and young people means we need to be pioneer people, because things change so quickly. Wave after wave grows up and moves on, each one bringing with them new language and trends. This issue of Connecting You is full of more examples of where SU is leading the way in relevant, eff ective mission to the children and young people of today.

But the backbone to all this creativity is the faithfulness of long-term, relational ministry which you make possible through your faithful long-term support. Your support allows our workers to remain in posts far longer than average and really focus on their mission over a period of years, even decades in some cases. There is a sad statistic doing the rounds that, for all kinds of reasons, the average tenure of a youth worker in the UK is just 18 months, but I’m pleased to say that’s not true of most of our workers, and the eff ects of this are clear to see. At a recent event marking 10 years of the work of PSALMS, our local mission partner in Painswick and Stroud, the new Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, spoke fondly of how SU invested in her as a young Christian through holiday camps, the Criccieth Beach Mission and one-on-one mentoring. She spoke movingly of a ‘God moment’ when long-serving SU staff worker Steve Hutchinson arrived that night – the fi rst time she had seen him in 25 years – and prayed that the young people gathered there would also know the care and support which had made such a diff erence to her.

That’s my prayer, too, for every child and young person we’re able to reach, and I want to thank you again for the support you give that makes this possible.

Tim Hastie-SmithNational Director

As I write, I’m just back from the annual SU

Conference in Cirencester.

Last Christmas, thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to distribute thousands of copies of our Christmas Bible Comic, retelling the story of Jesus’ birth. For many of the children who received it, its message of hope came at a vital time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.children who received it, its message of hope came at a vital time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.time – because they received their copy in a food bank parcel.

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The Greatest Story Ever – as told to a new generation!

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Tragically, millions of people in the UK know what it’s like to go hungry. They are often on such tight budgets that if the unexpected happens – redundancy, delays in benefi t payments, or sickness – they fi nd themselves unable to pay for essentials, including food.

Food bank networks have been growing to meet this need. The Trussell Trust is the largest, with over 400 distribution centres providing food parcels to more than 1 million people, over a third of which are children. Being aff ected by poverty at Christmas is particularly hard for children, in these times where the material side of Christmas is extolled at the expense of the spiritual. They truly need to hear the real message of Christmas, to know the hope that Jesus brings and that Christmas is not all about presents.

And that’s why last Christmas we provided the Trussell Trust with 55,000 Christmas Bible Comics which they distributed with family food parcels.

One food bank involved was Merthyr Cynon based in South Wales. Project Manager Cleide Correia explains how the food bank operates. ‘People are referred to us and given vouchers to exchange at one of our centres for food parcels. We provide them with enough food to last at least three days.’

But Cleide and her team off er much more than food for the body. She says, ‘We want to off er bread for the soul too.

‘We want people to leave having experienced a touch of God’s love, and we give them a warm welcome and chat with them over tea and biscuits. They’ll often open up about their other needs, and we’ll signpost them to other local services that might be useful. And if the opportunity arises, we’ll pray with them and share the good news of Jesus – most of our clients are very happy for us to do so.

‘So we were delighted when we received the Scripture Union Christmas Bible Comics to distribute with the food parcels. We

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already include some Christian literature and information about local churches, the groups they run, upcoming Christmas services and so on. But there was nothing specifi cally for the children.

‘If the children come in with the parents to collect the food parcel, one of our volunteers might sit and read the comic with them, whilst other volunteers talk with their parents.

‘One of our clients, a lady, has a son of sixteen. He’s autistic and so he enjoys things that are aimed at younger children. We included a copy of the Christmas Bible Comic in her food parcel last Christmas. And he loved it! His mother made a point of coming back to tell us. “It was so wonderful – he asked me to read it with him over and over again!”’

This Christmas, we want to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with thousands more children, and to really make the Bible come alive for them. So we’re launching a fresh new edition of the Bible Comic where the Christmas story is presented by characters from Guardians of Ancora, our free digital game. There are instructions on how to download the game, which will also feature a brand new Christmas-themed Quest for them to enjoy.

So children who receive this year’s Bible Comic will not only be able to read the greatest story ever told – they will be able to play and experience it too!

Cledia Correia (right), Project Manager, Merthyr Cynon food bank, Wales

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Help thousands more children to understand the real meaning of Christmas this year!This year we plan to help children not only hear the Christmas message, but also read, play and experience the greatest story ever told. We are doing this by:

� NEW for 2015! – Giving children an exciting opportunity to step inside the Christmas story through Guardians of Ancora (our state-of-the-art digital Bible game). This will ensure children everywhere can fully immerse themselves in the Christmas story.

� Hosting hundreds of Christmas Unwrapped events in local schools. These events will enable children to hear the story of Jesus’ birth as they enjoy a re-enactment of the nativity scene.

� Distributing around 60,000 copies of our new Christmas Bible Comics through Christmas Unwrapped events, local food banks, local X:site events, local Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade troops, and via a gift to every child that attended our summer holidays and missions.

There’s no better gift this Christmas than helping a child to discover its real meaning! And it’s not too late to give – just complete the enclosed donation form or go online to www.scriptureunion.org.uk/christmas. Just £10 could help us share the joy and wonder of the Christmas story with 10 children.

Sunday 29As churches and schools across the country prepare to host Christmas presentations, please pray that God will speak through them to the hearts of the children who hear the good news of Jesus, perhaps for the fi rst time.

