Growing Independence
What made you decide to support/suggest Year 13 as an option for your son/daughter?
The transition from school to tertiary studies or full-time work is a key time when young people often wrestle with important decisions about life and faith. It is a time accompanied by a natural growing independence from parents and we were enthusiastic to see this deep thinking and decision making take place in a supportive Christian environment that would be shaped by a commitment to God’s word and to prayer. Our family had recently returned from long-term missionary service overseas and we were also keen to provide an opportunity for establishing a broad network of Christian friendships.
John & Jodi Lovell - parents of Year 13 Graduates
What do we desire most for our children?
If it is to see them grow in their faith, own it for themselves, and set their life as young adults on a trajectory that clearly puts Jesus first, then committing a year to spend extended time in God’s word, learning and being sharpened by others, and serving in ministry – it just makes a whole lot of sense!
What changes did you notice in them as a result of their involvement in the program?
We noticed a healthy commitment to spiritual disciplines, together with a firm resolve to stick with Jesus and live for him. They clearly grew in their faith and benefited from learning in community, engaging with and respectfully debating different ideas and approaches to important topics with peers from a diverse range of church backgrounds. Their training in different areas of ministry, combined with new opportunities to serve resulted in a greater confidence and willingness to offer to serve in new areas.
What would you say to other parents considering Year 13 as an option for their son/daughter
An important, and perhaps challenging question to ask ourselves as Christian parents is: what do we desire most for our children? If it is to see them grow in their faith, own it for themselves, and set their life as young adults on a trajectory that clearly puts Jesus first, then committing a year to spend extended time in God’s word, learning and being sharpened by others, and serving in ministry – it just makes a whole lot of sense!
Would you recommend the Yr 13 Gap program to others? If so, why?
Absolutely, it has been a tremendous blessing to our children, and we are confident that under God, there will be continued growth and blessings well beyond the 12-month program, thanks to the great foundations that have been laid.