“We just thought we’d raise our hands”

Sibling volunteer leaders reflect on the newfound joy of bringing God’s big story to children and young people.

Many of our volunteers, supporters, and prayer partners have a long-standing relationship with SU Australia (we see you faithfully reading along there, thank you so much for all the incredible work you do to continue to make this work possible!)

It’s exciting to see that as we reach a growing number of communities across Australia, more and more young people are joining the SU family, and helping other young people discover life in God’s big story!

Meet siblings Abby and Jude Lazarus, who volunteered as leaders for the first time in 2024. And yes, don’t worry, they are well aware of their uncannily biblical surname.

Nineteen-year-old Abby began helping out with SUPA clubs earlier this year.

“My pastor said there was an opportunity to volunteer with SU, and it would be working around primary school to high school kids, and that interested me because I’d just been getting into kid’s church and helping out in Sunday school,” reflects first-year University student Abby.

“From there I started getting involved with lunchtime programs – SUPA clubs – and I’d been serving for maybe a few weeks and the holiday program got brought up and it all fell into place.”
Abby jumped in with both feet and found the risk well worth it.

“The biggest thing for me was being nervous. Could I handle volunteering with kids? It can be a bit scary when you haven’t hung around a lot of younger kids in a while…But I think once you go you’ll find it very fulfilling…I did,” reflects Abby.

Abby was impressed by the level of enthusiasm displayed by the kids, not just for games – the camp being SUPA Sports camp, there was something to interest every active kid – but also for discovering God.

Abby gave a talk on Esther, one of her biblical heroes, and was pleased with the discussion afterwards.

“It was encouraging to see how much the kids were learning from the talks. It wasn’t just going to fall on deaf ears…I was very surprised to see how well they were able to think of scenarios to apply the message,” says Abby.

Abby’s personal faith too was stretched as she spent time with the children.

“They ask such deep questions. It definitely gets you to think about your own relationship with God,” she reflects.

Abby’s older brother Jude, 20, also volunteered at camp. He played the role of MC, gave one of the talks on John the Baptist, and led a small group of Year 6 children.

Like Abby, Jude found the camp gave back to him, growing his sense of character and accountability.

“It definitely adds a lot of responsibility to you, acting in a good way to be an example to the kids,” says Jude.

Volunteers like Abby and Jude are the backbone of SU Australia. Whether old or young, new or experienced, on the ground in the mud, or behind the scenes on your knees, everyone has a vital role to play in bringing God’s big story to more and more children, young people and families.

Thank you for raising your hands with us.