Monday 30Please pray for our local mission partners and regional teams as they start making Christmas Unwrapped presentations in schools across the country; that God will inspire them to bring alive the real message of Christmas for children and young people.

Tuesday 1 Give thanks to God for the partnership between Scripture Union and the Trussell Trust and for the wonderful opportunity this provides to share the good news of Jesus with children who really need to know the hope that he brings.

Wednesday 2 Please pray for those families who receive food parcels containing a Christmas Bible Comic that they will understand God’s great love for them, and be drawn to fi nd out more about him through their local church this Christmas.

Thursday 3 Thank God for the new opportunities that he has given us to distribute Christmas Bible Comics through local Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade troops across the country, to children attending X:site events and to those who came on SU missions and holidays this summer.

Friday 4 Thank God for providing the resources to develop the Guardians of Ancora digital game and new Christmas Bible Comic. Ask him to speak to the hearts of thousands more children as they read and play so that they might seek to know him personally.

Saturday 5 As Christmas shopping gets underway, pray that families and children will look beyond the commercial side of Christmas to fi nd its true meaning, and that God will speak to their hearts.

Please pray for our ministries this Christmas: Week beginning November 29

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Prayers – week beginning December 6

Sunday 6Hannah Legge, SU Development Worker in the Midland region, has been involved in the annual Urban Saints Shine weekend – a fun-packed weekend for 11- to18-year-old girls, with teaching sessions that deal with the issues teenage girls face every day. Pray that as they go home today they will take with them the life-transforming truths they have explored.

Monday 7Pray for Tim Hastie-Smith, National Director, who left yesterday for Cameroon where he will be speaking at a number of events before returning on Friday, asking God to enable him to bring encouragement and inspiration to staff and volunteers. Please pray for SU ministry in French-speaking Africa and especially for Emmanuel Tojo of SU Cameroon who is playing a vital role in the development of these movements.

Thursday 10Over the next few days many staff, SU local mission partners and volunteers will be presenting the Christmas story to children who have little knowledge of it. Events include Christmas Unwrapped, Southport and Area School’s Worker Trust’s ‘A Not-So-Minion Christmas’, Impact Bedford’s Barn Nativity and a range of activities organised by Christian Unions in sixth form and FE colleges facilitated by local mission partner Festive. Pray that these activities would have a lasting impact on children’s lives.

Friday 11The Guardians of Ancora Christmas Bible Comic is being distributed through regional teams, local mission partners, X:site events and Trussell Trust food banks. Please pray that these comics will have a great impact on the children who read them, and that through them they will discover something of the meaning of Christmas.

Wednesday 9Today the team planning the 2016 SU Conference for regional teams, local mission partners and holiday and mission leaders is meeting. Please pray for them as they draw the programme together that they will understand what God wants to say to the conference delegates and how best to create a programme that will enable people to meet with him.

Saturday 12Star at the Stable, a pop-up mission activity that invites people to dress up as a character from the nativity story and be photographed on their mobile phone, will run in numerous locations around Wales. Pray that those who take part will enter into the story of Jesus’ birth to the extent that the experience stays with them through their Christmas celebrations and that they reflect on God’s love for them.

Tuesday 8Please pray for Geoff Brown, Development Worker in the North East and Yorkshire region, as he continues to deliver the Enable Schools Work course in York. Today is the second of the six teaching days throughout

the year. Please pray that God will equip and enable him as he delivers the training and that the students will gain new insights and skills that will make their ministry more effective.

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Sunday 13Steve Hutchinson, Development Worker in the Midland region, is speaking at Glebe Chapel, Newent today. Pray for him as he speaks about Scripture Union and preaches and as, later in the week, he leads toddlers’ Christmas

specials using the Christmas Bible Storybook and Playmobil figures on Wednesday and Thursday and a Christingle service for all the 3- to 7-year-olds in Hillview School.

Prayers – week beginning December 13

Monday 14Hunsley Christian Youth Trust, one of our local mission partners, has the band BrightLine, based with the Message Trust in Manchester, visiting South Hunsley School this week. The band will take Religious Studies lessons, lead assemblies, and run lunchtime clubs. On Thursday there will be a concert in Riding Hall at South Hunsley. Pray that many students will think about the good news of Jesus and will want to know more.

Wednesday 16In India SU give thanks for the large number of children – sometimes up to 700 at one camp – who attended the five camps in October and November. Pray that what they learnt will stay with them. Please pray too for distribution of next year’s Bible reading notes in English and other languages (Tamil, Malayalam, Oriya, Kannada and Bengali) which needs to be completed by the end of this month.

Tuesday 15Pray for the event admin team as they process the volunteer team applications for Breakthrough, the new year holiday run by the North-East and Yorkshire region. Pray that all the DBS checks are completed in time so that team members can go and help young people have a memorable time of meeting with God over the new year.

Friday 18Oasis Youth Development Trust, an SU local mission partner in Haydock, ask us to pray for the staff and pupils of Haydock High School as they come to church for their carol services in which the young people take part in various ways. Pray that they will come to see the significance of Christmas. Pray also for their safety as over 700 will be making a 20-minute walk along a busy main road.

Thursday 17Our local mission partner, Christian Schools Workers Hastings, have appointed a new part-time worker Peter Howarth and have also added Tasha Calton, a student on the 10:2 Leadership Programme, to the team. They will be devoting next term to Prayer Spaces in schools. Pray that they will be accepted into the secondary academies and that children and young people will see something of the part that God can play in their lives.

