MAGAZINE
WINTER 2026
FEATURES: LOCAL NEWS 4–6 EDUCATION 15 ADRA COMMUNITY CENTRE 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT ALBAN MATOHITI
President
Alban Matohiti
Editors & Writers Joyce Taylor Deana Stojkovic Lauren Bongard
Graphics
Katrina Jorgensen
Other Contributors Rhonda Belson Ethan Beyers ADRA Blacktown Leslie Castro Pr Daniel Chong Pr Asofitu Leatuavao Nadelle Manners Pr Alban Matohiti Pr Daron Pratt Jacinda Ralph Meleofa Tovo Pr Dejan Stojkovic Pr Stanley Stuski
Next content deadline: 13 October Visit bit.ly/intraSyd
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There are moments in Local members also gave us a ministry when stepping beautiful example of discipleship. In away from our usual the Solomon Islands, church members routines gives us a fresh served, welcomed, shared their faith perspective on what it means and took ownership of the outreach to follow Jesus. Recently, a in their communities. Their example number of pastors and members reminded us that evangelism is most had the privilege of travelling to effective when it comes from the participate in the South Pacific Division natural overflow of a disciple’s life. for Christ initiatives, including Solomons That same spirit of discipleship and for Christ and American mission is at the heart of Samoa for Christ. It was what we are beginning “HERE I AM, LORD. a wonderful opportunity here in Greater Sydney. to serve and share the SEND ME.” On 7 and 8 August 2026, gospel alongside our we took the first steps in brothers and sisters in the Pacific. our Sydney for Christ journey. Our desire For many, it was a chance to step is to help members grow as disciples of away from everyday life and go where Jesus as we look forward to His soon we were needed. I was reminded that return. We want to help people deepen serving is not just something we do as their relationship with Christ, serve Christians; it is an important part of who others and gain the skills needed for the we are as disciples of Christ. When we work God has entrusted to each of us. step outside what is familiar and serve Sydney is a diverse and growing people whose culture, experiences and city, filled with people who need to circumstances may be different from our experience the love and hope of Jesus. own, God stretches our faith, deepens Reaching our city will not simply be the our understanding and helps us grow. work of pastors or church leaders. It will One of the great privileges was take disciples who are willing to pray, sharing the distinctive message God serve, build relationships, share their has entrusted to the Seventh-day faith and step beyond the familiar. Adventist Church. This message is I am grateful for everyone from prophetic, relevant and deeply needed Greater Sydney who answered the call in the world today. Standing before a to serve in the Pacific, and I am equally community and sharing these truths encouraged by those stepping forward strengthens those who hear and reminds here at home. My prayer is that what us why we believe what we believe began as a journey to bless others will and why this message still matters. continue to bear fruit in our churches and One of the most encouraging aspects communities across Greater Sydney. was seeing the transformation in those Because when we are willing who participated. For some lay members, to go, God does more than work it was their first time preaching or through us. He works in us too. conducting evangelistic meetings. They returned home with greater confidence, new skills and a renewed sense of what Alban God can do through an ordinary person who says, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Pastor Alban Matohiti
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YOUTH EVENTS
A SEASON OF YOUTH MINISTRY Worshipping and Witnessing Together
ISLAND BY ISLAND Greater Sydney’s Mission to the Solomons & American Samoa
TWO READY HEARTS When God Sends Souls Searching
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LETTER FROM THE CFO
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Need these! NEW EPPING BUILDING For Such a Time As This
TURNING THE TABLES On Domestic Violence
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EDUCATION
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PRAYER, PRAISE & PURPOSE 2026 Sydney Prayer Breakfast Page 18
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FAITH FM EXPANDS New Frequency, Same Mission
WINTER OCT
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2026 2025
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LOCAL NEWS
By Leslie Castro
