Missions and Ministry
SU Chaplaincy in Hervey Bay
By Miriam Frangakis
Last year in June when I spoke at Life Church, I ended by saying, “God is a God of
provision, and He Will provide”. God is faithful, and He did provide, and He has
provided for 2026.
In Term 4, 2025, I was informed - along with many other Chaplains, that due to lack of
funding our hours/day were being cut. I was going to go from four days a week to two,
which meant I was down to one day a week at each school. Needless to say I was very
discouraged and even angry.
The good thing is I could take this out on God. I asked God why?
Why, when the need is so great and this is what you have called me to do, is this
happening? I can’t afford to live on two days a week. Do I not have enough faith?
Well, at the 11th hour, on the last day of the 2025 school year, both my boss and principal came to me and informed me that they had found sponsors for me for the next 12 months. I was back to four days. God is faithful. However, what will happen at the end of this year? I don’t know, but I do know, God will provide – even if it does mean another job.
Last year, I was able to support families and students in several ways. From food
hampers and other provisions due to cyclone Alfred, uniforms, shoes, I bought a Bible
for a student who requested one and things that we take for granted, like a pillow. We
had a student come to us from residential care. He was not in a good place and had
nothing. Well, seeing him get his pillow and a new school bag stuffed with all sorts of
goodies, including new shoes, was like Christmas. He couldn’t believe that he actually
got to keep them.
This term for me has been very exciting. Sometimes – ok, a lot of the time, God works in
way we least expect. I have been running a drum program focusing on emotional
resilience. In one of the sessions, we talk about things, ways, or people that can help us.
One young boy said Jesus. Well, I sat back and watched these five boys discuss God,
prayer and Jesus. The following week the discussion continued. The beautiful thing is,
that in that space I was able to share my faith – which I do in these sessions - and how,
yes, we can go to God if we believe in Him and He will help us and give us strength and
courage. Some of these boys I meet with on an individual basis, and we continue these
discussions.
I’ve had discussions with the principles about the easter bunny, the Elf on the shelf, the
end times, church and faith. In the last two weeks, I have had beautiful discussions with
a staff member who came to me requesting a bible. Of course, this led to further
discussion and questions. I gave her one of my bibles and shared a few passages with
her. She and her partner are interested in learning and are reading the bible together,
even though they don’t understand. I have proposed to her that they come and have a
meal with us so that we can share with them. God is certainly working in their lives.
Please pray for Scripture Union and Chaplaincy. You can download their prayer letter
from the website. Many chaplains have had to leave because of funding and yet so
many schools are asking for chaplains. We are missionaries in our very own community.
We face challenges every day and sometimes it can be lonely, and you feel as if you’re in
this battle alone.
There are now only four chaplains in Hervey Bay, and we only have ONE community member, from the Uniting Church, serving on our Chaplaincy Support team. This is one of the many areas where you can be involved. Others include, prayer, finance/fundraising, Bridge2Brisbane fun run, volunteering in the school with Chappy
activities and just offering a word of encouragement. Join Chaplains to make a
difference in this beautiful community of Hervey Bay.
If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, I would love to catch up
with you. For further incite to the work of Scripture Union have a look at their website, su.org.au
For donations or to sponsor a specific Chaplain or school, details are as follows.
Please make sure you inform Jacinta Garty - jacinta.garty@outlook.com, of your deposit.
Thank you and God bless
Miriam
Miriam is working at Kawungan & Sandy Straits State Schools, together averaging 1600 students.
Are other SU Chaplains in Hervey Bay are;
Last year in June when I spoke at Life Church, I ended by saying, “God is a God of
provision, and He Will provide”. God is faithful, and He did provide, and He has
provided for 2026.
In Term 4, 2025, I was informed - along with many other Chaplains, that due to lack of
funding our hours/day were being cut. I was going to go from four days a week to two,
which meant I was down to one day a week at each school. Needless to say I was very
discouraged and even angry.
The good thing is I could take this out on God. I asked God why?
Why, when the need is so great and this is what you have called me to do, is this
happening? I can’t afford to live on two days a week. Do I not have enough faith?
Well, at the 11th hour, on the last day of the 2025 school year, both my boss and principal came to me and informed me that they had found sponsors for me for the next 12 months. I was back to four days. God is faithful. However, what will happen at the end of this year? I don’t know, but I do know, God will provide – even if it does mean another job.
Last year, I was able to support families and students in several ways. From food
hampers and other provisions due to cyclone Alfred, uniforms, shoes, I bought a Bible
for a student who requested one and things that we take for granted, like a pillow. We
had a student come to us from residential care. He was not in a good place and had
nothing. Well, seeing him get his pillow and a new school bag stuffed with all sorts of
goodies, including new shoes, was like Christmas. He couldn’t believe that he actually
got to keep them.
This term for me has been very exciting. Sometimes – ok, a lot of the time, God works in
way we least expect. I have been running a drum program focusing on emotional
resilience. In one of the sessions, we talk about things, ways, or people that can help us.
One young boy said Jesus. Well, I sat back and watched these five boys discuss God,
prayer and Jesus. The following week the discussion continued. The beautiful thing is,
that in that space I was able to share my faith – which I do in these sessions - and how,
yes, we can go to God if we believe in Him and He will help us and give us strength and
courage. Some of these boys I meet with on an individual basis, and we continue these
discussions.
I’ve had discussions with the principles about the easter bunny, the Elf on the shelf, the
end times, church and faith. In the last two weeks, I have had beautiful discussions with
a staff member who came to me requesting a bible. Of course, this led to further
discussion and questions. I gave her one of my bibles and shared a few passages with
her. She and her partner are interested in learning and are reading the bible together,
even though they don’t understand. I have proposed to her that they come and have a
meal with us so that we can share with them. God is certainly working in their lives.
Please pray for Scripture Union and Chaplaincy. You can download their prayer letter
from the website. Many chaplains have had to leave because of funding and yet so
many schools are asking for chaplains. We are missionaries in our very own community.
We face challenges every day and sometimes it can be lonely, and you feel as if you’re in
this battle alone.
There are now only four chaplains in Hervey Bay, and we only have ONE community member, from the Uniting Church, serving on our Chaplaincy Support team. This is one of the many areas where you can be involved. Others include, prayer, finance/fundraising, Bridge2Brisbane fun run, volunteering in the school with Chappy
activities and just offering a word of encouragement. Join Chaplains to make a
difference in this beautiful community of Hervey Bay.
If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, I would love to catch up
with you. For further incite to the work of Scripture Union have a look at their website, su.org.au
For donations or to sponsor a specific Chaplain or school, details are as follows.
Scripture Union Bank Details
BSB: 084-004
Acct: 83-369-4350
Reference: Project No 159135
Please make sure you inform Jacinta Garty - jacinta.garty@outlook.com, of your deposit.
Thank you and God bless
Miriam
Miriam is working at Kawungan & Sandy Straits State Schools, together averaging 1600 students.
Are other SU Chaplains in Hervey Bay are;
- Paul Featherstone – Hervey Bay State High School
- Joseph Griffiths - Urangan State High School
- Stacey Fua - Hervey Bay Special School, Torquay State School
Posted in Missions & Ministry