Saturday 19In 2017 SU will be celebrating its 150th Jubilee – an opportunity to recognise all that God has done but also to engage with the biblical theme of Jubilee. Please pray for the organising group as they look into the shape of the year, asking that God will enable them to come up with a programme that will have a real impact and will give a clear focus for the future.

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Prayers – week beginning December 20

Sunday 20Give thanks for all those who contribute to Light material and pray for those who will be using it today to look at the visit of the Wise Men to worship King Jesus. As we enter this Christmas week pray that we might all discover again the wonder of God’s grace that we celebrate at Christmas and that SU workers may have a restful and joy-fi lled time.

Monday 21SU activities are totally dependent on volunteers. Thank God for all those who give their time year after year and pray that our fi rst volunteer brochure which went out earlier this month will receive wide distribution and will result in more volunteers coming forward to assist with the increasing demand for holidays and missions.

Thursday 24As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, please pray for the release of the Guardians of Ancora Quest telling the story of the birth of Jesus. Pray that tens of thousands of children around the world experience the Christmas story in a new and exciting way that brings them into a closer relationship with God.

Friday 25Today let us refl ect with gratitude on the love of God shown in the gift of his Son. We give thanks for a plan of salvation that involves a God who takes human fl esh and enters into the world of broken humanity so that he might restore human beings to their true glory.

Wednesday 23Please pray for increased contacts and opportunities across the South West for supporting and developing schools work. There is great need but, with mainly rural communities, fi nding the right opportunities can be challenging. Pray for increasing openings to partner with existing workers who would appreciate support and input.

Saturday 26Many children will have received new digital devices this Christmas. Please pray for eff orts to encourage them to download and play Guardians of Ancora. Pray especially for Robin and Emily, our regional Champions for Guardians of Ancora in the North West region, as they help churches to catch the vision for encouraging children to download the game.

Tuesday 22Scripture Union in Greece write, ‘Pray for wisdom and joy in Christ in the midst of very dark and uncertain times for Greece. Please also pray for the prospect of setting up a platform for a wider ministry concerning refugees and the unescorted children that enter Greece. Pray that God would provide all the resources needed to support this opportunity of ministry.’

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Sunday 27This is the height of mission and residential activity in the southern hemisphere. In Victoria, camps commence this week at Camp Coolamatong, with a Family Camp and a camp for years 11 and 12. Pray that those attending these and other camps throughout Australia will have a memorable experience and wonderful sense of community; for lots of fun, safety and a powerful impact as they engage with God and his Word together.

Prayers – week beginning December 27

Monday 28Please pray for those who tirelessly upload content to our LightLive and SchoolsLive websites. There is much to be uploaded and the work can be quite onerous. Pray that they will get a real sense of the blessing the content will be to both the children’s work leaders running the sessions and the children who will attend.

Wednesday 30Praise God for one of the newest local mission partners, ARCHWAY Trust, which has been formed to share the good news with children and families in Ashton, Roade, Courteenhall, Collingtree and Hartwell in Northamptonshire. Please pray for Sue Clutterham, ARCHWAY Children and Families Worker, as she establishes the work in the primary schools and local communities and plans an Easter Eggstravaganza holiday club.

Tuesday 29The Breakthrough team meets for preparation today with the guests arriving tomorrow. This is a high-energy three days and the young people who come have a range of Christian experience. For team, it can be tiring especially with a New Year’s Eve party that goes on into the early hours, pray for physical strength and energy. Pray that those who come will learn that they can meet God in unexpected ways and places and discover that they can make a difference in our world.

Friday 1A new year is a time of hope and expectation. As we enter 2016 pray that all those who work with SU might have a clear sense of vision and a confidence in God to supply all that they need for the work. Pray that this might be a significant year in the life and work of the movement in England and Wales.

Thursday 31As we prepare to enter another year, please pray that God will give us creativity and imagination to create new resources that will engage children, young people and adults with God’s Word in ways that are both exciting and faithful to the Bible.

Saturday 2EPIC is an inter-church event for 7- to 11-year-olds run by churches on the East Devon/Dorset border with support from SU Development Worker, Esther Stansfield. Pray that the team of volunteers would continue to grow and work well together, especially for the junior team which enables teenagers in the area to connect with others who share their faith, develop leadership skills and discover more of God as they serve.

Giant holiday club igloo is a head-turning hot hit!Thanks to the gifts we receive from people like you, we’re able to create amazing resources such as holiday club programmes to help churches across the country introduce children to Jesus. This year’s Polar Explorers theme really inspired one church to new creative heights!

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The village of New Longton in Lancashire was the birthplace of Peter Purves. So when a 15-foot igloo made entirely of empty milk bottles sprang up around the entrance of the local Methodist church this summer, perhaps some wondered if the former Blue Peter presenter had popped back for a visit…

But this was the creation of retired civil servant and church member Ken Berry, to publicise the church’s forthcoming Polar Explorers holiday club. Ken says, ‘Everyone in the community got involved in collecting empty milk bottles – the local carvery, café, and other organisations. It took 5,000 milk bottles in all!’

Ken constructed the entire edifi ce in sections in his back garden – it took three months and 20,000 blobs of glue. ‘Then the week before the holiday club started, I began wheeling the bits of igloo round to the front of the church on a trolley. It caused quite a stir – the local shop staff came out to see what was going on. As I was putting the sections together, passers-by would stop and ask about it, so I’d tell them, and give them a tour of the church. The igloo became a bit of a local landmark – we got visitors from Lancaster, 25 miles away!’

