At Winter Conference, Anja and Devansh each encountered Jesus in a fresh and life-changing way. Their stories of renewal, courage, and newfound faith remind us how powerfully God moves when we make space to seek Him—together.
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.