Family Missions
Family Missions 2008-9
Scripture Union Missions have been a part of South Australian holiday outreach for over 60 years. Although the shape and programs involved have changed over that time, the purpose is still the same – to connect with children, young people and families on holidays for fun, relationships and to explore the Christian faith.
Over a thousand people encounter the missions in one of five or more locations each year and their responses to the volunteers running the week-long programs virtually free of charge are overwhelmingly positive.
New programs and teams are starting up each year in locations all around the state in urban, regional and remote locations. Do you have a local or holiday community in mind for a new mission? The Missions Department of Scripture Union SA has a number ofoutreach programs that can operate at any time of the year.
SUFMs
The most well known of these are the Family Missions (SUFM’s), more commonly known as Beach Missions. These generally run over a five to ten day period with a series of programs for the people in that location to can get themselves involved in. Family Missions are well organised, and have a well-trained and prepared teams that manage them. The next Summer season of missions will be happening in
- Tumby Bay
- Port Elliot
- Moana
- Victor Harbor
- Port Vincent
- Port MacDonnell
- Keith (at Easter)
Other programs, such as holiday programs for children and town show displays and activities, are also supported by SU Missions. For help, advice or assistance in training contact SU Missions.
Community Outreach
Scripture Union SA Missions is branching into a different way of doing mission. We believe that mission and outreach programs are most effective when they occur in the context of ongoing relationships, and people 'journeying' together. So this is a move into long-term, incarnational mission, where people, groups and churches become involved in communities, sharing in the lives of those with whom they seek to share the Good News. However, we also believe that these relationships must go the next step of introducing people to what faith is and the person and work of Jesus.
These programs are designed for local communities, including those in particular need in our communities. Depending on the volunteers involved these programs may include making housing available for those who need it, feeding hungry people, running children and youth activities which illicit a sense of self worth and purpose, presenting wider community events, helping elderly people in practical ways, even backyard blitzes and the like.
SUSA is right now seeking to build teams that will bridge the gap between the church and the local community. Any project focussed on meeting local needs and with the intent of sharing the gospel is a project of interest to us in helping to put legs on the desire of people to reach their community with the life and message of Jesus Christ.
For more information
For further details on SUSA Family Missions, email missions@sa.su.org.au.