Power To Change

A Ladies Tea and a Trial

- Tim Freyer, National Strategy Director for Families, Power to Change Australia

A few years ago we started giving out Christmas cookies to the 20 neighbours in our court. Over time, we added a bit here and a bit there and this year ended up delivering biscuits to 100 houses in our neighbourhood. We were excited to have a number of really good conversations about life and even had a few spiritual conversations. We’re hoping to continue some of these conversations and see where God leads.

One of the exciting developments is that God has begun to change the culture of our neighbourhood! Through the challenges with COVID-19, God has given us an opportunity to connect more deeply with those around us. As we have prayed and joined the Lord in His work, we have had the privilege of being representatives of His presence in the lives of those around us.

Is your road a little bumpy?

- by Suan Lee Campbell - Church Movements Strategy

Would Mary and Joseph be allowed to travel if they were living in a pandemic? I’m sure they would prefer to stay in the comfort of their home, but it was essential to travel to fulfil a bigger purpose than was humanly possible.

Having gone through pregnancy, I can safely vouch for Mary’s character and understand her perspective of that Christmas advent. I know I would have whined all the way to Bethlehem of backache, need for snacks and water, ablution and, ‘It’s hot and dusty. Are we nearly there?’ to my long-suffering husband. Exhausted at the end of the journey, I would have begged anyone at the doorway of an inn to get to a bed. I guess that was why God did not choose a person like me to be Mary.

Aussies Win International #Hack Competition

An Aussie team focused on digital strategies, has taken out the top international award for the Indigitous’ annual "#HACK" weekend in early October! Indigitous is a global organization focused on helping fulfill the Great Commission by engaging and unleashing Believers into digital missions.

“#HACK2020” was this year’s event, sponsored by Indigitous, to bring groups of digital strategists from around the world together virtually to develop digital tools to help us build our faith or share the Gospel more effectively. Over the course of the weekend, 1088 volunteers, based in 141 cities across 29 countries, came together to work on 90 different real-world projects.

Revealing Hope, Restoring Life

Ty Pok was a widow by the time she was just 23 years old, living in a rural province in Cambodia. In search of work, she left her hometown for the capital, Phnom Penh. There she was able to earn an income by working as a maid, however this all changed when she was sexually assaulted by a man she trusted and soon discovered that she was pregnant. As her pregnancy progressed, she left her job and decided to return to her hometown despite the shame she felt.

Lockdowns soon began due to COVID-19 and people were afraid to go to the market where they would buy and sell goods. With no income and no job opportunities in sight, Ty Pok was in a desperate situation to provide for her now 5 month old son.

Bread of Life Gift Cards

- by Jody Kubo working with International Students in Power to Change

In April, we heard about a Christian couple who just arrived in Sydney from Nepal. The husband planned to work in order to support his wife as she studied towards a Masters degree in Public Health. They arrived with happy expectations—they didn’t expect a pandemic lockdown.

I called John and Jane (fictitious names). Jane said she had yet to set foot on her campus because of the lockdown and her husband couldn't find work. They were living in a cramped share-house and were still in need of basic items while struggling with cultural adjustment. Our team sent them a Care Pack.

Like other Power to Change ministries in Australia, our Macquarie Uni team began giving away “Care Packs” of basic food stuffs, face masks, sanitiser, and toilet paper. But by May, we were hearing stories about students who lost part-time jobs and were having trouble paying rent, as well as worrying about their families back home. A new believer in our ministry said that her dad lost his job in Sri Lanka because of the virus. Students are very stressed.

Power to Change – Transition of Chairman

Power to Change has announced a transition in the leadership of its Governing Board.

After 7 years of faithful service as Chairperson, Robert Rawson OAM (aka Jim Rawson) has stepped down from the Board. A new Chairperson will be announced after the upcoming AGM.

During that time as Chair of Power to Change it has grown larger and stronger under his experienced and bold leadership. He will be sadly missed and is much loved.

Online and Making a Difference!

As I’m sure you are aware, schools have gone through some drastic changes! They are open, but families have asked if they are able to keep their children at home. Therefore learning has moved online.

As a school chaplain, Stuart Brownscombe’s role seemed impossible. That is until the school principal asked him to continue his role in a special way.

Egg On My Face!

by Suan Lee Campbell

It’s embarrassing for me to share this story but my colleagues think I should write it up because it shows the generosity of giving, which reflects Christ’s free gift on the cross. It also shows how difficult it can be to be a recipient of another’s generosity due to self-sufficiency and pride. This incident has taught me the timeliness of God when He interrupts my daily life to teach me a good lesson.

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