Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba. Founded in 1993, KYCK is a Bible preaching event aimed at inspiring high schoolers to live for Jesus alone. Each year, delegates are invited to hear and respond to God’s word through powerful Bible talks, uplifting worship in song, inspiring testimonies, and fun youth-appropriate activities.
Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Each year, teenagers travel far and wide for fellowship in Katoomba. We are so encouraged that in 2024, we had groups join us from the ACT, Northern Territory and Queensland!
This year, guest speakers Alan Au, Brett Hookham, Sam Low, and Andy Stevenson opened Genesis to introduce youth to their Creator—a powerful and loving God who was there from the very beginning. Talk topics touched on the creation story, the supremacy of Jesus, humanity’s identity and purpose. Special guests Polly Butterworth and Patricia Weerakoon also joined the platform to share what it means for humanity to be created in the ‘Image of God’ and ‘Male and Female’.
“I loved the relevance of the talks, the confidence of speakers, the unashamed focus on the beauty of the way God has made us, and the way we were encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus throughout it all. There are big parts of Genesis 1-3 that many conferences today would brush over, but I am so thankful to KYCK for addressing them head on with such conviction and compassion.”
– KYCK 2 Leader
We praise God that from hearing His word preached, 68 teenagers became a Christian for the first time, 356 recommitted their lives to him, and 49 left the conference wanting to learn more.
“KYCK made me recommit my life to God. Being around my brothers and sisters in Christ is so uplifting, it shows that no matter how alone in my faith I feel, I am not, and there’s so many people that share my beliefs.”
– KYCK 3 First Timer Youth
“My favourite thing about KYCK 24, as always, is hearing the gospel preached and seeing young lives turning to him! 6 of ours responded! And seeing them move forward in their discipleship!
– KYCK 3 Leader
For teenagers who are already following Jesus, KYCK gives them an opportunity to access speakers beyond their church network—to hear old truths with fresh perspectives. For many, it also serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their faith, and that their beliefs are shared by thousands across Australia. This encouragement is especially important for teenagers in smaller youth groups, isolated rural areas, or who face opposition for their faith at home or school.
It was just amazing experience to be in a room with so many teen Christians and be able to worship together.
– KYCK 1 Youth
KYCK is such an encouragement to our young people and leaders. It’s great to see many of God’s people worshipping together.
– KYCK 1 Leader
“KYCK is the youth’s pinnacle event of the year to fellowship around God’s Word, other youth and singing.”
– KYCK 3 Youth Leader
Hosted as a hybrid event, youth groups can choose to experience KYCK in-person at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains, or KYCK Online; a high-quality livestream promising a ‘front row’ seat from the convenience of a living room or church hall. Delegates who joined KYCK in-person could take part in optional fellowship activities including the ‘KYCK On’ Soccer Cup where youth groups Christ Church Gladesville and Nowra Baptist Church took home the crown; and the Saturday Night BBQ where over $6,100 was raised to support Scripture teachers.
Early Bird tickets are still available for KYCK this September!
KYCK will return for a fourth weekend on the 27-29 September in Katoomba. KYCK 4 Early Bird tickets are still available until 30 June AEST from our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/
5,000+ youth and leaders met their Creator in the book of Genesis at KYCK conference.
By Heidi Tai
Feeling Stuck in Your Faith? Overcome Complacency at OneLove
Are you feeling stuck in your faith?
Does what you know about God no longer match how you feel about Him?
Have the pressures of everyday life caused you to push God and spiritual disciplines to the sidelines?
Our lives are shaped by routine – from workplaces to home life, from fitness classes to even church services. With this, the beauty of the gospel risks becoming over-familiar, leading to complacency and indifference. Despite our best efforts to reignite the passion we once had, time and time again we find ourselves slipping back into our schedules, where our faith becomes just another part of our daily lives. I wonder if you know this cycle well?
To help women address this topic, OneLove women’s conference will be exploring the theme, “Overcoming Complacency: How the Joy of the Father Can Reignite Your Devotion”. Guest speaker Blair Linne will open the scriptures to help women pause, reflect, and rediscover the sheer joy of being known and loved by the Father.