If you’re fi red up to make your next holiday club a game-changer in how your church engages with your community, you’ll be delighted to know that our next holiday club resources are out now and feature a Guardians of Ancora theme!

Order online at www.scriptureunion.org.uk/shop or by calling 01908 856006.

The igloo certainly succeeded in getting the holiday club some valuable publicity. But it also drew new people to get involved in the church. Two local mums wanted to enrol their children in next year’s holiday club. A local atheist who got involved this year now wants to be a helper. The Hindu son of one of Ken’s old work colleagues asked to be a helper on the team this year, and had so much fun that he and his brother will help again next year. A Sikh business owner asked about how children could join, and other local businesses have also off ered their help and support.

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Prayers – week beginning January 3

Sunday 3In Scotland Scripture Union give thanks for the two centres at Alltnacriche and Lendrick Muir, and for the thousands of children and young people who visit for SU regional weekends, week-long holidays, and school residentials. Pray for Paul Bayton and Michael Cook, centre managers, and ask God to provide the necessary staff.

Monday 4Pray for Wayne Dixon from CCiS, our local mission partner in the Slough area. Today, he will be speaking at the South West Youth Ministry Development Day in Torquay, sharing something of his experience over 27 years as a schools worker and helping people to see how to make the best use of the opportunities that exist in our schools.

Thursday 7We have been looking at improving the way we interact and communicate with our supporters, customers and users in a fast-changing digital environment. Please pray for the Digital Transformation Project team – they ask for good relationships, clear communication and good outcomes.

Wednesday 6Please pray for the ministry support team as they catch up after the Christmas and new year break, whilst also keeping on top of the daily work: Tracey Bell and Michelle Johnson, processing and acknowledging all the donations received; Daniel Baldwin ensuring that all the orders from the website are processed; Jill Taylor and Grace Inwood (customer care) as they catch up on all of the emails and phone messages received and Susannah Quinn (events administration) as she processes new volunteer applications.

Saturday 9Over the years God has provided a succession of national offices for SU in England and Wales. Now we need to find somewhere new as our central base. Pray that once again, God will provide and will lead us to just the right location.

Tuesday 5SU National Director Tim Hastie-Smith will be speaking at the Southern African Gathering of National Leaders in Johannesburg from today, and visiting SU Swaziland returning on 16 January. Please pray for the developing relationship between SU South Africa and the South West regional team, that it will be fruitful and stimulate new ideas and ministry for both movements.

Friday 8Please pray for Richard Witham in his new role as National Sports Mission Leader. Pray that, at the start of this new term, many fruitful relationships and initiatives will develop and flourish, allowing sports ministry to really make an impact in the lives of many children and young people.

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Sarah grew up in a non-Christian family, but when she was sixteen, a teacher told her about Scripture Union holidays and so, with her parents’ permission, she signed up to go on one.

She remembers the exact moment when her life changed for ever.

‘It was on the fourth evening – one of the volunteers challenged me, “are you a Christian or do you just go to church?’” Sarah hadn’t realised that her faith was intellectual and not the ‘real deal’. But by the end of the holiday she had developed a deep relationship with Jesus as her Saviour.

She returned the following year, and the year after. Then she became a volunteer helper on it because, as she says, ‘I really longed for other young people to have that same opportunity to encounter Jesus for real. It’s so exciting to see what God does in their lives – to see their faith blossom and grow, and to watch them become young men and women of God.’

Initially Sarah helped out in the kitchens. Sometimes the kitchen volunteers would put on informal dramas. This gradually became an offi cial part of the holiday until it was so popular that they set up a whole new SU holiday, ‘Curtains Up’. Sarah still volunteers on it today.

‘Volunteering is an adventure you don’t want to miss!’

Through volunteering, Sarah has discovered a talent for developing new initiatives and training young volunteers to run them but being a volunteer has also challenged Sarah and moved her on in her own faith journey.

‘So many of my “fi rsts” came whilst volunteering with SU – the fi rst time I led a Bible study, the fi rst time I coordinated a major worship session, the fi rst time I gave the gospel message – it all happened here. I’ve learned how to be confi dent in living out my faith, and in sharing it with others.’ Today, Sarah is the minister of a church in Sussex.

Her fi nal thought? ‘I think that more churches should send their young people on a Scripture Union holiday as volunteers! It’s such a brilliant way for them to develop their faith as they become adults. It’s good for the churches, and it’s good for the young people too.’

We can’t thank our incredible volunteers enough. Without their dedication, far fewer children and young people would have the chance to discover Jesus for themselves. We spoke to Sarah Bingham, an SU volunteer for 30 years, and found out why she’s given so much of her time.

Inspired by Sarah’s story?Could you or some of the young people in your church follow in Sarah’s footsteps and help change children’s lives? Visit www.scriptureunion.org.uk/countmein call us on 01908 856000 or email lees@scriptureunion.org.uk for more information.

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Prayers – week beginning January 10

Sunday 10Trevor Ranger of local mission partner Synergy visits 15 primary schools each month to lead assemblies; in this academic year he is helping the children to think about people Jesus met. On Tuesday he begins January’s round of assemblies by visiting four schools in and around Chippenham. Pray for clarity in presentation and a good reception on the part of the children.

Monday 11Geoff Brown, Development Worker in the North East, is running three Open the Book information sessions in Newcastle today. The idea is to give people a taster for what Open the Book is and how they might be able to set up an assembly team for their local schools. Pray that many will catch the vision for using this successful and proven way of helping children engage with the Bible.

