In May, CRU’s biennial Teachers’ Conferences, held in New South Wales and Western Australia, provided a wonderful opportunity for teachers and chaplains to be spurred on in their faith and ministry. The events saw over 180 faithful teachers and chaplains representing schools from five states.
Attendees at the NSW Conference gathered together to be refreshed and inspired by the theme: ‘Prayer – Inspiring a new generation,’ which focused on encouraging them to see prayer grow in their lunchtime CRU Groups and school communities.
With Bible readings from Matthew 7 and John 15, and a talk from Rev. Simon Flinders on ‘The Privilege of Prayer,’ listeners were reminded of our reliance on God, the immense gift it is to be able to approach Him in prayer, and the peace and delight we ought to feel as we pray to our sovereign Father.
Attendees also chose from a number of interactive workshops and electives covering various topics relating to prayer, the pressures on young people, and fresh ideas for CRU Groups and chapels in schools.
The CRU West Teachers’ Conference saw 70 teachers and chaplains from all around Western Australia eager to be encouraged to serve God in their role at school and inspired to grow their students for eternity. The Bible reading was from 1 Corinthians 15 and the keynote was delivered by Dr Rory Shiner. The day included electives such as making chapel engaging, tackling tricky questions, the A-Z of starting and running a CRU Group and more.
We thank God for His goodness and powerful work that He is doing through many faithful teachers and chaplains in schools across Australia. We pray that the conferences inspired them, their students, and their school communities to grow in prayer and find great joy knowing that God loves to hear them!
Here’s some lovely feedback we received from the CRU Teachers’ Conferences:
“It was really encouraging to hear all that God is doing in other schools because so often we can get easily caught up in what is happening in our day-to-day. It was great to have the time to have my perspective broadened and reset to see the work of so many faithful people in the building of God's Kingdom in so many schools!”
– Emily Braga, William Clarke College, NSW
“I cannot thank you enough for the attention to detail, the professionalism, and the warmth from all staff. It is a pleasure to attend a conference where you feel appreciated and valued and can also grow and learn in a meaningful and practical manner.”
– Jennie White, Scots All Saints College Bathurst, NSW
“Thanks for an engaging, encouraging and resource-rich day! We’re always feeling pushed for time and your resource equipping is such a blessing!”
– Beck Gough, St Michael’s Collegiate, TAS
“A highlight was meeting, praying and connecting with other teachers and chaplains in the think tanks. Overall, the day refocused and re-energised me for the task of teaching and ministering to students.”
– Cale Van Asselt, Methodist Ladies’ College, WA