Blair Linne is the author of Finding My Father: How The Gospel Heals The Pain of Fatherlessness. She is a Bible teacher, actress, spoken word artist, and the creator of the podcast GLO with The Gospel Coalition. Blair has toured globally and is known as one of the originators of the Christian Spoken Word genre. Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through speaking and spoken word is her passion. She lives in Portland with her husband Shai Linne and their three children.
Along with powerful preaching, OneLove will inspire you to overcome complacency through worship songs and shared stories. Our prayer is that you’ll leave the conference with a fresh view of what it means to be a child of God and how it shapes everything you do.
Join us at OneLove this August!
OneLove women’s conference will return on Saturday 24th August at the Hillsong Convention Centre. Tickets are now available from our website: https://onelovewomen.com/register/
Discounted tickets are also available for full-time students, interstate and regional delegates. More information available from our website: https://onelovewomen.com/register/#prices
OneLove women’s conference will be exploring the theme, “Overcoming Complacency: How the Joy of the Father Can Reignite Your Devotion”.
By Heidi Tai
“Your Front Facing Camera is Lying to You” by Matt Sparks
In this talk from Katoomba Easter Convention 2024, Matt Sparks empowers us to resist worldliness with a cultural commentary of our world’s call to expressive individualism of forging and finding your identity on a journey of self-actualisation.
Matt helps us to see that while slogans such as “you do you” and “be true to yourself” are popular life scripts for our generation, living by these mottos will put you in opposition to God’s calling for us to be formed into the image of Christ.
This talk will help listeners grow in discernment of our culture’s emphasis on forging an identity of feelings, ‘authentic’ living and sexual expression, while encouraging us to see how worldliness may have creeped into our personal values and world views.
Key quote:
“The irony of modern-day identity formation is it says, “I can be whoever I want to be and do whatever I want to do”, and at the same time it will demand that society validate their chosen identity.”
At Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) this year, over 2,300 delegates joined to be empowered in their faith and to consider how they can conquer worldliness. Through sermons, topicals and inspiring testimonies, delegates were encouraged to remain faithful to God despite the attractiveness of secularism and opposition to Christianity in the Western world.
Program highlights included expository talks by John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks; Rachel Ciano’s biographical talks of the lives of Richard Baxter and Gladys Aylward, and livecross interviews with Paul Tripp and Glen Scrivener.
All 11 talks are now exclusively available on the app for all our KCC+ subscriber family. Subscribe now from only $4.99/month to get instant access to these talks and much more!
Matt Sparks empowers us to resist worldliness with a cultural commentary of our world’s call to expressive individualism and self-actualisation.
By Heidi Tai
Conquering Worldliness: KEC24 Talks Now on KCC+
At Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) this year, over 2,300 delegates joined to be empowered in their faith and to consider how they can conquer worldliness. Through sermons, topicals and inspiring testimonies, delegates were encouraged to remain faithful to God despite the attractiveness of secularism and opposition to Christianity in the Western world.
Program highlights included expository talks by John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks; Rachel Ciano’s biographical talks of the lives of Richard Baxter and Gladys Aylward, and livecross interviews with Paul Tripp and Glen Scrivener.
All 11 talks are now exclusively available on the app for all our KCC+ subscriber family. Subscribe now from only $4.99/month to get instant access to these talks and much more!
“I found KEC24 to be one of the best so far, as the teaching was really practical. It had good biblical content but was practical in giving encouragement of how to live the Christian life in our current challenging secular times.” – Anne, KEC 24 Delegate
The Pull of Being Remembered in This World
Rachel Ciano shares with us the inspirational stories of Richard Baxter and Gladys Aylward; stories of Christian faith lived out against the world.
A Biblical Worldview of Worldliness
In this 4-part series, John North leads us in shaping up a biblical view of worldliness: what the Bible says it is, how it affects us, and how God wants us to engage with the world we live in.
Jesus Christ, Our Greater Treasure
Enjoy this 4-part short talk series from Tim Blencowe reminding us from four ‘landmark’ texts for the Christian life, how Jesus is our greater treasure.