Thursday 14Scripture Union in the USA praise God for the children who have been reached through recent SuperKids programmes. Pray for the digital outreach through World’s Largest Bible Study, I Need Jesus, World’s Largest Prayer Group and I Want My Kids to Know Jesus Facebook pages with a total reach of over 5 million.

Friday 15Alan Charter has been seconded to Global Children’s Forum which aims to encourage churches and agencies to make evangelism among children a priority. Pray for him as he speaks at the Children Worldwide national conference this weekend and helps in the preparation for the first ‘World Without Orphans’ congress in Thailand from 11 to 14 February, a strategic opportunity to mobilise Christians to care for children at risk.

Wednesday 13The Leadership Team take a broad overview of the Movement’s mission, priorities, people and processes, ensuring that we move forward in line with the vision that God has given us. Pray that God will give them wisdom and direction as they meet today.

Saturday 16Thank God for all that has been achieved through X:site events and their dedicated teams over the years. Swindon and Keighley take place today exploring prayer through Bible stories and personal experience. Drawing in significant numbers of children is a challenge; please pray that there will be a good turnout at both events and that those who come will enjoy the experience, learn more about Jesus and invite their friends to the next event.

Tuesday 12Please pray for Lee Searle, Volunteer Ministry Leader, as he meets with those from other Christian organisations who also have responsibility for running Christian holidays at their annual

conference. Pray that they may understand better how to use the unique experience of a residential holiday to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who do not know him.

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Sunday 17The South West region are seeking to develop a ‘Community Toolkit’ to equip people for work in schools and other areas in their local communities. Pray for a good consultation process that will shape this in the right way and that a really helpful resource will emerge.

Prayers – week beginning January 17

Monday 18Beverley Schools Christian Trust, one of our local mission partners, ask us to pray that their team of volunteers remain full of vision and energy to serve in lunch clubs and prayer spaces, that children would grow in faith and experience of God’s love for them, and that the staff team continue to find inspiration for delivering programmes and preparing resources.

Wednesday 20In West Africa SU now operates with two sub-regions. Praise God for the three very active national movements in the second of these (Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire). Pray for resources to help the other six countries in the area to develop to the point where they become fully fledged SU movements in their own right.

Tuesday 19Thank God for the increasing way in which partnerships between agencies are enabling new ministry to develop and existing ministry to become more effective. Today the South West region have a joint staff meeting with South West Youth Ministries. Pray for a growing understanding and a common vision between the two organisations.

Friday 22The team of the Southwold Mission praise God for an amazing mission last year in which they saw children and adults give their lives to Jesus; in particular, a breakthrough in the life of an adult who has been attending for several years. Pray that those who came to faith will continue to grow in faith. As the team look to this year they ask us to pray for new team members, for a deepening relationship with churches and schools in the area and for God’s guidance.

Thursday 21Sevenoaks Area Youthwork Trust, our local mission partner in Sevenoaks, give thanks for Stefan Reckless and Daren Mountain, recently appointed as part-time youth workers to work alongside Julie Boddinton. Please pray for them in their planning, as they take assemblies and lead lunch clubs in local secondary schools and as they engage in detached youth work at Greatness where young people hang out in the evenings.

Saturday 23Pray for staff workers, workers with local mission partners and others as they plan events for schools in the run up to Easter using resources like Easter Cracked. Ask God to provide the right opportunities and pray that children who come will see beyond the popular confusion about Easter and see something of God’s love.

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My tickets were booked and my bag was almost packed, when I received the tragic news. A massive earthquake had struck the heart of the nation of Nepal. Thousands were feared dead from the initial quake and the aftershocks.

As we worked to establish phone contact with colleagues in Nepal, the news sunk in that our plans would have to go on hold: in just a few days, we had been due to gather with the national leaders, staff and many other friends of the movement to celebrate 25 years of SU Nepal’s ministry. There were now far more pressing matters to attend to.

We later learned that over 9,000 people had lost their lives. Tens of thousands had been injured and many more were made homeless.

A devastating earthquake was not the way Scripture Union Nepal would have chosen to celebrate its 25th anniversary year. But, as Tim Hastie-Smith discovered, the tragedy has highlighted the strength and resilience of this wonderful national movement

Historic monuments were lying in ruins and the already fragile economy had taken a signifi cant hit as tourism dried up.

So it was with some trepidation that I set off this summer for the rescheduled celebrations in Kathmandu. What would I fi nd? A movement in disarray? Fear of the future?

Far from it. As I gathered with the Nepal leaders and team in August, what I discovered was joy, faith and, more than anything else, confi dence that God is truly in control.

Since April, SU Nepal has been leading the way in helping the nation heal – and not in the way you might perhaps expect. While others have focused on clearing rubble

Rebuilding Nepal – one life at a time

2 new SU Nepal staff members paid for with a grant from SU England and Wales

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and repairing buildings, the team has been determined to rebuild young lives.

Aware of the psychological impact that the disaster might have wrought on young hearts and minds, the team’s response was to run camps for kids whose lives have been disrupted – to invest in the spiritual health in those left feeling scared and insecure. Through sharing God’s Word, along with lots of time and love, they are seeing many unchurched children and young people choosing to follow Christ.

This is just one sign of a national movement which is serious about God and about sharing the gospel. Another is the recent appointment of two regional workers, one for the east and one for the west of this geographically challenging nation.

