For nearly forty years, Special Religious Education (SRE) has been a faithful presence in the public schools of Grafton. Its story is one of vision, perseverance, prayer, and trust in God’s provision. At its heart are ordinary people who believed deeply that “young people desperately need to hear about Jesus.”

Rev Ray and Roberta Murray were part of that story from the beginning.

A call to Grafton and its schools

“Ray and I came to Grafton to fill the congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia at the end of 1983,” Roberta recalls. “Grafton has been a pleasant place to live with beaches not far away.”

Scripture teaching was already part of Ray’s ministry life. “Ray had always voluntarily taught SRE in each of the previous charges he had been in,” Roberta says. “He saw it as an extension to his pastoral work within his own congregation and had a passion to share the good news with young people.”

Roberta soon became involved as well. “I took up SRE at Grafton Infants School and later became the coordinator for 12 years, travelling to the outlying schools.”

Susan Scott, their daughter, remembers that SRE quickly became part of family life. “You could say SRE is in our blood! Ministry and outreach had always been an integral part of family life, so it was no surprise when Mum and Dad became involved in teaching Scripture in the local public schools in Grafton.”

Bringing SRE into high schools

When the Murrays arrived, Scripture was already happening in infants and primary schools, but there was a growing sense that high schools needed the same opportunity.

“SRE began because of the desire to further the gospel in the local schools,” Roberta explains. “The Minister’s Fraternal saw the need to introduce it into the high schools.”

In 1986, Ray began teaching Years 7 and 8 at Grafton High School in a paid capacity. By 1987, he was teaching at both Grafton and South Grafton High Schools, and by 1989 he became the full-time SRE teacher at South Grafton High School, teaching Years 7 to 10.

Resources were scarce. “Ray prepared his own syllabus and material for all the classes he taught as there were very little resources available at that time,” Roberta says.

Susan remembers the reality of those early years vividly. “My most vivid memory is Dad carting around a plastic box full of Bibles! No fixed classroom and two schools meant everything had to be portable.”

“He spent most nights in his study working into the early hours preparing engaging lessons… or sermons for Sunday,” she adds. “It was hard work.”

A Board, a community, and God’s provision

As the high school ministry grew, so did the need for structure and support. “I think it was at this time the Grafton City Christian Education Board was formed,” Roberta explains, “consisting of local Christian businesspeople including solicitors, accountants, etc.”

The Board played a vital role in fundraising, administration, and communication. “The high school SRE teachers went around the local churches regularly to address the needs of SRE, promoting the vital need of young people to hear God’s message of hope and salvation.”

Susan reflects on why SRE has endured for so long. “The key reason SRE has endured is God’s goodness! He has provided and given those who have faithfully served the willingness and ability to be part of furthering His Kingdom here on earth.”

“Every time it looked like there wouldn’t be enough money for another year, month or week, the Lord has provided through His people.”

This kind of prayerful and financial partnership is something PYNSW continues to encourage across NSW, churches standing together so Scripture can continue in schools.

Telling the story, especially in hard times

Communication has been crucial. “The newsletter is an important tool to keep the work of SRE visible and relevant to current and future supporters,” Susan says.

She recalls a particularly difficult moment in 1996. “We issued a ‘Back from the Brink’ edition which focused on the desperate state of SRE at the time. There were very little finances available… and the Board ceased to function for fear of not satisfying business law requirements.”

“But by the grace of God, enough money was raised for SRE to continue.”

Why SRE still matters today

Today, the need is just as urgent. “SRE is important today more than ever!” Roberta says. “Young people have so much to deal with and for many, their only hope is faith in Jesus.”

Two high school SRE vacancies currently exist in Grafton — one at Grafton High School and one at South Grafton High School. Both current teachers will be going on to do fulltime church leadership. At the farewell church service, eight ex-students travelled 80kms to honour their SRE teacher.

“We would be greatly encouraged if we could find two suitable persons to fill our current vacancies,” Roberta says. “Teaching for the first time is a challenge but with God’s help, it can be amazing!”

Susan reflects honestly on impact. “To be honest, I have not seen much of the direct impact this ministry has had… yet it has had an effect. When Dad passed away, many former students left comments online. It was a reminder that it is often how we live our lives that can leave a profound impression and guide others to follow Christ. Often, we don’t see the fruits of ministry here on earth. We can only entrust it to the Lord.”

Another longserving teacher at Grafton High School, now retired, said, “The most unlikely students go on to become strong Christians. One is now a teacher in a Christian school”. Another ex-student said, “When my kids are older, I want to be an SRE teacher like you.”

Keeping the legacy alive

“SRE has survived for a long time in Grafton, around 40 years, let’s keep it going!” Roberta says.

Susan shares her prayer for the future. “My prayer is that God will raise up a new generation passionate to see SRE in Grafton continue and thrive.”

The story of SRE in Grafton is a powerful reminder of what God can do through a few faithful people.

“Against the odds, SRE has survived,” Susan says. “May we continue the legacy set before us and strive to run the race to the end.”

To learn more about the SRE teaching job opportunities in Grafton, head to the Scripture Union Australia website here.