Your support for SRE sows seeds of faith that flourish for generations.

Special Religious Education (SRE) has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people, including Sam Jensen. Her story is a testament to how SRE not only changes lives in the present but also sows seeds of faith that flourish for generations.

Sam’s journey to knowing God began in attending Mass with her grandmother. As a child, she grappled with uncertainty and a sense of disconnection. "It was all very confusing," Sam reminisces.

It wasn't until Sam attended SRE in year 4 that her understanding of God began to take shape…

"SRE was a core memory for me," she says. "I was invited to a kids' club at the local church, and it was the partnership between my scripture teacher and the church that made a significant impact on me."

This partnership created a welcoming environment where Sam felt seen, cared for, and intrigued by the stories of the Bible. Sam’s early encounters with SRE were particularly meaningful during a turbulent period in her life. She says,

"Year 4 was an awful time… I remember watching 'The Prince of Egypt' in SRE and thinking how sad it was how the Israelites were suffering, but seeing how very real and present God was for them all as he brought them out of Egypt. The plagues sounded awful, but it made God seem so real to me. It was a time when I cried out to God amidst the sadness and chaos."

The support and kindness of her SRE teachers and church community provided Sam with a sense of belonging and hope. She says,

"These were people who wanted to know me and cared about me, it made me more and more interested in God and what they believed in."

For Sam, SRE was the starting point of a lifelong relationship with God. From attending Friday afternoon kids' clubs to being actively involved in youth group throughout high school, Sam's faith continued to grow. She says,

"Youth group was a place where I felt known and loved and the Bible was taught so well, and I could ask a million questions without feeling stupid."

Even when Sam drifted away from her faith after leaving school, the foundation laid by SRE remained.

"I spent a few years living far away from Christ, feeling lost and confused," she admits. "But it was God who welcomed me home and into the forgiveness won by Jesus' life, death, and resurrection."

Today, Sam's commitment to SRE continues as she raises her own children. Three of her four sons attend their local primary school, where they participate in SRE. "They absolutely love it, I'm so thankful for the partnership we have with SRE teachers in raising our boys to know and love the Lord."

Sam's story underscores the generational impact of SRE. What started as a source of personal growth for her has now extended to her children. Her prayer for young people today is heartfelt and sincere: "That God would lift the hearts and minds of our young people to see Him, repent, and believe. I pray regularly for Christian mentors and role models for my sons and other young people in our lives."

Sam's journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of SRE, made possible through the generous donations of supporters like you.

Your contributions are not just changing individual lives but are also creating a ripple effect that spans generations. By supporting SRE, you are investing in a future where young people can explore God’s word, have their questions answered and flourish in their faith journey for life.