Scripture Union was part of Harold’s upbringing. ‘I was the youngest in a large family and went each summer to an SU beach mission in Queensland where my oldest brother was one of the team. In high school I attended Crusaders every week (it’s part of SU in Australia). Later I became a leader in beach missions, camps and high school groups.’

Harold and Louise moved to America for 20 years for work. On returning to Australia, they resumed helping at Apollo Bay Beach Mission. ‘Our teenage daughter became a leader on the team,’ recalls Louise. ‘And I went along as a cook’s helper and general support.’

Both Harold and Louise are big fans of SU’s Bible Reading Guides, which Harold began using when he was just ten. He says, ‘It got me into reading scripture every day. There was a card with the notes to help you track what you had read. I’d stick a pin into every day I completed – and I actually did manage to read the whole Bible!’

Louise enjoys using SU’s Encounter with God daily notes. She says, ‘I like that it’s printed not digital, so you can scribble in the margins and highlight things. I use my old copies in preparing to lead Bible study sessions at our church for a big group of seniors. The notes are just the right level for them. I get extra copies to distribute when group members ask me where I get my ideas from!’

Harold says, ‘We donate to SU because of what they’ve done for us, and what they’re doing to introduce young people to faith today, particularly in getting them reading the Bible. It’s a practice I’m so glad SU got ingrained into me – it’s been a blessing and fundamental to my Christian life.’