A Beautiful Resistance
These three evening talks from Matt Sparks guide us through three areas of life where we may face the battle against worldliness in the 21st century.
While we live in a prosperous country filled with beautiful treasures and alternative wisdoms, it is our hope that these talks will give you a renewed confidence in God, the greatest treasure and wisdom for all of life. Join the KCC+ family to get instant access!
11 talks from Katoomba Easter Convention 2024 are now available on the KCC+ app.
By Heidi Tai
Serving God as a Missionary Mother and Grandmother: Beth
Ahead of Mother’s Day (Sunday 12 May), we will be sharing stories of Christian mothers and what this day means for them. Whether Mother’s Day brings feelings of joy, grief or a mix of both, we hope that this series can be a celebration of all the mother figures that God has blessed us with.
In this interview, Beth shares the unique joys and challenges of raising three daughters as a missionary mother in Papua New Guinea. Drawing from decades of experience as a mother and grandmother, she shares a wealth of wisdom on how we can love, teach and discipline children with gospel hope. Finally, Beth shares how grandmothers can continue serving the gospel in their families and local churches, and the value that young mums can draw from experienced older mothers who have “struggled and survived”. We hope you are encouraged by her story!
Photo: Beth Calderwood
Please introduce yourself!
Hello. My name is Beth Calderwood and I have been married to Glenn for 42 years. We have three daughters, two son-in-laws, and eight grandchildren ranging in age from 10 years down to 2 years. I enjoy several hobbies including gardening, crochet, embroidery, sewing, reading, and have recently taken up tennis after decades away from the game. Glenn and I are involved in All Saints ANeW church in New Lambton, Newcastle.
Your family served as missionaries in Papua New Guinea for over 20 years. What are some unique joys and challenges that missionary mothers face?
We travelled to Papua New Guinea (P.N.G) in March 1989 and lived there until December 2013 when we were forced to leave because of threats to Glenn’s life. For five more years, we travelled to P.N.G. for short stints to continue teaching and discipling believers.
Motherhood itself has many challenges, and moving to a country with a very different culture certainly increases the challenges! We faced a steep learning curve on many fronts. Being hours away from health facilities and other English speakers left us feeling quite isolated.
Our eldest daughter was in Year 1, so we were both thrust into the unknown of doing distance education in the first week of our arrival. I felt at times that I was neglecting our 3-year-old and 6-month-old baby as I juggled all that had to be done. Household tasks were slower without the conveniences we were used to. It was a bit like stepping back into a lifestyle of a previous generation; bread had to be baked each day, water hand-pumped into a header tank for showers, water heated in a copper which was bucketed into the twin-tub washing machine, and kerosene lamps for light at night. The local people came to the house most days for various medical help, which I was able to give having trained as a nurse after leaving school.
I struggled considerably. For the first two or three years it felt a bit like being in a black hole with so much to do and learn. Slowly, as I adjusted, the outlook became brighter. Looking back over our years of ministry in P.N.G., Glenn and I are so thankful for God’s grace and enablement to do what he gave us to do – things that we could never have imagined we would be able to go through or be able to do. We did go through many dangers, toils and snares, and God did lead us and keep us.
One of the main joys as a mother was to be able to spend so much time with our daughters doing home schooling, spending time reading together, cooking, and teaching them various hand crafts. They were always part of what we were doing, we were together as a family in P.N.G. We are so thankful that God brought each one to Himself, and they are seeking to live for Him in their lives.
Later in our time there I was able to teach literacy to the women and children in the church, and help them to memorise Bible verses, which I really enjoyed. It was a great way to get to know them more and help them as mothers.
How has knowing God the Father influenced the way you parented your own children?
I remember some time ago coming to the realisation that we are so much like our children in our relationship with God. They often want their own way and think their parents aren’t being loving when they don’t give them what they want, not understanding that correction and boundaries are for their good to keep them from the danger and harm of their own sinful hearts. We forget that God is our faithful, wise, loving, compassionate Father, who cares deeply for us, protecting us from our sinfulness, always doing what is for our good.
