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ICQThis year has witnessed an explosion of opportunities and involvement in many secondary schools throughout the Bristol region. Sensing this current growth in openings, the work has been further encouraged, with the development of a year team comprising of three young people, Zoe Williams, Suzie Gardener and Matt Smith. These volunteers have been an invaluable asset multiplying not only our ability to increase our outreach but also each bringing new skills, ideas and resources.
In these past months together we have led a multitude of assemblies, lessons and perhaps most excitingly a new generation of Christian Unions, resourced and encouraged by us, but led, shaped and run by young people committed to seeing their school impacted and touched by the power of the gospel.
Several schools have given us the chance to support Christian Unions by running “mission weeks” with assemblies, lessons and lunchtime activities carrying the message of Jesus. One of our high priorities has been the principal of partnership and so it has been fantastic to work in unity with local youth workers and churches.
Whilst working frequently as practitioners with the region another key element for our team has been the development and training of others. Our heart has been to equip and encourage all those with a heart for schools work. In the light of this “Uplink” – a monthly training, equipping and resourcing meeting was established. Its goal is to provide a regular meeting point to share experiences, to network ideas and to pray for one another in our witness. This meeting has been aimed at both youth and church workers but also for teenage Christian Union leaders or for those with a heart to see a CU established in their school or college. Without doubt, what we have witnessed this year and have been engaged in is but the tip of an iceberg. Hundreds of young people with a passion for Jesus throughout the Bristol region are longing for their places of learning to experience the real truth of the gospel transforming lives.
Please pray for them in what is increasingly a totally secular environment. Pray for the witness of Christian staff members and for the wisdom and energy of a new generation of emergent leaders.
We currently have unparalleled opportunities in this country to be a Christian voice in our schools, please pray that churches will take every chance to make the most of these opportunities and support those working for Christ in these centres of learning.
Tim Buckley
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