Anja’s Story: From Burnout to Boldness

“Before Winter Conference, I was spiritually running on empty.”

Just one year ago, Anja arrived at Winter Conference feeling overwhelmed and spiritually dry. “I was going through a really dark time in my life,” she recalls. “I had been so completely consumed by worries for the people around me, that I didn’t realise I had put my own faith and relationship with God on the back burner.”

She came with two close friends—Justin and Aron. At the time, Aron wasn’t a Christian, and faith had never really been a topic between them. That would soon change.

A week that changed everything

At Winter Conference, Anja was struck by something simple but powerful: young people her age, speaking openly and passionately about their love for God. “It was maybe the first time in my life that I’d seen people my age speak so boldly about Jesus in everyday conversation,” she says.

God used these conversations to stir something deep in her heart.

“I’d always called myself a Christian,” Anja shares, “but I realised I’d never truly had a relationship with God. For the first time I can remember, I wanted that more than anything. I knew I needed Him.”

Anja attended an evangelism workshop led by Joy, an intern with Power to Change, who would later become her mentor. That workshop equipped Anja with both the courage and the tools to start gospel conversations with people in her life—including Aron.

One bold step at a time

After Winter Conference, something shifted. Aron and Anja started talking about faith—conversations they’d never had before.

“The week after conference, I went with Aron to buy his first Bible. We spent hours reading it together,” Anja recalls. “At first, Aron wasn’t ready to commit. But a few months later, he decided to put his trust in Jesus.”

Her heart was full. “God had worked through Joy to encourage me, and through our friendship, to draw Aron to Himself. I was so amazed by God’s timing.”

From personal growth to public witness

The impact didn’t stop there. As her own relationship with God deepened, Anja’s life began to radiate joy. People at work started noticing the change.

“They told me I seemed happier, more positive,” she says. “That opened the door to share about my faith. I began to feel more confident talking about Jesus—at work, with friends, even at home.”

One of the most powerful moments came when Anja had a conversation with her dad. “He told me he’d been praying to reconnect with God. Now we talk openly about faith and encourage each other.”

A year of transformation

Over the past year, Anja has seen how intentionally God works—not just in her life, but through her life. “He used Winter Conference to wake me up spiritually. And He’s used my story to encourage others, too.”

Reflecting on Philippians 2:13-16, she says, “It reminds me that God works in us and through us—for His good pleasure. We’re called to shine as lights in the world. And I want to keep doing that.”

Devansh’s Story: Coming to Jesus in a Moving Car

“I’d never heard the gospel before this week.”

Devansh, a student from India, was born into a Brahmin Hindu family. When he arrived in Perth to study, he was curious about the differences between Australian culture and his own—and that curiosity led him to explore Christianity.

When he signed up for Power to Change WA’s Winter Conference, he had no idea it would change his life forever.

A week of exploring faith

At conference, Devansh was invited to participate in the Exploring Christianity track. Over several days, he posed profound questions and grappled with significant ideas. He spoke with students and staff about grace, sin, and what it really means to know Jesus personally.

Josh, a campus team leader, spent time with Devansh one-on-one. “He was spiritually hungry,” Josh recalls. “But we weren’t sure yet how much he understood about Jesus being the only way.”

National Director Geoff Folland also met with him, sharing the concept of grace and how radically different it is from performance-based religion. Devansh listened intently.

A decision in the car

After the final session, students were invited to stand if they wanted to commit to making disciples and joining God’s mission. Devansh stood.

That evening, student leader Jaden gave Devansh a lift back to Perth. Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, Jaden asked him directly: “What do you think about Jesus?”

Devansh’s response was immediate and heartfelt.

“I don’t know anyone who has a bigger heart and loves more than Jesus,” he said. “That Jesus would die for my sins—it amazes me.”

Then came the moment.

“I asked him if he wanted to give his life to Jesus,” Jaden remembers, “and he said yes. He just didn’t know how.”

Devansh had assumed he needed to go to a church or do something special to be ‘allowed’ to become a Christian. “He was worried he’d be seen as an impostor,” says Jaden.

So, right there—in a moving car—they prayed together. Devansh gave his life to Jesus.

The start of a new life

That moment marked a radical turning point. Devansh’s questions turned into joy. “Every moment is the right moment to follow Jesus,” Jaden says.

He’s now connected to community and continuing to grow in his understanding of the gospel.

For Devansh, Winter Conference was more than just a camp—it was a divine appointment. And for those who met and journeyed with him, it was a beautiful reminder of how God reaches people in the most unexpected places—even in the backseat of a car.

The post Winter Conference: Stories of Transformation appeared first on Power to Change.