On 21 December 2024, while leading song service at the 3AM Ryde Church, I noticed Ronnel and Michelle, a married couple who had recently moved to Sydney from Dubai. It was their first time visiting our church, so after the service I welcomed them warmly and we got to know each other, marking the beginning of a meaningful spiritual journey. Later, I invited Ronnel and Michelle to our CARE group, a Friday night Bible study with fellowship and dinner at HEAVEN CELEBRATES EVEN our home and at ONE SOUL WHO CHOOSES the Chee family’s HIM, AND HERE WERE TWO home. Ronnel and HEARTS THAT WERE READY. Michelle connected with the group and started attending. By January 2025, we were studying the Bible together over Zoom, building a foundation of trust and friendship. In February 2025, Michelle shared heartbreaking news—she had experienced a miscarriage. I visited her and Ronnel, bringing gifts, comfort and prayer. Together, we continued learning God’s Word and trusting His perfect plans, even in difficult seasons. By July, they joyfully shared that Michelle was pregnant again. We prayed for a healthy pregnancy. Michelle also made careful changes, choosing to slow down, pause her job and look after herself and the baby. The last time she was pregnant, she had been overwhelmed with work, studies and moving. This time, she was choosing rest and trusting God with every step. As our Bible studies progressed, something deeper began to grow. On the evening of Sunday, 21 September, our topic was baptism. As I made an appeal, both Ronnel and Michelle eagerly expressed their desire to commit their lives to Jesus. They asked whether they qualified for baptism. I rejoiced, telling them Jesus’ invitation is simple: “Come.” 4
Heaven celebrates even one soul who chooses Him, and here were two hearts that were ready. We organised their baptism for 6 December. Michelle was 34 weeks pregnant—glowing, hopeful and full of gratitude. That Sabbath, we rejoiced together for God’s guidance, His protection and the quiet, powerful way He works in people’s hearts. It was a beautiful reminder of the privilege of being the hands, feet and voice of Jesus—to walk alongside friends, witness their growth and rejoice in their commitment to Him. Throughout 2025, I had prayed that God would bring me people who were open to studying the Bible—people whose journeys I could witness from the very beginning to the moment they surrendered their hearts to Jesus. God graciously answered that prayer through Ronnel and Michelle, which was one of the greatest blessings of my year. Ronnel and Michelle’s story is a testimony that God is faithful. He sends seekers, opens hearts and allows us to witness miracles when we step out in faith.
ADRA COMMUNITY CENTRE
IMPACT STORIES
TOM’S STORY Tom* was diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder (FND) that caused his body to shut down due to trauma. He lost his vision, speech, sensations and eventually all movement. After several hospitalisations, he sought counselling at the ADRA Community Centre in Blacktown. With the help of a counsellor, Tom worked through memories and feelings he had suppressed for over 15 years. This included sexual abuse, beatings, abandonment, humiliation and being drugged. As Tom worked through these experiences, he gained confidence, diminished his suicidal thoughts, and processed his trauma, which helped the FND symptoms disappear.
The counsellors and social workers at ADRA Blacktown who support thousands of clients like Tom every year.
Tom credits the changes in his life to the therapy he received at the ADRA Community Centre in Blacktown. “If it hadn’t been for the therapy I did at ADRA,” he said, “I would have never had the courage to walk outside, let alone finish my uni degree.” *Name has been changed to protect privacy.
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LOCAL NEWS
STEPS to CHRIST CONCERT OPENS DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY AT THE 3AM RYDE CHURCH By Leslie Castro
On Sabbath morning, 4 July 2026, the 3AM Ryde Seventhday Adventist Church filled with members, visitors and families from the local community as the church hosted a special Steps to Christ Concert alongside an inspiring art exhibition based on Ellen White’s book Steps to Christ. As people arrived, the hospitality team warmly greeted them, handing out concert programs and copies of Steps to Christ. This created a welcoming atmosphere and provided each person with a meaningful resource to continue reflecting on the event’s message. The concert and exhibition explored three key themes from the book—Coming to Christ, Walking with Christ and Living with Christ. Organised by Julian Hutabarat, the concert guided the audience through these themes using music, Scripture, and reflections that shared the gospel message and invited them into a deeper relationship with Jesus. The accompanying art exhibition, organised by Ginette Chee, was a 6
creative visual expression of these themes. It featured over 50 pieces of art, including 23 paintings created by children from the church’s weekly art class, as well as artwork contributed by church members. The children’s art therapy class, led by Ailo Amor A. Ibale, has become a valuable outreach ministry. Every Wednesday, more than 20 children attend, many from community families. Through this, the church has built meaningful relationships with children and parents, opening opportunities to share Christ’s love in practical ways. Many families attended the concert to see their children’s artwork and experience the program. For some, it was their first time attending a church event. Members found it a blessing to see the church filled with visitors enjoying the music, appreciating the artwork and experiencing the warmth of the church family.
