SU Coola interns serve community in the NT

SU Australia’s vision is to reach every child, young person, and family in Australia—but can we actually achieve that? 

With God, we know all things are possible! 

One door he has opened for us to achieve this vision is the opportunity to develop cross-state partnerships, which are now even easier as a unified national movement. 

Our Camp Coolamatong team’s annual trip from Victoria to the Northern Territory is just one example of these partnerships, which provides support to our local teams delivering ministry in regional and remote communities, while giving our young Coola team opportunities for cross-cultural learning and service.

“Having this partnership really helps us out, because we don’t have the population base to always make these programs happen,” says SU Australia NT & Kimberley Regional Manager, Ox. 

“Eight out of ten young adults in the NT leave to go interstate for university. Many never return, so we have a massive void of 18-25 year olds, particularly in churches.” 

For SU Coola intern Mitch, supporting our NT teams was an awesome opportunity for service, cross-cultural learning, and growing together as a team, he says. 

“You could see on the kids’ faces it was pretty massive for them,” says Mitch. “They certainly felt the love of Jesus from us. It was really powerful and special.”

Being able to run these programs with extra help means that our NT team can help encourage the next generation of volunteers.

“We have a number of young leaders in Katherine who were participants a few years ago, but now they’re 14-year-old junior leaders,” says Ox. “It’s a highlight of their year, and hopefully, when they finish high school, they’re so connected to wanting to serve that it becomes a part of their life.”

This collaboration, now in its fifth year, is about investing in rural and remote communities over a long time, says Ox. 

One parent shared the following with Ox after this year’s program. 

“Thanks to SU and the local churches for running Kids Games here in Katherine. 

“Two years ago, our middle daughter made a decision to follow Jesus at Kids Games, and it was such a pivotal moment in her life. 

“She hasn’t forgotten, and it’s really made a difference in how she now lives her life. Thank you.”

To find out more about SU Australia internship opportunities, visit
suwa.org.au/training/internships (WA)
or suvic.org.au/get-involved/internships (VIC)