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Christmas testimonies: Jason

17 December 2013
Christmas testimonies: Jason

While I was lucky to have a roof over my head growing up, life was hard.

– Jason.

Jason was brought up by his mother in a NSW housing estate known for drugs and alcohol, and theft, violence and vandalism.

The Salvation Army established a community house in the estate and Jason’s world began to change. He attended the study shed and participated in the many sporting activities the Salvos organised. Before long, he had become passionately involved in helping The Salvation Army with its work.

“I was 13 when I started going to Ryde Salvos, where I genuinely felt that people cared for me,” he says. “I felt welcomed, valued and made some fantastic friends.”

Jason began attending camps, school study sessions and church, and was mentored by people who continue to be a positive influence in his life.

“At that time I was bullied at school, had nearly no friends, and God came and met me right where I was,” says Jason. “I heard him [God] say that he loves me and will shape me the way he planned to if I let him.”

In 2007, Jason received a sports achievement award and a commendation in the category of community service at the Housing NSW Youth Achievement Awards. He completed a certificate IV in alcohol and other Drugs work and secured a job at The Salvation Army’s OASIS Youth Support Network. In 2012, he was awarded a Sydney City Council Betty Makin Youth Worker Award.

“Young people have so much to offer in our country,” he says. “Supporting young people is what I’m about. I’ve received that support myself from The Salvation Army and I can recognise the influence it’s had in my life.”

Jason now runs Sports Impact Leadership programs in western Sydney, working to support young people who are in the same situation he was just a handful of years ago.

This year, he’ll be celebrating Christmas with his new wife and their respective families, as well as his church community.

To meet more of the cast and read their real stories, visit the Christmas website salvos.org.au/christmas/

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.