Kane
Early on in life Kane found substances that would soothe his troubled mind and soul. Soon the drugs left him living on the streets and doing crimes that led to stints in jail. But it felt like God still had a plan for Kane, and when he ended up in Bendigo Hospital, it was a doctor who helped him to see what God saw; someone who was worthy.
Sandy
In 1981 Sandy graduated from the Victorian Police Force at the age of twenty-one. At that time female police officers were not issued hand cuffs, or firearms. They were given a short truncheon and a handbag, and were told that if they needed to restrain a crook, to remove their pantyhose and tie them up! Sandy sustained faith throughout the incredible pressures and challenges of her policing career. God was always with her, tapping her on the shoulder.
Sonia
Sonia found herself as a mother of three children in a relationship of domestic violence. She could see the patterns of abuse so clearly in those around her, but struggled to know what to do for herself. Escaping the abuse took a long time, and some help from an unexpected ally. Now Sonia is convicted that anger, hate and hurt only eat you up. She is now an outspoken advocate around issues of family and domestic violence. For Sonia, the only way is God’s love.
Dave
Dave grew up believing he would be in the army, joining the officer core as he went through uni. But when Dave turned up at a work training session and found it was just him and Alana, he immediately knew she was special and his life took a very different turn! As his wife Alana never stopped praying or believing, and after a lot of time spent researching and asking questions, Dave decided he was going to let Jesus into his life. From that point on he has experienced himself being transformed; as a husband, dad and friend.
Jess
When Jess moved from Melbourne to Bendigo she didn’t realise it would be the beginning of such an isolating period of her life; becoming a mum at the same time as she had moved away from her community and a job. For two years she felt hugely isolated, and lonely. But all it took was an invitation from a stranger at a playgroup to change things… eventually. On her own she was inadequate to handle the chaos waters that had come. How was she to carry it all? And how could Christianity possibly help her?
Faye
Faye grew up curious about spiritual things. So when her mum suggested she go and speak to Mrs Robinson, the local spiritualist, Faye felt perhaps she had found her people. Faye was told she was very psychic. But when the visions changed, Mrs Robinson’s explanations seemed inadequate. It was an unexpected word from a speaker at one of their meetings that led Faye to the truth, and changed the trajectory of her life from that point on.
Lena
Lena grew up in Gippsland and trained to be a nurse. When her husband bought their new family home in Echuca, she started anew there. Her whole life Lena has heeded the call to show compassion and care to those in need. Her lifelong devotion to visiting and caring for those in hospitals and residential aged care saw her awarded an Order of Australia. She continues her ministry to this day, sustained by the belief that God is with her in every moment, no matter where she is.
John
After an administrative mix up John’s father was posted to Singapore in the second world war, and the family went to live in the now infamous Changi prison. In 1942 when the bombing started they had to be evacuated, and John together with his five siblings and mother were stowed in the hold of a ship as they made the perilous ten-day journey to Freemantle in Western Australia. The family finally settled in Sailors Falls, where John met his wife to be and found a church family at Christ Church, Daylesford.