Our Strategy: Multiplying Disciples, Leaders, and Houses of Peace

Our core strategy is to develop missional groups called Mini Houses of Peace. Each group is led by student leaders trained in the “Three-Thirds” inductive Discovery Bible Study format: Look Back, Look Up, Look Forward. This reproducible method equips students to engage not-yet-Christians and believers alike in exploring gospel stories, discovering who Jesus is, and growing in their faith.

These groups meet wherever people naturally gather—on campus, in apartments, or local cafés—often around shared meals. The relational, organic environment makes the gospel accessible and inviting.

The Three-Thirds Discipleship Process

• Look Back: Share personal updates, worship, accountability, and vision casting for reaching others.
  
• Look Up: Read and retell Bible stories, exploring what they reveal about God and ourselves.
  
• Look Forward: Practice what was learned, set goals for obedience, and pray for opportunities to share faith.
  

Multiplying Disciples and Leaders

The goal is clear: each new believer is discipled, coached, and empowered to launch their own House of Peace. For example, Richard, who came to faith in May 2022, quickly stepped into leadership, starting his own group by 2024. He now mentors others, helping the movement multiply into second- and third-generation groups.

To support this growth, we’re developing a three-year Leadership Development Pathway to train and coach leaders for sustained multiplication.

We trust God to continue building this movement of multiplying disciples and simple churches on campus—and beyond. Will you join us in prayer as we build for lasting impact?

The post Building Multiplying Disciples and Simple Churches at Melbourne University appeared first on Power to Change.

Jules has been using TheFour.au as a key equipping tool in his ministry at CYC for over a year, and the impact has been nothing short of transformative. The simplicity of the Four—a clear and visually engaging tool that explains the Gospel using four simple steps—has made it easier than ever for leaders to communicate the good news of Jesus to young people in a way that is both compelling and memorable.

“TheFour has been a game-changer for us. It’s not just a tool; it’s a way of thinking and engaging with the Gospel that helps us as leaders meet young people where they are,” says Jules. “It allows us to invite campers into the story of Jesus, helping them understand who He is and why He matters in their lives.”

One of the most impactful aspects of using TheFour has been its ability to break down barriers and spark meaningful conversations. With so many young people coming from diverse backgrounds, some with little knowledge of Christianity, TheFour serves as an accessible entry point for discussing faith. Leaders are empowered not only to share the message but to make it personal and applicable to the campers’ lives.

Jules recalls one memorable moment: “We had a camper, let’s call him Tom, who had been coming to CYC for years but was always skeptical about the idea of faith. This year, his leader used TheFour during a small group discussion, and it was like a light bulb went off. Tom realised that the Gospel wasn’t just a distant, abstract concept—it was for him, right where he was. After that, he started asking deeper questions and, over time, made a decision to follow Jesus. Watching that transformation was incredible.”

The power of TheFour isn’t just in the clarity of the Gospel message, but in how it equips leaders to make disciples who can go and share the good news themselves. By using this simple, yet powerful tool, CYC is seeing its leaders grow in confidence and effectiveness as they engage with campers, helping them to move from curiosity to commitment, and ultimately to life-changing faith.

As Jules puts it, “When we use TheFour, we’re not just sharing a story—we’re giving young people the opportunity to step into God’s story and become a part of His mission in the world.”

The post Winning Hearts for Christ appeared first on Power to Change.

Georgia’s approach to leadership goes beyond simply managing a team—it’s about cultivating deep, intentional relationships with those she leads. “The frameworks I learnt from attending SHIFTn2M helps me be more intentional not just in my conversations but in my prayers too,” she says. By tracking the spiritual progress of individuals on the SHIFTm2M arrow, Georgia can pray strategically for their growth. “It helps me pray into what their next steps are. I’m not just praying for them in the moment, but for opportunities, for breakthroughs, and for moments where we can challenge them in their journey.”

This intentionality has paid off in numerous ways, especially in the leadership development of a young girl in her youth ministry. Initially sitting in Build, she wasn’t engaging deeply with her relationship with Jesus. But by recognising where she was and using the SHIFTm2M framework to tailor her discipleship, Georgia and her team helped her transition into Train—not just in leadership, but in her personal faith.

“We had deep conversations about what it means to follow Jesus sacrificially, not just mimic behaviors,” Georgia explains. This led to a transformation where the young girl, who once struggled with sharing her faith, began to speak openly about her beliefs. “She even had a conversation with a friend about why bad things happen to good people, and wanted to give them a solid answer,” Georgia shares, highlighting how intentional discipleship nurtures confidence in the faith.

This focus on intentionality also had a profound impact on youth baptism. Two years after implementing , Georgia’s youth ministry saw 17 young people baptised. She shares a powerful story of a young man who, with his leader’s encouragement, progressed through the Shift stages and began bringing friends to youth. “He brought at least two new friends every week. His leader coached him, and eventually, he baptised two of his friends,” Georgia recounts.

