Scotch College

The Mission Week message was clear

I didn't expect one of the significant contributors to this years MW to be a woman. After all I'd only invited men.

Even when Marit arrived with Songe and Jack, her husband, I wasn't aware that she would contribute. But I'm glad she did. She spoke about her childhood in Norway and her teenage decision for Christ that made her the sole believer in her family. As I listened I realised the boys were listening too, with that intensity they reserve for special moments.

Later one student wrote 'The message was clear. Jesus is there for us , and if we choose to follow him, as I do, we are more than welcome. The main person who stirred my emotions and thoughts was Jack's wife. She was only speaking to us for a brief time, but she really connected with me. Her focus was how to be a Christian and be accepted, especially by your parents and family...I can now see how to be a Christian'.

That guy was so funny

Of Ben Price, a young man with skill at caricaturing a large range of well known personalities, a typical comment was .'That guy was so funny! Does he do that full time?' Ben provided an entertaining reflection on life as it might be if we let the radio, TV and film be our guide. His Arnie characterisations were hilarious.

Personally, I liked his punchline about still working on his impersonation of Jesus. It's good to see a young man prepared to stand up and be counted.

Tim Costello spoke to parents on 'Parenting in the Fast Lane'. With a memorable play on words he spoke of his parents 'Quantity Time' with their children.

The following response was typical of the many comments we received 'It made me wonder if 'Quantity Time' is a thing of the Past?' And, 'You should make the tape of this talk available for parents to listen to it when they're driving.'

The good news is, we have! - Just send $5 payable to 'Scotch College' to the Chaplain's Office. $7 for the video - but, please, not when driving.

Year 11 responses ranged widely

Year 11 responses to MW ranged widely 'Songe, through a comic approach taught us ways of relating to Jesus. Jack also used comedy to advantage, to preach the word of God. I think what he said was very relevant to today's society.'

'I felt what we need instead is some good old fashioned hell-fire preaching.'

'I disagree'

'Jack made me laugh and wince at his stories...one person can make a difference.

A riotous story

Jack told a riotous story about trapping his grandmother when he was a small boy. One student recalled the point about how his fathers anger was defused: 'his sister brought Jack's father upstairs. It took someone who cared to bring them back together. That's the relationship Jesus has with us, we have to go through Jesus to get to God.'

Reflecting on MW overall one year 12 student wrote 'I will remember three sounds from Mission Week 1997 for some time.

Firstly the cautious laughter as Songe read his mother's letter in assembly on Monday morning.

Secondly, the respectful silence as Songe prayed for year 12 in chapel on Wednesday.

Lastly the roar of thanks and goodbye to Songe which shook the Memorial on Friday afternoon.'

My thanks to African Enterprise and all who shared in this year's MW.

Graham Bradbeer