The response from attendees was positive, with many sharing how blessed and inspired they were by the program and message. The event was a reminder of how God can use creative ministries and genuine relationships to open doors for community connection and gospel outreach. The 3AM Ryde Church congregation praises God for His leading and prays that the seeds planted at this event will continue to grow in hearts and that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw each person closer to Jesus. If you missed the event but want to experience it, see artwork from the exhibition, including the children’s paintings and contributions from church members, on the 3AM Ryde Church Facebook page. The full Steps to Christ Concert is also available on the church’s Facebook page and YouTube account.
A message from Greater Sydney Conference CFO Nadelle Manners
Weeks ago, I stood in the empty shell of our new Conference Office building in Epping. No carpet, no signage, just concrete—and one question I couldn’t shake: Who is going to walk through this door still lost and walk out having met Jesus? The answer changes everything. A 2022 McCrindle study shows that 84% of Australians lack a meaningful connection to a faith community. That is not merely a statistic. That is a call to action. Through The Well Project, we are creating a welcoming space in the new Conference Office building that will help grow relationships and transform lives. Through OneVoice27, we’re sharing the message of Jesus across a rapidly changing digital world. And through Sydney for Christ 2028, we are encouraging every church and member to intentionally connect with their community to make disciples. Different initiatives, one vision— helping people encounter Jesus and build a thriving, disciple-making movement across Greater Sydney. Esther 4:14 asks “And who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” I don’t think that was only for Esther. I think it’s for The Well Project, and for our team boarding a plane to the Solomons, American Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu for Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) For Christ and it’s for you in your local church. God places the right people in the right place at the right time for His purpose. It’s an invitation, and I see it already being answered by a generation younger than mine—young people who aren’t tucking their faith away out of sight but living it out loud, unashamed, in a way that challenges the rest of us to do the same. That invitation is already at work this year. Stewardship in our church has always been bigger than the
offering plate, and the 8 T’s of Grateful Living—Time, Talents, Testimony, Temple, Territory, Tribe, Truth and Treasure—remind us that everything God entrusts to us is meant to fuel mission. Right now, that looks like local church treasurer training, equipping local churches to manage God’s resources with accountability and transparency. It also looks like over 20 ministers, employees and volunteers who served in the TPUM for Christ campaign, running children’s and women’s ministry programs, health checks and Bible studies before preaching each night. Different INTRASYD
ministries, different locations, and the one shared purpose of faithfully stewarding God’s gifts so more people can come to know Jesus. From here, the opportunities are endless to build mission to engage the 84% in Greater Sydney. The future is exciting. But remember, a treasurer balancing a ledger or a deacon overseeing needs at a local church here in Sydney and a team serving in Solomon Islands aren’t separate stories. If God has placed us here for such a time as this, what are we going to do with the opportunity? WINTER
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A child’s first understanding of God is filtered through the emotional atmosphere of their home. If “father” means rage, unpredictability and fear, then sermons about a loving heavenly Father become hard to believe. If church minimises, hides or excuses abuse, faith itself becomes tangled with danger. This is why safeguarding is not woke culture. It is discipleship. Safety is spiritual. So are protection, believing victims, accountability and speaking up. The church should be the safest place in the world to tell the truth. THE CHURCH PREACHES AGAINST VIOLENCE. BUT WE STRUGGLE TO RECOGNISE VIOLENCE IN OUR HOMES, HIDDEN BEHIND BIBLE VERSES, SMILES, MINISTRY ROLES AND POLISHED SABBATH APPEARANCES. By Pr Daron Pratt