Through these stories, it’s clear that the SHIFTm2M framework doesn’t just bring structure—it fosters growth, both spiritually and in leadership. By equipping leaders to disciple intentionally and pray for their young people, Georgia has witnessed firsthand how SHIFTm2M can transform lives.

The post Intentional Leadership and Prayer appeared first on Power to Change.

I loved going home to the UK this Summer – the church I grew up in is known for its amazing music – and this Advent season it didn’t disappoint.  The choir at St Alphege was spectacular and their Christmas Services are full of visitors.  My church here in Australia has fantastic Christmas activities but I wonder how many of our visitors come back in the New Year?

What about your church?  Have you got a plan to reconnect with these new or lost people? 

What would it take to connect with these awesome people – that have an interest in Christianity – but aren’t part of a regular faith community?

Many of you may have anticipated this issue – compounded by Australian summer holidays – and provided newcomers with an information pack about what you do and how you can meet their needs.  You may have chatted to them after the service or activity and personally invited them to come again.  You may have even managed to grab their contact information (Woo Hoo!!).  

So now is the time to follow up…..  and for those of you who grabbed some contact information a great way to get to know someone is over a cup of coffee  (yes, I do live in Melbourne and a cold drink may be more relevant for you or even a bubble tea depending on the culture of the area you are in).  This “get to know you” cuppa is a great start to start showing God’s love and care to someone.  The purpose of the meeting is to connect with them and find out more about them, their life, circumstances and where they are on their spiritual journey and what their needs are.  The fact that they are willing to meet with you indicates that they are at least curious.

Some great questions to ask are:

• Tell me a bit about yourself?
• What made you come to our church ?
• Did the message make sense to you? (if they came to a Christmas service)
• How do you think our church can help you?  (let them identify their next steps first, this helps them own it)

It might be good to have some resources to have with you such as your churches worship times and activities that you have such as playgroups, English classes, and Alpha.  They may be ready to come to church and it is always nice to have someone that you know there for the first few times you go who can introduce you to other and help them feel part of the community.  Sometimes someone isn’t quite ready to join corporate worship and an offer to read the bible with them over a cuppa using a Discovery Bible Method to discover the basics together using a tool like in MyFriends.network can be great way to help someone along their spiritual journey.

But what if you didn’t collect peoples contact details?  Ask your congregation who they asked to come to celebrate Christmas at church.  Did any of them recognise any of the visitors … Ask your church members to arrange for a cuppa to connect with their friends, family or neighbours and show God’s love to them through prayer and caring from them – meeting them where they are at on their spiritual journey and supporting their needs – intentionally living like Jesus.

MyFriends helps everyday Christians connect intentionally with their friends and give them the tools, skills and confidence to have spiritual conversations with their social networks. Contact Fiona.Dunn@Powertochange.org.au to learn how to run MyFriends at your church or join us over zoom for an online MyFriends course to find out what its all about.

The post Maximizing connections with a cuppa! appeared first on Power to Change.

“But what I didn’t expect was how much I would be poured into from God through our main speaker for the winter conference, through connection times with students, and through workshops that I helped lead,” she reveals.
“It was very encouraging, and God really blessed me with how much I was serving, but I was still poured into over the five days.”

Ashley, who hails from Minnesota in the US, believes going away on a conference allowed her to connect with students on a deeper level than during campus outreach events. “The messages in the seminars and workshops were all God and Bible-centred and it was a great time connecting with students who you already knew before, but so many other new people as well. Having that time and space to rest, reflect and connect with other people makes it really special.”

A sign of how precious the time was for students was that they already organised a reunion a few weeks after the conference, she says. “It was really cool after our main speaker gave a talk on identity in Christ. I looked around the room, saw students, and was able to chat with a student after the talk about our identity in Christ and how that’s such good news that we have this firm foundation and security that we don’t have to try to people-please or try to get our identity from other people, relationships, our jobs, our futures, our dreams, our hopes,” she says.

“In Christ, we have this firm security that surpasses everything. Because of our identity in Christ, we are able to live from love and not for it. So everything that we do is not trying to earn God’s love. It’s not trying to earn other love. It’s coming from a place of love. And the security that love will never leave us as children of God. That was a great thing to be reminded of.”

After the talk, Ashley was alarmed to see that a student sitting next to her had tears in her eyes. “I was like, ‘Oh no, is she okay?’ Then I realised she was overwhelmed with peace from a deeper understanding of God’s love for her, that she didn’t have to try to get that from anywhere else, but she already really has it in Christ.”

As she heard students’ stories, Ashley realised what a privilege and honour it was to have God move through her to encourage or serve another student.“ Freedom is the main word that I took out of the conference. There’s freedom in surrendering to God. The world might say the opposite, but we live in an upside-down kingdom.”

