Preparing For a New Year

Well, we come to the end of another year. I'll keep this update shorter as there will be much more to say at the Partnership Evening next Thursday.

Many of you have been asking if there is less to do now the semester is over. In some ways yes, but also no. Most of my hours during the semester are spent meeting with students which doesn't leave much time to plan. So while I now get a break from students, this is the time to get ahead for next year. My main tasks at the moment are organising Kickstart, NTE, National Mission, and connecting with local churches.

Back in October, we elected the following students to come on board and make up next year's leadership. Please encourage them as you see them. In the new year, I'll take them away for a retreat with this year's leaders. This will be spent getting to know each other well and to cast a vision for the year.

For me, next year will be fairly similar to this year working with both The Branch and AFES. I am however seeking to increase my time with AFES by an additional half day. I hope to use this for more planning time during the semester and to regularly read the Bible with another student.

This will require me to also increase my financial support. Currently, this would involve finding at least an extra $7,200 for the year. To put that into perspective, this might look like 6 new people giving $100 a month.

Thank you to everyone who already supports me financially. I am overwhelmed by your generosity in supporting me this way. Being on the receiving end has encouraged and challenged me to think about how I use my own treasurers for God's kingdom.

As you reflect on your budget for next year, can I encourage you to consider if you can or should be giving more or less? I understand for some the constant increase in living costs will make this difficult, so please only give if you are in a position to do so.

End of Year BBQ

Saturday we have our End of Year BBQ. Now that the College Exams are also nearly finished we are hoping to also invite any year 12's who may be considering Uni next year.

If you know anyone in your church who is finishing school, please let them know about this. It would be great to connect them as early as possible. Even if they are planning to go interstate this would be a good chance to introduce them to another AFES group.