Domestic violence is not only bruises. Sometimes it is fear, intimidation, financial control, emotional degradation, grooming, coercion, isolation, humiliation or constantly walking on eggshells at home. As Jess Hill, author of See What You Made Me Do, writes, “Domestic abuse occurs on a spectrum of power and control.” This is where the church must look hard at itself. Hill says, “The systems that are meant to protect victims can sometimes reinforce the abuse.” Churches can become safe places for perpetrators instead of sanctuaries for victims. We can become so focused on preserving marriages, leaders and reputations, that we fail to protect people. Sometimes we have told suffering women to pray harder, submit more, forgive quicker and protect the reputation of the church. Meanwhile, children sit in bedrooms listening to doors slam, insults fly and terror spread through the walls. Perpetrators groom families, relatives and sometimes whole churches at the expense of the victims. Perpetrators prosper when we are told to say nothing, that it is
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none of our business. That is not the kingdom of God. Jesus never protected abusive power. He confronted it. Coercive control thrives where appearances matter more than truth. Hill warns, “The abuser’s most skilful trick is to make his abuse invisible.” And churches make it invisible by confusing spiritual leadership with domination, or mistaking niceness in public for Christlikeness in private. A man can preach beautifully and still terrify his family. A person can know Scripture and still weaponise it. A family can look “perfect” at church while collapsing in fear at home. Hetty Johnston has spent decades reminding Australia that protecting children must be nonnegotiable. Her work through Bravehearts has continually pushed institutions to stop prioritising reputation above child safety. Because children do not simply witness domestic violence. They absorb it into their nervous systems. Research shows that chronic fear reshapes a child’s stress response systems, impacts emotional regulation, increases anxiety and depression, and alters relational patterns well into adulthood.
Perhaps this is where repentance begins—not with statements or policies, but with courage. To believe victims, to apologise when we get it wrong, to report abuse, to train leaders properly, to stop platforming charisma without character, and to admit that sometimes the greatest threat to a family is not the world, but unchecked power within the home. The gospel was never designed to protect abusive systems. It was designed to set captives free. So let’s turn the tables.
breathe breathe
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
2 02 6 2 02 6
4-6 DECEMBER Registrations close September 30 4-6 DECEMBER
The Tops Conference Centre 51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508 The Tops Conference Centre Registrations close September 30
51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: God’s Word • Praise & Worship •
PROGRAM Prayer RoomHIGHLIGHTS: • Testimonies •
Workshops • Little Breathers• • God’s Word • Praise & Worship Sacred Concert. Prayer Room • Testimonies • Workshops • Little Breathers • Sacred Concert.
PLEASE RSVP TO: Moana Faraimo PLEASE RSVP TO: MoanaFaraimo@adventist.org.au (02) 9868 6522 Moana Faraimo MoanaFaraimo@adventist.org.au (02) 9868 6522
Seventh-day Adventist Church Seventh-day AdventistSydney Church Sydney
Keynote Speaker DAN IELLA MAY Keynote Speaker Daniella May is a passionate follower of DAN IELLA Jesus who treasuresMAY time in God's
presence. She is married to a pastor and is Daniella May is a passionate follower of the proud mum of a son who is a pastor Jesus who treasures time in God's and a daughter who serves as a counsellor. presence. She is married to a pastor and is the proud mum of a son who is a pastor Daniella loves the outdoors, especially and a daughter who serves as a counsellor. camping and exploring the beauty of Australia. Her favourite part of the day is Daniella loves the outdoors, especially sitting in her "Jesus chair," opening her camping and exploring the beauty of Bible, and listening for what God has to say Australia. Her favourite part of the day is to her. sitting in her "Jesus chair," opening her As God's girl, Daniella is excited to spend Bible, and listening for what God has to say time with the Greater Sydney ladies, as they to her. explore together what it means to be truly As God's girl, Daniella is excited to spend anchored in God. time with the Greater Sydney ladies, as they explore together what it means to be truly anchored in God.
