a Jesus thought...
"Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last." (John 6:27)
a Godly thought...
Bonhoeffer was firmly and rightly convinced that it is not only a Christian right but a Christian duty towards God to oppose tyranny, that is, a government which is no longer based on natural law and the law of God. (p24)
a leading thought...
Opportunities never come to those who wait, they are captured by those who dare to attack. (p36 Newman)
a Dave thought... http://blogs.news.com.au/couriermail/redfrog/
You get a few quizzical looks when you tell people that you are spending a week volunteering at Schoolies.
Let’s face it - “Schoolies” has a certain reputation. And Schoolies on the Gold Coast - well it’s the whole reason that reputation exists. A lot of people would rather stay away from the Gold Coast and not have to risk an encounter with any of the 35,000 freshly graduated Grade 12 students ready to party. However, did you realise there are hundreds of people who, right now, are pr
eparing to give up sleep, give up a week of their time and give up their own schedules to provide support, care and a listening ear to young people testing their freedom.
These volunteers will see and hear a lot. They provide a service that is truly valued by the young people they support. Many parents sleep a little easier knowing someone is looking out for their kids. And the free lollies and pancake breakfasts that are synonymous with the volunteers never go astray!
It’s no doubt Schoolies is slowly changing each year. It has certainly become more organised, and commercialised. The security is stricter than ever this year, with large sections of the beach fenced off each night so that only registered schoolies, and workers, can access the areas. This is to prevent Toolies (older people who prey on Schoolies) from accessing the entertainment areas. It’s all designed to minimise risk, keep people safe and ensure tighter controls.
All of this is noble, but I’m curious. I have to wonder how long Schoolies will continue to hold its appeal as the spontaneous nature of the tradition ebbs. Too many rules, and it’s going to be - well - just like school. How long will those who are celebrating their new freedom be happy to do so from behind a fence?
"Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last." (John 6:27)
a Godly thought...
Bonhoeffer was firmly and rightly convinced that it is not only a Christian right but a Christian duty towards God to oppose tyranny, that is, a government which is no longer based on natural law and the law of God. (p24)
a leading thought...
Opportunities never come to those who wait, they are captured by those who dare to attack. (p36 Newman)
a Dave thought... http://blogs.news.com.au/couriermail/redfrog/
You get a few quizzical looks when you tell people that you are spending a week volunteering at Schoolies.
Let’s face it - “Schoolies” has a certain reputation. And Schoolies on the Gold Coast - well it’s the whole reason that reputation exists. A lot of people would rather stay away from the Gold Coast and not have to risk an encounter with any of the 35,000 freshly graduated Grade 12 students ready to party. However, did you realise there are hundreds of people who, right now, are pr
eparing to give up sleep, give up a week of their time and give up their own schedules to provide support, care and a listening ear to young people testing their freedom.These volunteers will see and hear a lot. They provide a service that is truly valued by the young people they support. Many parents sleep a little easier knowing someone is looking out for their kids. And the free lollies and pancake breakfasts that are synonymous with the volunteers never go astray!
It’s no doubt Schoolies is slowly changing each year. It has certainly become more organised, and commercialised. The security is stricter than ever this year, with large sections of the beach fenced off each night so that only registered schoolies, and workers, can access the areas. This is to prevent Toolies (older people who prey on Schoolies) from accessing the entertainment areas. It’s all designed to minimise risk, keep people safe and ensure tighter controls.
All of this is noble, but I’m curious. I have to wonder how long Schoolies will continue to hold its appeal as the spontaneous nature of the tradition ebbs. Too many rules, and it’s going to be - well - just like school. How long will those who are celebrating their new freedom be happy to do so from behind a fence?
Today is covenant day for 29 of us (Cadets & Lieutenants) who are being commissioned this Sunday. While we will be reflecting, praying and signing a life long covenant there is an incredibly contrasting event happening on the Gold Coast with 35,000 teens. Some decisions these young people will make this week in regards to violence, drug & alcohol consumption and even their virginity will also scar many of them for life.
Please pray for Paul Mergard and the 39 Salvos up there in the Red Frog team who are helping the school leavers have a week worth remembering for the right reasons.
Just a thought.
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