Author: Elizabeth Mullins

Read below to learn how two Australian regions are bringing together youth and families for a weekend of fun and discipleship.

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Queensland, Australia

In January, forty-six enthusiastic participants gathered at Tallebudgera, Queensland for a weekend of connection and growth. The event kicked off on Thursday afternoon with meaningful discussions about the weekend’s themes and ways to support one another. Icebreaker activities and board games after dinner set a joyful tone of fun, faith, and fellowship.

Breakfast devotionals were held on both Friday and Saturday focused on Jesus’ baptism and what baptisms mean for us today. Campers were deeply moved by heartfelt testimonies shared about personal journeys of faith.

Friday brought adventure on the canoes as groups worked together to explore the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek. A thoughtful session on responsible social media use followed, along with a beach swim, dance practice, basketball, jump rope, and more games to end the day.

Saturday challenged campers at The Cliffs with abseiling and a thrilling height drop. The afternoon was spent preparing for Sunday’s worship service, followed by swimming, soccer, and dinner. That evening featured a Sacred Imagination dinner and an energetic dance session.

Sunday’s Worship Service was a highlight. Youth led every aspect, even the sermon, showcasing their gifts through music, art, readings, testimonies, and a Fijian dance. The service was deeply inspiring and reflected the servant-heartedness of these amazing young people.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all church members for your prayers and support that made this camp possible. We cannot wait to see what God has in store in 2027!

By Lara Olsen, GCI-Australia Admin and Registrar
Camira, Queensland, Australia

 

 

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Victoria, Australia

In January, the first Victorian Youth and Family weekend was held on Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne. Thirty people attended. Each morning after breakfast we had a time of devotion focusing on God’s delight is us, his love, and willingness to carry all our burdens. The Amazing Race activity, a race around the camp with various puzzles to solve, was enjoyed equally as much as a casual beach stroll exploring the nearby rocky foreshore and cliffs.

At our Sunday worship service, the Congolese Bolikoko family led us in songs. We also heard from two recently baptised young adults about their journey thus far. They shared moments when they felt God’s presence during difficult times, describing baptism not as a single profound moment but as a growing awareness of a lifelong journey with God. They spoke of learning to trust God’s guidance, even as letting go of control remains an ongoing process.

Along with conversations and laughter, the three days were also filled with outdoor sports like the giant swing, volleyball, gaga ball, and the most favourite of all – 9 Square in the Air. When we needed relief from the heat and wind, we enjoyed indoor activities like trivia, karaoke, and tie-dyeing t-shirts. The t-shirts were a big hit. At the end of camp, we had ‘the reveal’ as each person’s shirt, after being washed and dried, was unfolded to smashing applause and cheers.

It was an enjoyable and meaningful time, and we are very grateful for the staff that attended. We look forward to returning in 2027.

By Matthew Gudze, Pastor
Mooroolbark, Victoria, AU

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28–30 NIV

Jesus did everything the Father asked of him. In the midst of intense human suffering, he gave up his spirit in union with the Father — an act of faith and implicit trust. He did not hesitate. Instead, he surrendered himself into God’s care and courageously entered death for our sake.

We participate in Christ’s death. This participation invites us to reflect continually on what may need to die in us. There are seasons when we have completed what God has asked of us, and the time comes to move on.

At times, this means allowing relationships, jobs, or responsibilities to end so that new ones may begin. We may not know what lies ahead or how it will all unfold. But in Christ, we are invited to step forward into the new life God is opening before us.

How might Christ’s love, poured into you by the Spirit, be closing a door in your life? How might the Spirit be inviting you to enter a world of new possibilities and new relationships?

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for loving us all the way to the grave. Father, thank you for never abandoning your Son. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for raising Jesus, and us in him, to new life. Amen.

Adapted from the following resource: April 7, 2023 – Good Friday – GCI Equipper

 

Kingdom Citizens take our call to serve seriously. We steward our time and resources to help others. Jesus’ Church is not meant to store up resources for itself. We exist to pour them out in love for the world.

When we serve and give, we do it so the light of Christ can shine through us into our neighborhoods and relationships. Our stewardship reflects our trust that God will provide and our desire to be part of what he’s doing around us.

How can we serve our neighbors by growing in healthy stewardship? As you prayerfully consider this with your congregation, the following GCI Buzz may spark ideas.

Serving others is a part of Kingdom Culture. Because we give and serve generously out of the abundance we have in Christ, we can do it joyfully.

Read how three congregations are serving their neighbors with joy.

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Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Flip the Fit is a GC Steele Creek Love Avenue event that brings together a clothing swap and hands-on activity stations for children and families in our neighborhood. What began as a small step of faith with about ten guests at our first gathering last summer has grown into something we did not manufacture.

At our most recent event, more than fifty neighbors joined us, with families lining up even before the doors opened. We are so thankful for how this simple offering of hospitality has continued to grow and reflect the heart of what it means to live as a sent people. When we create space for community in ordinary ways, God often brings more than we expect.

This event is not just something we host. It is something we are becoming together. Generosity at Flip the Fit has not flowed only from our congregation. Neighbors have contributed clothing and even signed up to volunteer alongside us. In doing this, we are joining Jesus in his ongoing work of love. It is not love flowing from us alone, but Christ sharing his life through us and with us. As children laugh and experiment with slime, balloon rockets, and paper airplanes, we see curiosity and joy take root.

In the rhythm of giving, receiving, testing, and trying again, we are reminded that Jesus is forming us as we participate in what he is already doing. Flip the Fit is becoming a place where we see the Spirit drawing people together and shaping us more deeply into a fellowship that lives sent in his name.

By Michelle Hartman, Communications Director
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

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Pikeville, Kentucky, US

GC Pikeville served their community dinners on Easter and Christmas for approximately ten years. Eventually, there was a nudging from the Lord to serve meals more often.

In May 2015, The Grace Community Kitchen was officially launched and began serving meals on a more frequent basis. Currently meals are served every Monday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome.

GC Pikeville partners with two other nonprofits in the community who also care about food insecurity: Mountain View Pace, which helps seniors live at home, and Mountain Comprehensive Care Outreach Team, which provides assistance to unhoused people. Volunteers give free haircuts, and a limited number of hygiene and laundry kits are distributed monthly.

Their service to their neighbors is a beautiful example of reflecting the light of Christ to others.

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Pasadena, California, US

GC Pasadena has been distributing donated food from local grocery stores for more than three years. They want to be a consistent presence in the community, so they do this weekly.

Every Saturday morning, they set up in the hallway of their church building. Then they welcome their neighbors with food insecurity to pick up groceries.

The congregation is demonstrating that they are truly intentional about loving and helping their neighbors.