@SydneyAdventist sydney.adventist.org.au @SydneyAdventist sydney.adventist.org.au
SYDNEY ADVENTIST WOMEN SYDNEY ADVENTIST WOMEN
TWO VERY DIFFERENT ISLAND NATIONS, TWO VERY DIFFERENT SETS OF CHURCHES, AND ONE SHARED CONVICTION. Pacific for Christ 2026, an evangelistic movement across the Trans Pacific Union Mission 10
(TPUM), kicked off in July. Throughout the month, around 25 pastors and lay members from the Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) travelled to the Solomon Islands and American Samoa. Their goal was to support local churches through evangelism, community engagement, children’s ministry,
health outreach and prayer. The Solomon Islands team served from 5 to 18 July, and the American Samoa mission ran from 12 to 25 July. Love for God and for others drove every part of the mission, with participants on the ground and prayer warriors at home believing that when God’s people unite
cultural performances, songs, skits and a lively auction of island wares, food, and services, all to support the upcoming Solomon Islands trip. Year 11 students catered the event while raising funds for their own mission trip to Samoa, which meant the night doubled as two missions cheering each other on. The evening raised $16,000, covering accommodation, airfares, transport and ministry resources for the team of women preparing to serve in the Solomon Islands. Women’s Ministries Director Meleofa Tovo reflected on what the night meant beyond the dollar figure. “This fundraiser reminded me that mission is a team effort,” she said. “Not everyone is called to board the plane, but everyone can be part of God’s mission through their prayers, encouragement, generosity and support. It was incredibly encouraging to see our church family unite with such joy and purpose. We leave for the Solomon Islands knowing that we are not going alone; we are carrying the love, prayers and support of an entire community with us.” Two months later, teams from GSC landed to make good use of the fundraising efforts. SOLOMONS FOR CHRIST
with enthusiasm, prayer and a common purpose, they accomplish far more together than any single congregation could manage alone.
filled a hall at Macarthur Adventist College with paddle-raising bidders, cultural dance troupes and the smell of island food.
CELEBRATING THE SEND-OFF
Nobody in that room needed convincing that mission work mattered.
Before anyone boarded a plane, Sydney Adventist Women threw a Talent Night. On 23 May, the group
The fundraiser brought together INTRASYD
The Solomon Islands campaign, Solomons for Christ, ran from 5 to 18 July, with the Greater Sydney Conference and Sydney Adventist Hospital sending more than 25 representatives, including pastors, church elders, laypeople, medical professionals and young people. Together, the diverse team ran health screenings, kids’ clubs and cooking demonstrations alongside the preaching. As of 29 July, the evangelism efforts had resulted in 6,852 baptisms across the Solomons. Pr Daniel Chong, said the campaign’s success came down to one word: WINTER
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SOLOMONS FOR CHRIST “The ingredient for the success of this campaign is prayer.” He described two prayer practices unique to Solomon Islands churches. Rain prayer has everyone hold hands and pray aloud at once, each person speaking individually to God. Chain prayer passes the prayer from person to person around a circle. Alongside the prayer culture was a level of sacrifice Pr Chong called eye-opening. One church elder gave his newly built apartment to house visitors for free, then paid for furnishing, security and waste collection. A taxi driver who served as a site elder stopped picking up fares for the entire campaign so he could dedicate his time to the evangelistic efforts. Some site leaders ran extension cords from their own homes to power the meetings, paying for the prepaid electricity out of pocket. When Pr Chong asked whether they planned to ask for reimbursement, the answer was always the same: “It is a donation.” 12
On the last night, each site gave guests a farewell to remember. Members sang songs composed from memory, without instruments, handed out handicrafts as gifts and even travelled to the airport to wave off their team until the aircraft left the ground. THE WOMEN WHO WENT Fourteen women from Sydney Adventist Women travelled to Honiara from 3 to 18 July as part of the wider campaign, splitting into a team of eight speakers and seven support members across six sites: Mt Horeb, Vaivilla, Fountain, Crusher, Kurivulu and Upper Alligator. Their days were long—home and hospital visits and street evangelism in the morning, Vacation Bible School and health presentations through the afternoon and the citywide Mysteries Revealed evangelistic series most evenings. Each site produced its own story. At Fountain, guests looked into the sky after Elizabeth preached
