From little things, big faith grows

Have you ever tried to do a puzzle without all the pieces? Or perhaps you’ve caught the middle of a movie and had no idea how it might end? It can be hard to imagine how things might turn out when you’re only given a glimpse of the big picture. 

The SU volunteers and chaplains that journeyed with Jess*, know this feeling all too well.

Jess first encountered SU in Year 3 when she was part of a group that met with Silja, the school chaplain. She was the oldest of five siblings and her family faced many challenges. With the support of the school’s chaplaincy committee and encouragement from her principal, Jess attended her first SUPA Camp the following year. 

During her time in primary school, Jess was never without a school chaplain looking out for her. Her siblings later attended SU camps and after-school programs as well, and their family formed connections with SU volunteers and a local church. 

Life, however, became more challenging for Jess. High school is never an easy journey and without the constancy of her primary school chaplains, it can be difficult to find the right support. Jess wasn’t able to complete high school, leaving in Year 10 after becoming pregnant. 

Despite the weight of her situation (including a short period of homelessness), Jess’ connections with SU held firm and key members continued to provide her with support. 

One SU member recounts the joy she felt when she reconnected with Jess.

“I was sad because I thought we had lost contact but it was good and reassuring to find out that some SU people were instrumental in helping her through this tough time. How surprised was I when Jess, as a glowing young woman, turned up at church one Sunday morning with a beautiful toddler in tow!”

Today, Jess is living independently and studying to become a nurse. She and her toddler attend the same local church she connected with all those years ago. 

At her baptism, Jess shared her story and recounted the many people and connections that all contributed to her journey to faith. 

Jesus told his disciples: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

It’s not always a single earth-shattering event that changes lives. Sometimes, it’s the culmination of countless acts of service that reveals God’s consistent love for us. The endeavours of many that enable faith to bloom. 

We may not always see the fruit of our work, but the moments of love and care we give to someone, however small, can have a lasting impact. 

*Name changed for privacy.

Thank you for enabling school chaplains and other ministries to meet young people where they are at and support them through life’s challenges. To contribute to these vital ministries, head to www.su.org.au/donate.