Finding Living Hope

Since mid-last year, we’ve been part of a remarkable gospel movement across the Illawarra— Hope for the Illawarra. Christians and churches of many kinds have been united by our shared desire to see people saved by Jesus for eternity. God has taught us so much. Evangelism is the heartbeat of believers. There is great joy in gospel partnership, and God continues to work through His people to reach the lost—in both personal relationships and large-scale outreach campaigns. And for many, it was refreshing to discover that people were more open to Jesus than expected.

Over the final weekend of the campaign:

• 2,500 youth attended an event where 250 responded to the gospel.

• At the children’s event, 1,700 came, with 600 responses.

• On Saturday night, 3,600 heard the message of hope, and 150 responded.

Praise God for Leading The Way Ministries, the organising committee, and the many across the Illawarra who led and served so faithfully throughout this campaign. Here at Dapto Anglican, I want to express my heartfelt thanks; to the HFTI leadership team—your willingness to serve and lead made our churches involvement possible; to the encouragers—thank you for being ready to welcome those responding to Christ with grace and care; to those who prayed—your faithful prayers have underpinned this whole mission and to those who invited others—thank you for stepping out in faith to share your hope in Jesus.

This has been an incredible season, but the journey isn’t over. We’ll soon receive the names of those who responded and listed Dapto Anglican as their connection point. Please begin praying for them now. Reflect on how God has loved and welcomed you—and be ready to show that same love to new believers.

Let’s keep living and sharing our living hope in Christ.