about the Cross and saw what looked like a cross in the clouds. At Vaivilla, Mildred and Fiona used music to open conversations during street ministry while handing out Bibles. At Upper Alligator, Ruth and Maria delivered groceries to church members and families doing it tough. At Crusher, Eranita and Chelcia paired an early morning running group with prayer walks, folding fitness and discipleship into the same habit. At Kurivulu, Minnie, Lin and Meri ran vegetarian cooking demonstrations for five community groups, and banana flower patties became the trip’s unofficial signature dish. At Mt Horeb, Tema and Meleofa trained local women in prayer and children’s ministry while Moana and Charntelle ran a Vacation Bible School that drew more than 200 children. “I went with an open heart, willing to serve wherever God led,” said Meleofa. “Looking back now, I can honestly say that God used this experience to
change me as much as, if not more than, those we went to serve.” The Mt Horeb congregation does not yet have a church building, so members worship in the local school hall. However, during the campaign, the team met under “I WENT WITH AN OPEN HEART, WILLING TO SERVE WHEREVER GOD LED.” a steel frame built for $3,000, enough for the structure, with the roof, walls, windows and flooring still to come. Getting there meant climbing what locals call Jacob’s Ladder, 144 steep steps—most without handrails—whenever rain turned the road impassable. By 18 July, the team had baptized approximately 65 people, part of the much larger harvest across the wider campaign. “To God be the glory, great things He has done,” shared Meleofa. AMERICAN SAMOA FOR CHRIST While one GSC team supported efforts in the Solomon Islands,
another travelled to American Samoa for the American Samoa for Christ campaign, running from 12 to 26 July. Nine evangelistic sites operated at once, representing the full cultural spread of the Seventhday Adventist Church on the island: a Tongan church, a Fijian church, an English-speaking church, a Filipino church and five Samoan sites. Again, the preparation started long before the meetings did. Church members spent weeks in prayer, outreach, visitation and invitation, building anticipation that united individual congregations in coordinated effort, crossing language and cultural lines for a shared mission. Home visits mattered as much as sermons as teams built relationships, started Bible studies and ministered one on one, creating openings for discipleship meant to outlast the campaign. In the end, the church welcomed 108 new members through baptism. Every one represented a life touched by the gospel, and another door opened for God’s kingdom to grow on the island.
AMERICAN SAMOA FOR CHRIST
ONE MISSION, TWO CAMPAIGNS Put the campaigns side by side and a pattern emerges. Neither mission relied on a GSC team parachuting in with answers. Both ran on local churches that had already done the hard work of prayer and preparation, and GSC members arrived to serve alongside them before returning home changed themselves. A Talent Night in a college hall in May helped fund it. Hundreds of baptisms in Honiara and nine unified congregations in American Samoa carried it through July. And a taxi driver who gave up his fares, a team of women who climbed 144 steps in the rain, and nine churches who found one gospel across four languages carried it the rest of the way. Pray for the new believers across both nations, that they grow strong in faith and become witnesses in their own families and communities. And keep an eye out, because the next fundraiser— and the mission it helps fund—is worth clearing your calendar for. Learn more about TPUM for Christ an upcoming initiatives here: https://tpum.org/tpumevents.
Over the past several months, young people across the Greater Sydney Conference have filled churches, campsites and highways with worship, service and friendship. From a Friday night of worship in Blacktown to a Pathfinder expedition through the bush, a rally day of sport and sermon, and an eight-day mission trip up the coast, these gatherings tell one connected story: this generation of young Adventists is actively choosing faith, community and purpose.