The post Living from Love appeared first on Power to Change.

Faith-building, says Suan Lee, doesn’t always require dramatic events; instead, it often flourishes in the simple, everyday interactions we have with others. Suan emphasizes the importance of genuine presence and heartfelt care, echoing the famous saying, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This genuine care, Suan explains, is guided by the Holy Spirit and constantly covered in prayer.

She has found remarkable success in integrating faith into casual settings, like at her local gym, in exercise classes, and at a cafe. One of Suan Lee’s key strategies is to make the most of ordinary interactions. Whether she’s chatting with gym-goers or meeting up for coffee, she emphasizes the importance of being present and open to where God leads. She notes that real faith growth happens when people feel truly heard and valued, and this is made possible through a foundation of prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

By using Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) in these relaxed environments, Suan Lee creates spaces where people feel comfortable to explore faith. Building faith in everyday moments involves lots of prayer, attentive and active listening, and building authentic relationships.

These informal settings are just the beginning. Starting with informal gatherings like cafes and Bible study groups is a great way for new believers to begin their journey. These settings can lead people to find their place in a church community, where they can receive the support and structure needed for spiritual growth.

If you’re eager to build others on their journey of faith, getting involved and being present in these spaces is an excellent place to start! Suan Lee’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful connections and genuine care, nurtured through prayer and spiritual openness, can lead to profound spiritual growth.

The post Growing Faith in Everyday Moments? appeared first on Power to Change.

Years of faithful prayer, the Spirit’s leading, and God’s faithfulness in answering led her to give her life to Jesus.

Since then, Piper* has been intentional about growing her relationship with God and His people, so when she heard about the Winter Conference, she was keen to go!

The funds raised from the Winter Conference appeal and the Broadway Vision Night were invaluable. They covered some of the costs and enabled Piper to attend the conference.

Every talk and session, being surrounded by and immersed in Christian community, and the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus for the first time impacted Piper in ways that words cannot capture.

Her understanding of God’s love and grace was magnified and made tangible. God placed on her heart the desire to be bold in sharing her faith with those around her.

This is what Winter Conferences are about – transformation and activation – God speaking into and shaping the hearts and lives of young people and calling them to participate in His mission in the world.

*Name changed for privacy

The post A Faith ignited at Winter Conference appeared first on Power to Change.

How do we remain steadfast and have peace when the world is changing so fast? How do we avoid yielding in the face of mounting pressure? 

These are just some of the questions explored in Power to Change’s (PTC) 2023 Winter Conference. Held in three states, Winter Conference was a time of Bible teaching, practical training, and plenty of fun with people from different campuses.

One of the returning students, Jun, said the week helped him gain the skills and Biblical understanding necessary for sharing his faith. 

“It centres on the big questions of why we need to share our faith and disciple people and why it is important to multiply ourselves as disciples,” he explained.

The community aspect of the conference is also extremely valuable. For many students, the conference is the first time they experience gospel-centred community.

And many students come back to Winter Conference year after year—a testament to the impact of the event. 

Jess—who returned this year—says it was a “wonderful opportunity to mentor people younger than me and teach them how to share their faith.” 

Clarice says that coming back to Winter Conference helped her to surrender everything to God. “I also feel challenged to be more disciplined in reading my Bible so I can learn more about God’s character.”

We’re grateful that learning in community, in such an intense environment, can supercharge spiritual growth. 

With all of these testimonies, it is no wonder that ‘impactful’ is the best word to describe the Winter Conference.  In our next story we’ll hear from Ethan as he realises the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to empower him in his daily life.

We are so thankful for another successful conference, and for your part in allowing it to happen!

The post Three states, one purpose and plenty of fun appeared first on Power to Change.

When some of their leaders, including pastors, assistants, other key ministry staff and elders did the MyFriends training, they quickly realised that it was about how they live, looking for opportunities to share their faith.

Dorothy Roberts, Generation Minister at Door of Hope, caught the message that MyFriends is about faith as a lifestyle that creates opportunities to share Jesus.

“I have to be what I want to multiply,” she explained.

Door of Hope piloted moving a young adults small group that had done the Alpha course straight into MyFriends training. This immersed them into having a sense of community and allowed them to learn how to share their faith.

The effect of MyFriends is seen in Door of Hope’s children’s ministry, where people are now learning and teaching about living a lifestyle which invites their friends to experience Jesus. They’re also starting a youth Bible study group in which they teach the basic skills of living a life that makes disciples.

Dorothy is encouraged by the positive impact that the MyFriends training has had on their congregation.

“We see this as an incredible tool for a church to equip their people,” she says.

The post Transforming disciples into disciplemakers appeared first on Power to Change.