Eloise remembered SRE when she lost all hope

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world,” – C.S. Lewis.

There is something so powerful about that realisation that comes from knowing there is more to this life than what we can see with the naked eye. Even more so when we discover that there is a God who loves us and has a plan for us. 

This moment of revelation came for Eloise* when she attempted to commit suicide – but miraculously survived. In that moment, she knew there was something more to live for.

Local SRE teacher, Jennie, remembers meeting Eloise as a teenager attending a local youth group.

“Her home life was very difficult, and I remember [Eloise] saying that SRE classes were the best thing in her life at the time,” recalls Jennie.

“She loved to listen to the stories, and hear about God. Fast-forward ten years, and this same girl tried to commit suicide by throwing herself in front of a train. The paramedics who arrived at the scene couldn’t believe she’d lived.”

“It was from that place that she went back to her SRE days, and knew there must be a God and made the decision to surrender her life to him.”

Jennie and Eloise have stayed in contact over the years, and Eloise has since had children herself. 

For Jennie, Eloise’s story is a powerful reminder about the difference this work can make in the lives of our young people. 

“In SRE class, we talk about things that give kids hope. It encourages them that there is meaning in the world, and gives them something to hold on to,” says Jennie.

“You know how Moses’ face shone when he came down from the mountain because he reflected God? I do think SRE teachers reflect God’s love in a special way. The kids simply love their teachers.”

“The kids know you want a future for them, and that you want them to have a hope for eternity.”

“I’ve always had a love for teaching, and I figure there’s no more important subject matter than sharing knowledge about God.”

Thank you for sharing our heart to share the Good News with more young people like Eloise who need to hear it. To keep this life-changing work going, visit donate.generate.org.au. 

*Name has been changed for privacy reasons.