On Friday evening, 9 May, young people from across the Conference gathered at Blacktown Seventh-day Adventist Church for an evening of fellowship and spiritual reflection. Organised by the Western Youth Region, the event drew youth from Western Sydney and beyond. The young people of Bidwill Tongan Seventh-day Adventist Church led worship, with special help from Hoxton Park and Wetherill Park Adventist churches. Sam Let, principal of Macarthur Adventist College, delivered the evening message, inviting attendees to reflect on the question “Which cup are you drinking from?” Drawing from the account of the Samaritan woman, he explored the contrast between temporary fulfilment and the lasting satisfaction found in Christ, tying the message to the All In theme. One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came during the closing prayer, as young people gathered to pray together. Then, the night wrapped up with a social gathering on the lawn, where food, fire pits and conversation gave friendships fuel and room to grow.
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More than 500 Pathfinders and leaders converged on Thirlmere Lakes National Park from 5–7 June for the annual Pathfinder expedition, a weekend of outdoor adventure and spiritual growth. Clubs arrived Friday afternoon, pitched tents and gathered for evening worship before settling into a particularly cold night. Sabbath worship was a highlight of the weekend, with Steven Rajcany drawing from Nehemiah to encourage participants not to give up when challenges arise. Following worship, more than 50 teams set out with maps and compasses to find 52 markers scattered across lakes, ridges, river valleys and bush tracks. The terrain tested more than navigation skills—as backpacks grew heavier and fatigue set in, Pathfinders encouraged one another, shared supplies and made sure no one was left behind. Pathfinder Washe Mutseriwa shared, “During this expedition I learned so much about patience, sacrifice for one another and the unity that can tackle all tasks.”
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Saturday, 13 June, brought more than 600 young people to Mount View Adventist College for the Sydney Adventist Youth Rally Day, with even more joining that evening for the annual Sports Cup. Westside Worship opened the afternoon, followed by music from the Fijian Combined Choir and an icebreaker from the Parramatta Church youth team. Pastor Rangi Eiao encouraged attendees to stay confident in God’s calling regardless of life’s circumstances—whether on the mountaintop or in the valley, he reminded, God walks with His people wherever He leads. As the rally wound down, the Sports Cup brought an evening of volleyball, basketball and friendly competition. For at least one attendee, the day carried a deeper significance: “The last time I was invited here was after three years away from church,” they shared. “From that moment, I reconnected with my community again.”
Eight days. Eleven young people. Four vehicles. Over 2,550 kilometres. One clear mission— to serve others and share the love of Jesus. The Road Trip with a Purpose team discovered that this road trip’s destination was not a place, but the people they met, the communities they served and the moments where God’s love was made visible. The trip started at the Wahroonga Conference Office through Coffs Harbour, Nambour, Bundaberg and beyond. Along the way, the team painted handrails, gardened and helped with brickwork at Coffs Harbour, then spent a morning in Nambour serving a couple facing health challenges. In Bundaberg, a visit to Lady Musgrave Island included a two-hour boat trip, plenty of seasickness and unforgettable snorkelling among green turtles and reef fish. The team also led chapel and worship at Hope Adventist School and Noosa Adventist College, and on the return leg, helped a woman and her neighbour with lawns and gardening—and special prayer. The trip closed back in Coffs Harbour with shared stories, a church service and a bonfire. As one reflection detailed, the journey was never really about reaching the Great Barrier Reef—it was about young people discovering that ministry happens through simple acts of service, to others and to one another.
ONE COMMUNITY, MANY GATHERINGS Different venues, different formats, one thread running through all four: young people across the Greater Sydney Conference showing up for each other, for their communities and for their faith. Whether through 16
a night of worship, a weekend in the bush, a rally day or a road trip, this season proved one thing—the next generation of the Conference is already leading.
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On 10 June 2026, Year 12 student leaders and leaders from Greater Sydney Conference schools attended the Sydney Prayer Breakfast at the International Convention Centre. They joined approximately 1,800 worshippers from other Sydney Christian schools, churches, organisations and businesses for this opportunity to participate in prayer, praise and corporate worship for the city and larger community. The event brought together people united by a shared desire to seek God’s guidance and blessing. The atmosphere was
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reflective and encouraging, with participants praying for civic leaders, communities, young people, teachers and those serving in positions of responsibility. For our students, the experience highlighted the importance of expressing their faith publicly, respectfully and collaboratively. Student and school leader teams were seated at different tables, offering a warm welcome to student leaders and enabling conversations that went deeper than the usual school context. This mix encouraged connection, mentoring and a stronger sense of shared mission across Sydney’s schools and supporting teams.
