Media release: On a mission!

A group of Christian young people is set for the experience of a lifetime as they embark on a 6-month mission to South Africa. The 16-strong team is part of Scripture Union’s Action Abroad placement scheme, where Christian volunteers serve in local and often under-privileged community.

The team left on Saturday and once they have been housed in different regions of the country, they will begin to teach lifeskills to local children including AIDS orphans, run children’s and young people’s camps, take classes in schools, and learn about living in a different culture.

Hannah Mills, 18, of St John’s Church, Harbourne is excited about the placement: ‘I used to live in Africa and I’m really looking forward to returning to help children out there. I can’t think of a better way of spending my gap year!’ Helen Whittaker, also 18, who attends St Andrews Church in Histon and All Saints Church in Milton added: ‘I want to help the children and young people in whatever way I can and I hope that the experience will bring me closer to God.’

Scripture Union’s International Placements Manager, organiser of Action Abroad placements, says the experience will have a positive impact on the group. ‘It’s wonderful to see the changes in the volunteers when they return. They leave expecting to give so much, but when they come back they realise how much they have been transformed themselves.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1) For more information please contact Scripture Union’s media officer: Adam Petrie on 01908 856030 or 01908 856161. Email: adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk

2) Action Abroad is a 6-month placement scheme with volunteers between the ages of 18-30 serving with other Scripture Union movements in Australia, France, India, Peru, South Africa, Singapore and Uganda.

3) Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 140 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families, and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer