I came to the school to be equipped as a leader, to gain more knowledge of God and the Bible and to be discipled. Before attending the school I was youth leader at Redcliffe Corps but I didn't feel like or think I had the skills to be a leader. I didn't really know exactly where my life was heading or what was next for me and I had very little confidence.

I had suffered from Chronic Fatigue syndrome for over 10 years and didn't really know what I was capable of.

My year at the school was the best year of my life. I got more then I ever could have imagined. Not only did I get equipped, gain new skills and knowledge but I gained a deeper relationship with God and with myself. I discovered who God designed me to be, what I am passionate about, what my gifts are and what I am good at. I gained confidence in all areas of my life. I learnt to rely on God and that he really could use me.

I found myself doing things at the school that I never thought I would be capable of and loving every minute of it.

I discovered what it means to live out a life of worship and ministry. I discovered that by just being myself I can impact lives for Jesus. That just smiling and listening to a person can be some of the most impacting and fulfilling ministry. I discovered my passion for seeing lives changed through being a part of healthy community.

When my female leader announced she would be leaving at the end of the year, I thought how much I would love the job but was unsure if I was capable of doing it because of my illness. After speaking with the leaders and being encouraged to apply, I was thrilled when I got the job of SFYL Ministry Assistant. I have proven that God can provide and do the impossible by exceeding expectations and working full-time. The training that I received and the confidence I gained from my year as a student at SFYL was priceless when it came to managing the challenging situations and circumstances thrown my way in 2008.

My experience of the School has grown my character, developed my skills and deepened my relationship with God. It has prepared me for life, for ministry and for relationships. I now feel confident just to be myself, in life and in leadership. I feel equipped and have the faith to pursue God's plans for my life, whether that be continuing in full time ministry or in the future as a Salvation Army officer.
Katherine Mills, Ministry Assistant, School for Youth Leadership

When I tell people about my year at the School for Youth Leadership, I usually refer to it as the year God built a foundation in my life. I completed that year knowing God a whole lot better, having a much clearer idea of which direction God was going to lead me into the future, and gaining useful insight into how God had created me.

It's impossible to single out one component of the School that had the biggest impact. I'm a learner by nature, so I thrived in the classroom - the teaching was enlightening, practical and deeply spiritual. The opportunities for practical mission were challenging and they stretched me - I'm really thankful for that. Combined with these things, the relational aspect of the School had a deep effect on me and, because of our experiences together that year, I still have close friendships with many of my SFYL friends.

Two years after I completed the School, I was both surprised and humbled when I was asked to return to SFYL to serve as a staff member. Over those next four years back at the School, I had incredible opportunities for further learning and leadership development.

God then led me to train as a Salvation Army officer, and my years at the School were invaluable when I was appointed as a Divisional Youth Secretary and now in my current role as Territorial Youth Secretary.

At the School for Youth Leadership I was discipled well, and I developed a passion for youth ministry: two things that have shaped me and stood me in excellent stead for the path God has led me on since then.

Rebecca Gane (Captain)
Territorial Youth Secretary, New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory