Ministry

In the past week, students at Endeavour marked the beginning of a significant occasion in the Christian Calendar. 

On Tuesday, the Student Executive cooked pancakes for the student population to commemorate Shrove Tuesday - a day set aside to eat well, before the beginning of Lent. Students enjoyed pancakes in return for a gold coin donation, with funds raised going to the work of Australian Lutheran World Service, 

to support people in developing nations. 

On Wednesday, the Student Spiritual Leader Nyeesha Kesak partnered with our Student Executive to deliver a meaningful reflection opportunity for our students as part of our Ash Wednesday service. 

In the service, Nyeesha shared these words: 

Ash Wednesday is a significant day in the Christian calendar that marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter. It also reflects the 40 days that Jesus experienced in the desert where he faced temptations, challenges and fasting. 

In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus teaches us about the importance of genuine generosity. He warns against performing acts of charity for the sake of public recognition or praise, emphasising that such actions should be done in secret. Jesus explains that when one gives to those in need without seeking attention, their reward comes from God rather than from people. This passage highlights the value of humility and sincerity in acts of kindness, encouraging believers to focus on the spiritual rewards of their generosity rather than earthly recognition. 

When Ms Barry’s Year 11 Christian Living class went to a charity called Pathways last year, we were able to serve others in need by working alongside volunteers making hampers for those in need. We were able to see people selflessly serving others, with no desire to be recognised. They were simply choosing to love others. 

I found it really inspirational to see them doing their jobs with smiles on their faces knowing they were helping people who are less fortunate. Furthermore, I spoke to the volunteers at the end of the day about why they chose to do this job, and they said because they love seeing smiles on people’s faces knowing they have helped someone in need without expecting anything in return. 

As we Pursue Excellence with God this year at Endeavour, Lent reminds us that God is pursuing excellence in us. He works in our mind and in our hearts, in all of who we are, so that we become excellent at serving others without expectation of reward, at loving people for their benefit and not our own, and at giving in quiet, yet meaningful ways, that makes a difference. 

At Endeavour, we partner with God in the development of people, following His lead as we partner with families to produce great young people who will be people of service wherever they go. Lent is a gift that we have from God that helps us to do this. 

God bless you today.

Chris Mann

College Pastor