And their vision doesn’t stop with Nepal: National Director Dhruba has a vision to reach beyond its porous borders, to reach Nepalese people wherever they may be. They are also generously supporting other smaller national movements, becoming a catalyst for new ministry elsewhere.

All this is so remarkable when you consider that SU Nepal is only 25 years old – and that Christianity in Nepal is only a few decades older than that. Before it was legal to practise Christianity in Nepal, missionary agencies strategically set up hospitals along the border.

How can I support SU Nepal?Please pray for SU Nepal – especially for openness and responsiveness to the gospel. Camps are making such a difference to children and young people here – pray for the provision of resources and volunteers to run more of these.

Please consider giving to SU Nepal – You can make an online donation at www.scriptureunion.org.uk/nepal or over the phone by ringing 01908 856006

Nepalese people would cross the border into China and India and hear the gospel as they received treatment. It was only after decades of waiting that missionaries were allowed to enter and were free to build on their patient work (pardon the pun!).

Today, the gospel is spreading throughout the nation. Though the official numbers of Christians are low, the reality is that the church is growing fast. Dhruba also leads a small New Testament-style church from his own front room. Signs of life are springing up everywhere.

It’s a story of God having his glory through a faithful people. As a much more well-resourced movement, we are so blessed to be able to encourage, support and learn from them.

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Prayers – week beginning January 24

Sunday 24Praise God for the developing ministry in Colombia especially in Barranquilla, Valledupar and Sincelejo. Pray for the provision of land in Valledupar for use as a campsite which, as well as being a valuable resource for SU ministry, could generate income throughout the year.

Monday 25Last Tuesday we prayed for the partnership between the South West region and South West Youth Ministries. Today Chris Eales, SU Development Worker in the region, is running a training session with some of the South West Youth Ministries trainees as they learn more about working with children and young people. He is covering communications skills. Pray that all who attend will be better equipped to share the good news of Jesus.

Thursday 28Keren Mallinson heads up the mission enabling team which provides the key support functions for all the work that SU is undertaking including finance, HR, IT and the ministry support team (see January 6). Pray for her and the team in this key area of responsibility. Today pray

especially for Dave Parsons and the finance team as they monitor the finances and provide information to the Leadership Team and Board to enable good stewardship of resources.

Wednesday 27Pray for the SU Board, consisting of Trustees and Leadership Team, as it meets today to review priorities, progress and major projects. Prior to this there will be a fundraising review involving some board members. Pray for God’s guidance in all discussions and for great wisdom in knowing how best to relate to supporters and encourage generous giving to support the ministry.

Saturday 30Sticky Faith events encourage the church to think about ways of helping young people to develop a lifelong faith. In Birmingham today the Midlands team are running their 31st Sticky Faith programme. Thank God for those who have already been stimulated and equipped by Sticky Faith and pray that those who attend today will gain fresh impetus. Pray too for X:site Teesside this evening.

Tuesday 26The Trustees of Great Wood, now a local mission partner, would very much value prayer for the decisions they need to make regarding new opportunities for chaplaincy which have recently arisen, and for wisdom regarding the timing and funding of a replacement for the main building on the site.

Friday 29Please pray for Maggie Barfield and Terry Clutterham as they finalise the stories and gameplay for the latest Guardians of Ancora Quest which will tell the story of ‘The Cross and the Resurrection’. Pray that leaders and churches will catch the vision for using the game to take the story of Jesus’ victory to those who do not yet know him. Pray too that partnerships will develop in other countries enabling children to play the game in their own language.

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Sunday 31SU Hungary ask us to pray for Krisztina Borkó, the new editor of Bible reading notes for women. Discipleship Explored (based on Philippians), the new follow-up material to Christianity Explored, should now be available, so please pray that there will be a good take up and a positive reception in the churches.

Prayers – week beginning January 31

Monday 1The Bus Stop is an SU local mission partner in the North East and Yorkshire region. One of their activities is a community cafe every Wednesday on an estate in Selby followed by a youth group in the evening. Emily Finch who heads this up writes, ‘Please pray for good conversations with the people who come and for wisdom in how we share our faith with the young people and the community.’

Wednesday 3Our local mission partner, Faith in Newham, ask us to pray that the work in Plaistow will continue to grow and flourish, with more year groups booking next term, and that there will be more openings into schools in East Ham. Pray too for Christian students in all schools in the area, that their lives and words may make others curious about Jesus.

Tuesday 2On Friday Stort Valley Schools Trust and Bishops Stortford Baptist have Chip Kendall and Jacob Lloyd coming to do a concert. Chip will be joining the team in schools during the day. Pray that many young people will come to the concert as a result of the schools visits and will be challenged to think about the impact of Jesus.

Friday 5Please pray for the SU team who will be at the Hand in Hand conference in Eastbourne this weekend. This conference is designed for those working with children and families and is a great opportunity for us to share news of our ministry with the delegates, as well as deliver seminars and showcase our resources.

Thursday 4Tomorrow a team in the South East region will be delivering the next training evening for Moorlands South East. This is a partnership between Moorlands College, Scripture Union and churches in Kent. It aims to help people to study theology in an accessible way by running the ‘Equipped’ course covering topics such as ‘Who is God?’ and ‘What is Sin?’, one evening per month. Please pray for the team as they deliver this evening’s sessions and for the delegates who will be attending.

Saturday 6As our mail order team arrange the despatch of the April to June Bible reading guides, reaching thousands of people across the globe, pray that these will encourage many in their faith and that more people will seek to hear God’s Word daily through a daily reading guide in digital or printed form.