Our kids are like a window into our own hearts and foolish ways of thinking. We really need to keep remembering God’s loving grace given to us each day so that we might be grateful to Him for dealing in kindness with us, and that we might plead with Him to enable us to learn to deal likewise with our children. It’s very easy to relate out of selfishness to our children when they need correction, wanting them to stop making our lives more difficult.
Our children need what we need. Having been brought to God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus we desperately need His ongoing work of grace to change us to be more like Him, to no longer live for self but for Him who died on our behalf.
When we fail, we have a great God whose compassions never fail, they are new every morning, He understands we are frail. After an exhausting day of feeling like all you have done is deal with squabbles and such, you can teach your children the same thing – God continues to be compassionate to us, He continues to understand our frailties and deals graciously with us each day. God is with us and forgives us and helps us again and again. We can keep giving our children this gospel hope.
How has God used you in your role as a grandmother? How can grandparents continue serving their family for God’s glory?
Praying for your children and grandchildren is so important. God is the only one who can open blind eyes and change hearts, and draw our children and grandchildren to Himself, and He’s the only one who can continue to open eyes and keep changing hearts and changing lives.
Practical help can be appreciated, especially when the children are little, when young mums can often feel overwhelmed with the physical demands on them and are learning all that it means to be a mother. Helping with piled up washing or dishes, making a meal, babysitting, an encouraging word and even just being there with a big hug when discouragement sets in and tears are flowing, along with being available and willing to help with advice on all kinds of things. Learning for parents and grandparents is life-long, as children progress from one stage to another.
It’s good to keep in mind that there are often young mums in our churches who want to be “adopted” by a grandparent, wanting to draw on your experience in parenting, and appreciate having company and help, especially if they live some distance away from their own parents.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to new mothers this Mother’s Day?
Having talked with young mums over a number of years, I actually have two pieces of advice that I hope will be helpful.
The first is that your children are not a hindrance to your ministry. Your children are your ministry. Of course, the same is true for those who aren’t involved in formal ministry. It’s important to take your parenting seriously. You are in the enviable position of discipling your children in knowing the God who created them, of having the opportunity of speaking with them when you’re sitting at home, when you’re walking along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. It doesn’t mean that you are not involved in other ministry, but if you have children then they are the primary ministry that God has given you. They are a blessing from him.
My second piece of advice is to seek out those who are older and have wisdom to pass on about parenting. Those who have had years of failing and learning and have been humbly growing in dependence on God as they parented their own children can be your best helpers. Rather than seeking advice from your peers, who are also in the middle of the struggle, listen to those who have gone through the struggle and have survived, gaining wisdom along the way.
Beth opens up about the joys and challenges of Missionary Mothers and shares how we can love, teach and discipline children with gospel hope.
By Heidi Tai
Mother’s Day Without Mom: Janeena’s Story of Loss & Healing
Ahead of Mother’s Day (Sunday 12 May), we will be sharing stories of Christian mothers and what this day means for them. Whether Mother’s Day brings feelings of joy, grief or a mix of both, we hope that this series can be a celebration of all the mother figures that God has blessed us with.
In this interview, Janeena shares the grief of growing up with an absent father and losing her mum to cancer when she was only 8 years old. For Janeena, Mother’s Day has always been a day of grieving—a reminder of a void in her life that was only filled when she came to know God as her Father. She then shares how God has generously provided “family” for her in Australia and a “village” for her as a first-time Mum. Finally, she shares words of hope and comfort for others grieving on Mother’s Day.
Trigger Warning: This interview mentions cancer and death.
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Janeena, I’m 26 years old. I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Australia when I was 17 to study and pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. I am a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Blacktown and served in the youth ministry, worship team and ladies committee. I am also a first-time mum, so my ministry these days looks like settling my son when he is crying, changing nappies, breastfeeding and washing soiled baby clothes. In my free time, I like to read and journal.
You lost your mother when you were only8 years old. How did this loss impact your childhood and the way you’ve experienced Mother’s Day over the years?
I lost my mother to cancer when I was only 8 years old. My mother was the hands-on parent in our family, guiding me in all things, most especially in my studies. When she passed away, I lost my coach and my #1 supporter. I didn’t quite reach the academic goals that I set for myself and didn’t learn basic life skills growing up such as cooking and cleaning. I had no guidance as I was going through puberty…no one to ask questions about dating and periods, just to name a few.
