God, give me the right words

Family Camp North 2025

Sometimes, situations arise that feel far too big to handle—and that’s exactly how *Murray, a volunteer SU team member at Family Camp North 2025, felt one afternoon at camp. He found himself face-to-face with a teenager in the middle of a personal crisis, and at that moment, Murray had no idea what to say.

All he could do was pray: “God, give me the right words.”

And God answered.

With a calmness he knew wasn’t his, Murray began to share parts of his own life—his struggles, his mistakes, and the hope he’d found in Jesus.

To his surprise, the young person leaned in, listening closely. Murray’s honesty helped build a connection. As the conversation unfolded, it moved from shared experiences to deeper truths—how Jesus had made a real difference in Murray’s life, and how He could do the same for this teenager.

By God’s grace, what began as a tense and fragile moment turned into a powerful exchange. The teen left that conversation not just with comfort and practical next steps, but with a glimpse of something greater: a God who loves him deeply and personally.

God had stepped in—right on time, with the right words.

Family Camp North is just one SU Australia camp of many that run every year, and Murray is just one (very valuable) volunteer. As we head into the Spring camping season, how many children and young people are out there in need of a listening ear and a word of encouragement?

Perhaps you have volunteered on an SU Australia camp before, or are considering volunteering for the first time, but you are worried you don’t have what it takes, or that you aren’t ready? Murray’s story reminds us all that it is God’s strength within us that allows us to serve or make a difference. If you want to know more about volunteering on camps, please visit su.org.au/camps

(*Name changed for privacy reasons)