This week we thought we would update you on the work and progress of SWYM (South West Youth Ministries) in Guernsey and hear how Sarah has found her first year with SWYM!
SWYM Update from Eleanor White
The end of our first year of having a cluster of SWYM trainees on Guernsey seems to be approaching quickly with the final block week of training coming up in June. We’re really pleased that Sophie, Natasha and Sarah are all going to continue training with South West Youth Ministries next year; Sophie and Sarah will be studying towards a degree in Applied Theology and Natasha is going to do a further one year course in leadership called the ‘The Academy’. It has been a fun year of getting to know each other much better as we have met together every week as well as heading to north Devon every half term for SWYM conference.
It has been brilliant to be able to partner with PACE. SWYM’s vision is for every child and young person in our area to encounter Jesus, know him and make a choice to live for more. It is therefore fantastic to have the opportunity to go into schools with PACE and support the team as they seek to communicate Christian values and beliefs and create space to explore faith. As well as supporting PACE individually to do lunch clubs, OT Minis etc (and in Sarah’s case working for PACE!), we have also gone into school together to support PACE each half term including leading prayer spaces and Easter in a Box. This has been fun and gives us a chance to reflect together afterwards as we seek to develop our practice. Last week at Cluster we enjoyed having Lisa lead a session on presentation skills and we are looking forward to learning from the story telling man himself when Phil Baskerville comes to lead some training in a couple of weeks time.
Sarah, Sophie, Natasha and I are going together to a weekend camp called Spree which is run by SWYM at the end of June. Please pray for us and the young people we are taking – camps can be really important markers in a young person’s faith development and we’d love them to take the next step forward in their faith journey.
Next year, we definitely have a new member joining our SWYM cluster but we’re always happy to have more. If you know someone (of any age) who loves Jesus and enjoys working with children and young people – do tell them about SWYM. The one year Be Transformed programme is a great way to learn to serve and be equipped to communicate God’s love to children and young people while based in a local placement.
Love Eleanor (SWYM Area Co-ordinator for Guernsey)
SWYM Update from Sarah
This past year has flown by and I can’t believe we are approaching our last conference in June! I’ve learnt so much doing the Be Transformed course with SWYM. I have seen my confidence grow, my faith deepen and my understanding of the Bible develop through assignments and teaching. I’ve found myself stepping out in faith more than I have done previously. I’ve also loved having such a fantastic support base through the SWYM staff, my mentor, line manager, PACE, my church and Eleanor plus going through it all with wonderful friends. Our weekly cluster is always fun, filled with encouragement and prayer. In September I will be stepping out in faith to begin the degree in Applied Theology, a step I never thought I’d take! Working with PACE and studying alongside gives me a great mix of learning and practical experience. I’m so thankful to be able to continue doing what I love in schools and pursue further education at the same time.