Growing up, Mother’s Day has always been a day of grieving for me. Each year, I am reminded of the person that I lost and the things I never get to experience with her – things that seem so ordinary for some, such as going shopping together or being taught how to bake or having someone to call when stressed out about life.There was a void in my life most prominent on Mother’s Day that didn’t get filled until I knew God as my Father. As a born again Christian, I still think upon my loss: My mom was not there for my graduation and my wedding, and she’ll never get to see me become a parent. But the Lord, in His love, has a way of comforting and healing.
Janeena with her late mother
What are some things that your mother taught you that you hope to pass onto your own child?
My mom showed me that love is all-encompassing. She prepared every meal I ate, she watched over my shoulder when I played, and she checked my homework before I turned them in. My mom was the one person I knew I could always trust and rely on. Her love made me feel secure and confident. I was at ease knowing that she would be there to encourage, guide and correct me every day of my life. There are many things I’ve forgotten about my childhood, but I will never forget her love. I hope that as a parent, I can be the kind of mother that will make my son feel secure in my love, so he can thrive as an individual and pour out the same kind of love to his future children also.
(Fun fact: We named our son Felix after my mom. Felix means “happy” and my mom’s name is Joy.)
You grew up in the Philippines and migrated to Australia after high school. In what ways did God provide for you as a teenager in a new country, and without your parents around?
God generously provided me with a new family in Australia. My aunt & uncle took me in as their own – gave me food to eat and a roof over my head, paid for my education, disciplined me where needed and taught me how to share responsibilities and become a member of a household. Their children became like my siblings, and for the first time in a while, I experienced being in a “normal” (nuclear) family. I caught a glimpse of what it would have been like if my mom was still around.
How has God the Father continued to provide for you in your transition as a new mother without parents around to help?
Entering this new season of my life, the Lord has made Himself enough for me that the loss of my mom or the absence of my dad seems just a fact-of-life instead of a devastating reality. I can face motherhood knowing that the Lord is present, and I can rely on Him in hard moments: When my husband is at work and I am left alone with a newborn, when I am hit with the postpartum blues, or in the middle of the night when my son won’t settle.
God also gave me parental figures: supportive in-laws and my Pastor and his wife who care for me as their own. They show me what unconditional parental love looks like. I am also grateful for my local church and my extended family in Australia who visit me at home, bring meals and provide things that the baby needs. I may not have my parents around, but I do have a “village” that the Lord weaved together for me over the years. He is good and faithful.
What is one piece of comfort that you would share with someone who is grieving or missing their mother this Mother’s Day?
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) No matter what your situation is, whether your mum passed away like mine, or they are overseas, or you’re not on speaking terms with one another… the Lord knows your pain. The eyes of the Lord are toward you, His ears hear your cries (Psalm 34:15). The Lord in His sovereignty has allowed you to be in this situation, but remember that ultimately, “those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10). He knows what He’s doing. You can trust Him with your sadness. He will walk you through it and grow you through it. You are not alone, and you are greatly loved by Him. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)
Janeena shares the grief of growing up with an absent father and losing her mum to cancer - a void that was only filled when she migrated to Australia and came to know God as Father.
By Heidi Tai
Sharing God’s Unconditional Love as a Grandmother: Elizabeth
Ahead of Mother’s Day (Sunday 12 May), we will be sharing stories of Christian mothers and what this day means for them. Whether Mother’s Day brings feelings of joy, grief or a mix of both, we hope that this series can be a celebration of all the mother figures that God has blessed us with.
In this Mother’s Day interview, 95-year-old Elizabeth shares the opportunities that God has given over her lifetime to serve Him as a mother, grandmother and now great-grandmother. Speaking from her retirement village, she shares her greatest joys and challenges in parenting, and how sharing and modelling God’s unconditional love is her “chief role” as a grandmother. We hope you are encouraged by this story!
Photo: Elizabeth Foord
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Elizabeth Foord. My husband is now with the Lord, but I have four wonderful children – a daughter and three sons. I also have eleven grandchildren, six of whom are married and five great-grandchildren.
