Narrabri Schools Ministry
Encouraging young people to find their worth and value.
The LIVING ROOM
Scripture at Narrabri High School has been faithfully taught in classrooms for generations.
In early 2000 it became more and more difficult to offer the style of program that was needed due to the classroom having unreliable equipment such as TV, video/DVD players, overhead projectors. More times than not there would be an issue which would mean we would have to carry heavy equipment from one building to another, up and down stair wells etc.
This created a desire to raise funds to provide a separate building on school grounds for the purpose of having classes come to us for scripture and Christian Lunchtime groups. The facility would be a gift to the school for the use by staff for their classes where they may appreciate extra space and use of the equipment provided. Projector and large screen, provision for computers to be used, surround sound speaker system, large open plan classroom, stacked chairs and tables available.
​
The dream became a vision in 2003, shared and accepted at Ministers Fraternal, then launched through a story in the Courier. We set about to raise $50,000 which would be the target to reach and get serious about building. This took about 6 years to achieve.
Much sharing and organising of fundraising events began and carried on throughout the following year, then in 2008 we were getting close to our goal. We needed a definite answer from the Education Department. YES or NO. I would be at peace with a NO answer as I knew once we begin to build there is no turning back. By now we also knew the cost was going to be much more than $50,000!
​
We amazingly got the YES answer at a fundraiser and this brought a “celebration” atmosphere to the gathering that night!!
The building began Friday afternoon, September 26th 2008 at 3pm (end of Term 3) with putting up the fencing around the building site.
Every step was a challenge!! But we prayed, persevered, trusted every step of the way and finally celebrated the Opening of Narrabri High School Living Room complex on Saturday 22nd August 2009 with a special service on the grounds in front of the building.
Kathy Bailey and her Hospitality students provided afternoon tea and all present were invited to inspect our complex.
The building comprises of large open classroom, disable size toilet, storeroom and office for Schools Worker.
​
Since 2004 we have employed three Schools Workers. In 2015 we didn't have anyone to fill the position, but the ministry continued with support from volunteers providing Scripture for Year 7 and 8 students and running Lunchtime Groups each week.
The Living Room stands as a testimony of what God can do through people who choose to trust Him and work together with ONE heart!
Contributed by Margaret Baxter