Jesus Club at St Michael’s is a group for adults with an intellectual disability. Leaders and members enjoy growing in friendship together, and the delight it is to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus.
There were lots of encouragements at Jesus Club during 2024. We saw our members grow in number and maturity. Growing in confidence in interacting, singing, praying, and most of all their understanding of Jesus. Each week we do a craft based on the teaching from the Bible, and we were so pleased to learn that some of our members keep and collect these crafts as treasured items, reminding them of the key truths we have been learning.
We are truly thankful to God for the way he has provided in every way for our ministry, and that he in his power and kindness draws all sorts of people to himself through the word and the spirit. One parent put it beautifully:
‘For N* to know God’s love through your loving team and then for God to show him how to have his own relationship with Jesus through your meetings, is really divine intervention.’
Jesus Club parent
We are truly grateful for the support of the church family who faithfully pray for Jesus Club. We are thankful also for those who provide transport and those who generously provide supper. Supper is an important time of growing friendship with one another – members, parents, carers and leaders. If you would like to join this team of supper providers, please let us know!
Something exciting we did last year was the ‘Take a mate’ campaign. The aim was to raise awareness of Jesus Club Wollongong and make contact with people who may like to consider coming along. With local cafes and sporting teams (WNRL and the Hawks) we saw many take advantage of a free beverage and time spent with friends in the community. It was a wonderful opportunity to partner also with the Disability Trust and Choice Mental Health in promoting ‘Jesus Club’. We are thankful to Michael Lavilles who has a heart for what we do at Jesus Club and created this unique opportunity.
We are now getting ready for a new year, seeking to commend Jesus and make him known in all we do at Jesus Club. We would be grateful for your partnership in prayer as we prepare and begin early February.
Anna Smith
Jesus Club Co-ordinator