I live in the Castle Hill Anglican retirement village, and so I attend the chapel in here now. My main hobbies are reading and talking to people; and until just a few months ago the thing I enjoyed doing most was leading a ladies bible study.
I serve the gospel in this season of life by coming before the Lord each morning when I wake up: I thank him for a new day and I ask him to help me to walk faithfully, in a way that might bring glory to his name and help people see what it is to be a Christian.
Because I am now almost 95 and am not very well physically, I don’t have an enormous amount of energy, but I’m very grateful that God has given me many opportunities to serve him in different ways and I’m very grateful that he gives me many, many opportunities to talk to people that I meet – that I either know or maybe haven’t met before – and to so often be able to simply share the gospel.
What has been your greatest joy as a mother?
My greatest joy as a mother has been to see my four children all become very committed Christians, with three of them now being in full time ministry.
What has been your greatest challenge as a mother?
I think my greatest challenge has been to live a totally Christ centred life; trying to live in a way that shows my children how much I love both them and the Lord.
One of the most difficult things I had to do as a mother was leaving our young-adult children in Australia, while my husband and I served in ministry in Southern Africa. When leaving them I was concerned for them spiritually, but they all grew both as Christians and as people. I could write a whole book on the way God provided for them during this time.
How has knowing God the Father influenced the way you parented your own children?
Well, the example that He has set for what love is, is so huge. Because He loves me everlastingly, he was willing to give his son to die for me. I know that He’s the sovereign Lord of the universe and that anything that He does or allows in my life has only been for my good. God never makes mistakes in the life of His children who are committed to him. I ask God daily to help me to try and emulate this example. This means to be a mother who loves, and who is kind, and who is forgiving.
How has God used you in your role as a grandmother? How can grandparents continue serving their family for God’s glory?
I think the primary thing that he has done is enabled me to pray for each of my grandchildren – and now great grandchildren – every day. I haven’t got thousands of dollars to leave to them when I die but I’m very grateful to God that my grandchildren are all happy to talk to me and tell me things that they want me to pray for. That’s the most effective thing I can do.
I believe that the chief role of the grandmother is to pray for their grandchildren and to love them unconditionally. My own grandmother, whom I never met as she lived in England, even wrote to me as a little girl and told me she prayed for me every single day. Grandparents can serve their families by putting God first and seeking to live for him; to obey him and love him – to be the ones to set that model.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to new mothers this Mother’s Day?
I think, to realise that God has given you your beautiful children as a gift. That they rightly belong to him, and so: to pray and to live in a way that will help them to see that the most important and fulfilling thing they can do in their life is to put the Lord Jesus Christ first.
Elizabeth shares the opportunities that God has given over her lifetime to serve Him as a mother, grandmother and now great-grandmother.
By Heidi Tai
Faith and Heartbreak as a Special Needs Mum: Yuni
Ahead of Mother’s Day (Sunday 12 May), we will be sharing stories of Christian mothers and what this day means for them. Whether Mother’s Day brings feelings of joy, grief or a mix of both, we hope that this series can be a celebration of all the mother figures that God has blessed us with.
In our very first interview, Yuni shares the joys and challenges of becoming a Special Needs mother and how her son’s initial diagnosis led to heartbreak, confusion and guilt. She then shares how she found answers and comfort in God’s word, and how He has continued to use her circumstances to increase her faith and joy in Him. Finally, she shares a word of hope and comfort with other mums of Special Needs children. We hope you are encouraged by her story!
Yuni with her two children
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Yuni. I am a stay-at-home mum with 2 kids, but before I had my second child, I worked as a Trainer and Culture Specialist at an Insurance company. I enjoy Pilates and reading. I currently go to Allawah Community Church where I serve in prayer and reading the book of 1 Peter with a younger girl at church.
How does knowing God the Father shape the way you parent your two children?
Knowing God has taught me that His goal for all of us is Christlikeness. As I read the bible to my children and teach them, I am also thinking about my own relationship with God and whether I’m growing more to be like Christ in my life, personal values, and character. I ask myself if I’m practicing what I teach to my children.