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Servant-hearted leadership

A few years ago I found myself celebrating a Maundy Thursday communion service in a cold, damp Gloucestershire church. As the passage from John 13 was read out it was as if I was hit by an express train. Those familiar words ran through me, over me, and overwhelmed me. As the foot-washing Christ declares ‘a new commandment I give to you. Love one another as I have loved you’, I found myself shocked and in awe of God’s amazing humility, kindness and love. Of course I knew that ‘Maundy’ is a corruption of the Latin word ‘mandatum’ which means commandment, and that this holy evening when we recall the Last Supper and Jesus’ arrest also reminds us of his great commandment.

Furthermore, I was well aware that as he washed his disciples’ feet Jesus was showing them in graphic terms that just as he acted as their servant at the meal so he would serve the true needs of all mankind on the cross – a clear visual aid for the confused disciples to recall at a later date.

But what struck me overwhelmingly for the fi rst time were the following realisations.

First: When Jesus commands us to love one another as he loves us, he is calling us to a level of servant love that is unprecedented and utterly open-ended. If foot washing and his death on the cross are taken as ‘models’ of his love, we are called to a servant love that knows no limits. It is extreme love that counts service a joy, and a freedom. By demonstrating what love looks like he is showing us the very heart of the Godhead, a Trinity within which love is continually fl owing.

Second: ‘By this all will know that you are my disciples’, is quite explicit. This quality

What does it mean to be truly servant hearted? SU’s National Director, Tim Hastie-Smith, refl ects on this...

of unconditional total love will attract and challenge others. This love will tell others who we serve, and draw them to the one who loves us as a servant. Just as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables is overwhelmed by grace (The Bishop of Digne’s complete love for him) and has his life transformed, so we are invited to live this transformational love. There is a famous letter by Julian the Apostate, who, as Emperor of Rome after Constantine, attempted to restore paganism as the empire’s religion. In it he explains to the Roman Governor in Alexandria that unless the pagans outdid the Christians in acts of love and care for the poor of the city, paganism didn’t stand a chance! The Christians were known for their love to all!

Third: Jesus redefi nes the meaning of greatness, power, leadership and, indeed, the very nature of God as he suff ers on the cross. As the incarnation shows us, God doesn’t pretend to be a man. He fully becomes a human being. And on the cross he doesn’t pretend to suff er. He endures and takes upon himself an eternity of suff ering. We can all too easily allow Good Friday to appear to be Jesus suff ering for the sins of the world for a mere few hours, confi dent of a throne,

Sunday 7We thank you, Lord, that when you came to this earth, you didn’t come with a display of power and domination but in humility and service, and that you made yourself available to all.

Monday 8Father God, we praise you for your unconditional love, shown in the person of Jesus, the Suffering Servant, who freely went to the cross making the ultimate sacrifice and paying the penalty for our sins.

Tuesday 9Lord, we pray that all those who work with Scripture Union around the world might follow the example of Jesus and might show genuine humility and serve faithfully and generously.

Wednesday 10Thank you, Gracious God, for all those who have shown us love and have served us over the years. Thank you too for all those who have served you through the work of Scripture Union over the years.

Thursday 11Father, we pray for all those who are preparing to serve on Scripture Union activities this year; help them to know what it means to serve others and give them a real joy in knowing that they are preparing to serve you and others.

Friday 12Father God, we ask that we might discover afresh your great love for us and that in doing so we may be filled with love for others.

Saturday 13We sometimes find it hard, Father, to love as you have loved us. Please forgive us and continue the transforming work of your Spirit in our lives.

Week beginning February 5Reflective prayers

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a crown and vindication. This is to misunderstand the depth of the ETERNAL suffering God took to himself on the cross. Whilst God is, of course, outside of time, is it too much to say that if Jesus endured eternal suffering, he suffers still? We worship a suffering servant God. We serve the One who serves us. God has utterly redefined what it means to be God. All human constructs of power and leadership are grotesque corruptions of true power and leadership. Leadership is service, which is why at the heart of SU is the invitation to come and serve, that we might become like God. What an invitation!

Back to the Cotswolds – having moved to a different village in January, I was asked to set up a youth club. I declined to do so, but offered instead to run an out of school club for 6- to 11-year-olds which older young people could help to run. To give the young people an opportunity to serve was the most valuable thing we could do. A few weeks on we have a flourishing kids club with a number of young people (and now parents) helping on a regular basis. Some are Christians. Most are not. But in inviting them to join and serve, they have been invited to share in the glory of God. As I observed to one lad who has been to Tajikistan three times to help build the SU camp site there and who runs the football: ‘You are building the kingdom through service. One day you will meet the King. Service teaches us about God’s love.’

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Prayers – week beginning February 14

Sunday 14At this time of year many holiday and mission leaders are turning their attention to the summer programme. Please pray for them as they start to make plans. Pray for wisdom, guidance and clear direction as they consider how they will share the gospel, what their teaching programme should be and how they will equip their teams.

Thursday 18The South West team will be leading the Spring Harvest 5-7s programme at Minehead in 2016, looking at the life of Moses. Pray for team as they develop ideas for presenting the story in a way that will help the children learn more about God and develop a deeper relationship with him. Lianne Smith is leading Explore Together at the same event; pray for her as she prepares.

Thursday 19Bridgebuilder Trust, SU’s local mission partner in Milton Keynes, give thanks for their links with Grand Union Vineyard Church’s Storehouse project, enabling second-hand school uniforms to be given to families in need and ask us to pray for new staff member Natasha Wood who will be working part-time in primary schools. Pray too that God will supply new trustees.

