Amid that stressful time of year when students are crazily cramming and exam-ing in an effort to earn their VCE/VCAL, many Baptist churches around Victoria have put in a special effort to offer their support.
Pastors shared a wide range of ideas on how to encourage students as each church works in its own context.
Prayer was naturally the top priority, as youth leaders across the state uplifted the needs of their young people before our Almighty God during this stressful time.
At Hope Revolution Church in Officer, leader Sam Crotty organised a Pancake Parlour visit for each student along with two leaders. This gave the young people an opportunity to share about exam preparation and to receive prayer and encouragement.
Essendon Baptist Church put together a survival study pack in the September school holidays, containing a Bible verse, handwritten cards, blank study cards, giant stress ball, stationery items and a pack of the students’ favourite snacks. Youth Pastor Laura Riessen said, “Students LOVE getting the survival packs and are really touched that we went to the trouble of organising them.”
New Peninsula Baptist Church’s similar study/survival packs included lollies, snacks, highlighters, sticky notes and boredom busters such as fidget spinners and games. They also contained a handwritten card on behalf of the church family, promising to pray for students over the exam season.
NPBC Youth and Young Adults Pastor Andrew Simpson said, “Even though the gift itself wasn’t very significant or expensive, the thought that the church was thinking of them during a pretty stressful time in their life meant a great deal. I’m aware of the significance of this transition time in terms of life stage, but it’s also a season where young people can disconnect from church community – this gesture is also part of a wider strategy to help young people make the transition into the next season of their life in church community too – whether it’s part of the young adults community or serving on a ministry team. Knowing that they’re seen, heard and understood helps us keep them connected because it’s a place that cares about them.”
Youth Coordinator Alex Capp, of New Community Ringwood, said students received a pack including a book to encourage each of them in their faith.
“We had a time at the end of church praying for our Year 12s, and then a time afterward where we invited parents, friends and anyone else from the wider church family to join us praying individually for the Year 12s, which the parents especially seemed to appreciate.”
At Syndal Baptist Church, Youth Pastor Way Lim put together a schedule of exams so that leaders and others could pray for the young people on their specific exam days.