At home, I see daily how much I fall short, and my children can also see it and imitate what I do. Therefore, becoming more Christlike is something I want to continually work on with the help of the Holy Spirit who I can pray to for help.
How has God challenged and grown you since becoming a mother of a child with Special Needs?
When my son Austin was born in 2020, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition; Pettigrew Syndrome (only 1 other family in Australia has 2 sons with this rare genetic condition). I was heartbroken and confused hearing the news that my son was going to have a lifelong and mainly intellectual disability.
My husband and I grieved when we first heard the news. We were not prepared, but we also reflected on God and where he fits in the picture. For me, when I turned to God, I felt guilty as though I had sinned in a terrible way for me to end up with a disabled son. I thought perhaps it was my sins that caused him to become this way. I went to God in prayer, listed a whole lot of things for me to repent about, and asked God to forgive me and to help me.
I drew closer to God during this moment as I anticipated the road ahead is going to be hard. There will be lots of unknowns, lots of difficulties and lots to learn from various people and resources. I gave up my job to dedicate my time to help my son with various therapies; Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, Feeding therapy along with all the specialist appointments and tests he had to undergo.
Through all of this, I felt God leading me to join BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) where I grew in my relationship with God. I felt more drawn to God in my state of being lost and overwhelmed with the changes in my life. At BSF, I was comforted when I studied the passage John 9:1-5, when Jesus healed a man who was born blind:
“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied; “Neither this man nor his parent sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.”
When Jesus corrected the disciples wrong thinking, he also corrected mine. I unconsciously assumed that good works bring God’s favour and that my suffering suggests God’s indignation to me. This kind of thinking could have made me go down the road of having the wrong assumption that my good works would contribute to God’s blessings, and even salvation!
But I was reminded from BSF that: “the root in all human suffering and damage is caused by sin’s curse, and Jesus clarified this by declaring the man’s blindness did not result from my specific sin.” In fact, it helped me recognise that God can display His glory through my situation. It gives me such comfort to know this. It’s not about me, my sin or my life. It’s about God and how we can use our situation (and suffering and pain) to glorify Him and seek His higher purpose.
God has shown me day by day how my increased faith in Him can drive out fear.
God has shown me day by day how my increased faith in Him can drive out fear; fear of the unknown future, not being able to have full night sleep because Austin has disturbed sleep (almost every night), whether he can eat independently one day, or speak, or play with others, his lack of energy to walk longer distances, his self-injury behaviour, whether he’ll ever have friends and so on.
We have no choice but to slow things down and take one day at a time, and I am getting better at acknowledging God’s mercies to us each morning; such as Austin’s gradual progress in development, gradual increased understanding of things around him, his gentle nature, his sweet smiles and having Christian support workers to help with his therapy homework and providing relief (so I can also spend time with my daughter and serve the rest of my family).
God is good and He is very gracious to me. I know I can trust Him no matter what challenges come my way. I can go to Him.
What words of hope or comfort would you give to other mums of Special Needs children this Mother’s Day?
Know that God is sovereign. God’s sovereignty was over the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ death and His sovereignty is over our circumstances too. He knows what you are going through, and He wants you to come to Him.
God can display his glory through our difficult situations, suffering and pain. God is always with His children and knows our struggles. God has a higher purpose for everything that happens to us. He may not always reveal how our pain or circumstances bring Him glory, nor does He owe us such an explanation. He can be trusted no matter what challenges life delivers.
Speak to God, cry to God, grieve with God, and let Him speak to you in your circumstance. He will not turn you away. God is our Heavenly Father who cares and loves His children deeply that he offered His son as a sacrifice, to die for our sin.
Yuni shares the joys and challenges of becoming a Special Needs mother, and how God has used her circumstances to increase her faith and joy in Him.
By Heidi Tai
5 Reasons to Attend OneLove Women’s Conference
Serving thousands of women each year, OneLove is committed to inspiring women in their walk with Jesus with powerful Bible teaching and fantastic fellowship. Here are 5 reasons to attend this August:
Prioritise your spiritual life with a distraction-free day in God’s word
At OneLove women’s conference, we take time in God’s word seriously. We believe that women should be equipped with Bible teaching that is truthful, deep, relevant and life changing. We want to help women of all ages and life-stages to see how their faith intersects with their work, studies, church ministry, singleness, family life and more! Prioritise your spiritual life and join us for a distraction-free day in God’s word at OneLove.
