Over the past three months Youthworks College students have been engaged in an experimental stewardship initiative based on Jesus' parable of the talents.
The appropriately named "Young Talent Time' fundraiser involved giving 48 College students a one hundred dollar bill which they were instructed to invest and multiply by using the skills and opportunities available to them.
Whilst the combined result of the initiative will not be known until June, students have been sharing creative ideas and ongoing reports each week since it was launched.
Fundraising initiatives range from soccer competitions and trivia nights to printed T-shirts and simply earning interest on bank deposits. Whether students multiply, invest or bury their cash, they will soon have to "settle accounts' and learn a lesson on faithful stewardship in the meantime.
Second-year Diploma of Theology student, Belinda Stead, has raised almost $300 to date through the creation of a quirky comic book based on theological reflections in lectures.
"I wanted to promote what we learn at college within people’s churches and homes in a way they will enjoy " giving them an opportunity to talk about what we do in class and why it’s so important. And people love comics!"
Finding the challenge to faithfully steward her money both "scary and exciting", Belinda admits: "I’m glad to have been given the challenge and the opportunity to serve the college in this way. And knowing that I’m in possession of the college’s money is a big responsibility."
Another second-year student, Susan Benson, also used the opportunity to get creative with her hands. Recently breaking even with her costs, Susan has been selling a series of handmade greeting cards for all occasions to her personal contacts at schools and churches.
Susan admits the initiative has had some unexpected results, such as building confidence in her own creative abilities as well as giving her opportunities to speak about her ministry and training at Youthworks. "It gave me an opportunity to share my faith, even with people that I have known for ages".