Monday 15Please pray for the half-term activities being organised by the Toxteth Sports Project and the building of good relationships in the community. Pray for Bob Milton, Widnes Sports Minister, as he begins outdoor work again in the parks and multi-use games areas next week. Pray for good sportsmanship and safety and that the young people will be open to the good news as Bob engages them in sporting activities.

Tuesday 16Grantham Christian Ministries became an SU local mission partner in March last year. They support the work of Liz Boland in 15 local primary schools and are running a holiday club this week, starting today and finishing on Thursday. This has previously run in October; please pray that the change will not discourage children from coming and that many will come and hear about God’s love in Jesus.

Wednesday 17Scripture Union in Spain is going through a time of change. David Pritchard retired last year and Secretary General Mega Francisco is about to retire. This represents a challenge for the future. Pray for God to raise up people to serve him through SU.

Saturday 21The Wave Youth and Children’s Ministry in Swanage and surrounding area, a local mission partner in its first year, is supported by all the churches in Swanage and is looking to offer activities for those up to age 18. They have four interns in place, lots of ideas and some financial support but more is needed. Pray that God will supply their needs and that many ministry opportunities will open up for them.

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Sunday 22This week our local mission partner in Cambridgeshire, GenR8, will be working alongside local churches in Bar Hill Community Primary School for two days setting up Inspire Prayer Spaces. On Wednesday and Thursday another local mission partner, Impact, in Bedford, will have prayer spaces for years 3 to 6 at Bedford Modern School. Pray for the impact of these two events on the children and staff in the schools and for the ongoing relationship with the schools.

Prayers – week beginning February 22

Monday 23The East & West Asia region is planning a community group gathering in April 2016. Pray for the leadership team in the region as they coordinate this event. Pray also for the finalising of the venue, schedule and key programme.

Thursday 26Blandford Area Schools Development Trust is a new local mission partner with one worker, Pippa Rossiter. They ask for wisdom as to the next step with at least two possibilities to consider.They give thanks that many children are requesting prayer and that two have expressed a desire to turn towards Jesus following the Go Wild camp and It’s Your Move events.

Tuesday 24The North East and Yorkshire region have been discussing with Urban Saints a new training event which will have a strong missional focus – looking at how we reach out and connect with children and young people. Pray that as they finalise and deliver the programme, God will direct their thoughts and that many will come and catch a new vision for what God can do through them.

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Wednesday 25Please pray for Sara Searle as she takes up her new role as leader of the Impact Holiday, especially as she aims to develop 15- and 16-year-olds and give them valuable experience of Christian ministry that will equip them for future service.

Saturday 28The long-running GreatDayz holiday has a new leadership team for 2016. Please pray for Dave Pearson and Simon & Rachel Pedley as they take over the running of this amazing holiday that presents the good news of Jesus Christ to all the children who attend.

Friday 27United Generation is a youth event in Barnstaple, North Devon for 11- to 18-year-olds, organised by a group of youth leaders from North Devon and attracting up to 150 young people from as many as 20 different churches. It starts with seminars, café and entertainment from 4pm which are followed by worship, games, and a gospel message. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully, that young people will invite their friends and that they would be receptive to the good news.

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What would you do if you were off ered a £10 note with the proviso that you had to spend it to help encourage someone’s walk with God? Would you take it or leave it and, if you took it, how would you spend the money?Back in September, we received a lovely letter from 12-year-old Gregor Watson alongside a £10 donation and a note for us to use the money ‘to help a child go to an SU camp when they cannot aff ord it’. It turns out that the question we posed above is exactly the question Gregor had been asked to consider earlier this summer.

In his letter, Gregor (pictured) explains that ‘my church minister preached about blessing and gave out free £10 notes to people who wanted one’, and goes on to add that ‘we were asked to use it to show God’s love’. Of course, we were delighted with Gregor’s gift and even more delighted that Gregor, who hasn’t (yet!) been on an SU holiday himself, understands our overarching aim for our holidays – to show children and young people God’s love.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Gregor and all of you who’ve supported our holidays programme. We rely on the generous support we receive to ensure we are able to keep providing cost-eff ective, Bible-fi lled and fun-packed residential opportunities. If you would like to help bless a child, just like Gregor did, you can donate online at www.scriptureunion.org.uk/summer2015

Thank you!

And fi nally…Blessed to be a blessing

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in 2017 we will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary and we want you to be part of that celebration! Whether you’re a long-term Scripture Union supporter or you’ve only just found out what we’re all about, we want to hear from you. Over the last 150 years much has changed, but our mission and reason for existence has always remained the same – to share the good news with the next generation – and we know there are some amazing SU ‘good news’ stories out there.

As part of the Jubilee year celebrations, we’re hoping to pull together at least 150 of those stories to capture just a tiny snapshot of the many lives impacted by SU ministry and to demonstrate how faithful God has been to the movement over the years.

What’s your SU story? Did Scripture Union have a massive impact on your Christian faith? Have you or your children heard and responded to the good news at one of our events? Has a resource we’ve provided been invaluable to your own work with children and young people? Whatever your SU good news we’d really love to hear from you.

150 good news stories

Tell us your story by emailing syou@scriptureunion.org.uk or by sending a letter to Eddie Nock, Communications Manager, Scripture Union England and Wales, 207-209 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2EB

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