Chappy’s my best friend!

Everyday, you help chaplains meet young people exactly where they are at. Below, Gold Coast chaplain Callum shares a story showing just how important this is.

“Do you think he’ll help us?” I heard Jonah’s* mate whisper as they came into the support room to borrow a football.

“Of course he will,” Jonah replied. “Chappy’s my best friend!”

With a bit of back story, you might get a hint of why having a trusted adult is invaluable for an eight-year-old child like Jonah.

Jonah lives with his grandparents. He loves his Dad and very much looks forward to his visits, but unfortunately these don’t always work out.

Here are three ways I’m able to come alongside and help Jonah as a chaplain.

Spending time doing things that he likes

Jonah is into Rugby League. So when we catch up we throw the old pigskin around as we chat … and Jonah loves it!

Giving him opportunities to share his feelings

I’m not a trained counsellor, but I can give space to let Jonah talk about hurts that he brings up once he feels like he is in a safe space.

Reinforce truths about who Jonah is

One of my main missions at the school is to show kids that they are valuable, despite what they do or what might make them feel otherwise.

I’m just so grateful for your support and encouragement in this mission to support kids like Jonah.

*Name has been changed for anonymity.