The keynote speaker, Tim Kirk, spoke from his experience in faith, family, vocation and service. He invited listeners to consider how God can use ordinary gifts and opportunities for meaningful purpose when people are willing to follow His plan. His reflections were especially relevant for student leaders who are just learning how humility, service and caring for others shapes their leadership style. This event was a great reminder that prayer, service and community are central to Adventist education and to building the hearts of young people who seek to lead with purpose.
The Greater Sydney Conference has added Northern Sydney and the Northern Beaches to its Faith FM footprint, purchasing a set of LPON radio licences that extend the network’s reach. Conference officials and those who made it happen gathered to celebrate the launch on Thursday, 27 August 2026, with a prayer of dedication.
Bridge in the south through to Mona Vale and Newport in the north, and across to the eastern parts of Wahroonga. A fourth site, likely at Ingleside or Bilgola Plateau, will extend that reach further in the future. The station currently broadcasts on a mix of 87.6 FM and 88.0 FM, with a possible move to consolidate the whole network on 87.6 FM pending regulatory approval.
“This significant investment strengthens our ability to reach people where they live, work and connect, bringing the Three Angels’ Messages into homes across this important part of Sydney,” says Pr Alban Matohiti, GSC President.
“The Northern Beaches area is relatively unreached for our Adventist church,” Michael says, “and our Officers view this as a strategic investment in preparing the soil in this area.” The team initially estimated a six-month timeline to fully establish the network, though progress has moved faster than expected.
In 2022, the sale of the Epping Conference Office funded a $300,000 purchase of the Western Sydney network on 88.0 FM. That station now reaches Penrith and Campbelltown, links into the existing Faith FM presence in the Southern Highlands, and has potential to reach more than 1.2 million people. This new acquisition came at a cost of around $250,000. “The recent purchase of the Faith FM transmitters for Sydney’s Northern Beaches is more than a strategic investment,” says Pr Alban. “It is an investment in God’s mission to reach hearts with the everlasting gospel.” He adds that the Northern Beaches have only a small Adventist presence, and this purchase is an opportunity to sow seeds of faith broadly and trust the Holy Spirit to draw people toward Christ. Michael Engelbrecht, Faith FM Radio Manager, is helping lead the project. Three broadcast sites, Mosman, Collaroy Plateau and St Ives, are operational, with test broadcasts already underway. Listeners can pick up Faith FM from the Harbour
For Nadelle Manners, GSC’s Chief Financial Officer, the investment carries a clear purpose beyond technical milestones. “It is our prayer that, through the Faith FM radio ministry programs broadcast across Northern Sydney and the Northern Beaches, lives will continue to be positively impacted as we share Jesus with these communities,” she says. The expansion is part of GSC’s buildup toward Sydney for Christ 2028. “Jesus said, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,’” explains Pr Alban. “Radio provides us with another avenue to do exactly that. It allows pastors, members and leaders to use their gifts to create meaningful, relevant content that engages people with faith and points them to Jesus.” In Romans 10:14, the apostle Paul reminds, “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Faith FM helps the Adventist Church in Sydney take the gospel beyond church buildings and into the everyday lives of local communities.
her Dher LEAD IN HEELS IN HEELS
N'S LEADERSHIP WEEKEND
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP WEEKEND
TOB ER 1 6-1 8, 2O 0C 26 T OBE R 1 6 -1 8, 20 26
R OS SLAND S YOU TH & CR OS SL ANDS YOU TH & ONVENT ION CE NTR E CONVENTI ON CE NT R E
Speaker: Mrs Ruth Batu SPD Women's and Children's Ministries Director
Seventh-day Adventist Church
t org.au
Sydney
Speaker: Mrs Ruth Batu SPD Women's and Children's Ministries Director
SYDNEY ADVENTIST WOMEN
@SydneyAdventist sydney.adventist.org.au R egi ste r h er e
SYDNEY ADVENTIST WOMEN
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