It sounds like another year of school, but ‘Year 13’ couldn’t be more different.
This one-year program is a Christian discipleship gap year for school leavers, designed to grow faith and knowledge of Jesus and prepare us for the future.
We read the entire Bible, undergo theological training through completing six subjects of a Diploma of Christian Studies and are confronted with the challenges and joys of overseas mission through a month-long trip to Fiji.
The program will allow me to serve in my churches, participate in camping ministry, develop life skills (such as first aid and driving safety) and become financially wise through part-time work.
As a recent school leaver, I could have jumped straight into study or work, but instead I’ve decided to defer my university degree to undergo this gap year in ministry.
I’m particularly looking forward to belonging to a community of teenagers who are passionate about Jesus and truly seeing how God works around the globe through the Fijian Mission trip.
Ultimately, through the Holy Spirit, I am looking forward to growing in my understanding of God’s word and particularly ethics and apologetics so that when I have discussions with non-Christians, I can share what the Bible says and reflect it through my actions.
This year, I will focus on children and youth ministries in our churches. I plan to teach SRE at Oak Flats High, lead at Andy’s Club, continue serving the young girls at CHAOS and lead the kids’ program at Jamberoo 5pm.
I am so excited about this new venture, and ask that you would pray that as the program begins in February, I might be eager to learn and serve at church and abroad.
Liana McNeill