We have been without a full time staff member in Banbridge since summer 2024. However, through great partnerships with churches and with the energy of staff, volunteers and our amazing intern Alex Morrison, we have been able to run a full DISCIPLES and TEAMS programme, discipling over 50 young people this year.
Even with all that support, when a teacher from St Patrick’s College reached out in November, I realised that I had no choice but to go back to school!
When I started working for Exodus in 2005 I often found myself in classrooms and assemblies inviting young people to join TEAMS. Those days now feel like a distant memory, and so it was with a mixture of enthusiasm and nervous anticipation that I agreed to take a group of sixth form students through the SOAR course.
SOAR is our classroom based “self-leadership” programme. It sits within the Learning for Life and Work Curriculum and is certified by Stranmillis College. Over the course of 6 weeks pupils cover topics considering their values, personality, health and habits as well as exploring skills in listening & resilience. We are thrilled to have had over 100 SOAR classes running since September.
I was thankful to have Alex at my side, and it really was a delight to be amongst this small group of young people. I was struck by their openness to the course content and their desire to grow. It felt significant to offer them a taste of the community & encouragement we are familiar with in our churches and home groups.
As I look ahead I would ask you to pray for God to provide an individual who will lead our work in Banbridge.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about SOAR or enquire about bringing it to your school you can do so by filling out the form on this page.