Hear life-changing teaching from international OneLove speaker, Blair Linne
At OneLove, we choose speakers who are gifted in teaching and preaching, having featured speakers such as Jackie Hill Perry, Nancy Guthrie and Kara Martin in the past. This August, OneLove will host Blair Linne, the author of Finding My Father: How The Gospel Heals The Pain of Fatherlessness. Linne is also an international Bible teacher, actress, spoken word artist, and the creator of the podcast GLO with The Gospel Coalition. Learn more about here.
Be inspired by testimonies of women who are persevering in their faith
Each year, OneLove features inspiring testimonies of women sharing how they came to faith and how God has worked in their lives. Testimonies demonstrate how Christian theology applies to everyday life and is a way for us to see how God is at work in women of all ages, life-stages, ethnicities and cultures. Over the years we’ve heard how God has been at work through addiction, grief, workplace decisions, intergenerational trauma, mental health, identity and more.
Invite your unbelieving friends to hear the gospel in a welcoming environment
At OneLove we are wary that not every woman in the room is a Christian, so we endeavour to create a space that is welcoming to seekers and non-believers. We are confident that if you bring an unbelieving friend to OneLove, they will hear the gospel of grace and be given opportunities to ask genuine questions in the Q&A. The program also includes meal breaks which gives you an opportunity to talk to your friend about what they have heard and learned. Hear how Jen became a Christian at OneLove here:
Jen’s OneLove Testimony
Strengthen fellowship and friendships amongst women in your church
Are you trying to launch or strengthen women’s ministry within your church? Instead of planning your own event, why not include OneLove in your church calendar and let us do the planning for you? Everything from solid bible teaching, inspiring testimonies, uplifting worship in song, fellowship and mealtimes will be covered for you! Give your pastor’s wife and leaders a break from planning and enable them to also sit under God’s word and deepen friendships with other women from your church.
Don’t miss out on the OneLove Early Bird!
OneLove women’s conference will return on Saturday 24th August at the Hillsong Convention Centre.
Discounted tickets are also available for full-time students, interstate and regional delegates. More information available from our website: https://onelovewomen.com/register/#prices
Serving thousands of women each year, OneLove is committed to inspiring women in their walk with Jesus
By Heidi Tai
2300+ Inspired to Resist Worldliness at Easter Convention
We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 adults, youth and children gathered at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) to be empowered by God’s word. Through powerful Bible talks, inspiring testimonies and uplifting worship in song, delegates were encouraged to fight worldliness and to walk in holiness.
Since 1962, KEC has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.
This year 1,768 delegates joined the Adult Program to hear from a wide range of international and local speakers. Through expository preaching, topical talks and inspiring testimonies, KEC speakers encouraged delegates to remain faithful to God, despite the gravitational pull of secularism, and opposition towards Christianity in the Western world.
“I found KEC24 to be one of the best so far, as the teaching was really practical. It had good biblical content but was practical in giving encouragement of how to live the Christian life in our current challenging secular times.”
– Anne, KEC 24 Delegate
“I was very encouraged by how conquering worldliness is something we are both enabled and convicted by the Spirit to do. Although we may be long-time believers, we still live in a period of uncomfortable tension; being pulled in opposite directions and naturally drifting towards worldliness, rather than holiness. By His grace, we are given many “train stations” to recenter our trust in God and turn from darkness to the light!”
– Tiffany, KEC 24 Delegate
“The thing I loved most about KEC was the practical application of the Word. The encouragement to really take the talks and commit to apply them in my daily walk has made the most difference out of any conference I’ve been to.”
– Markus, KEC 24 Delegate
Program highlights included expository talks by John North (“A Biblical Worldview on Worldliness”), Tim Blencowe (“Jesus Christ Our Greater Treasure”) and Matt Sparks (“A Beautiful Resistance”); Rachel Ciano’s biographical talks, and “Christians & Worldliness” interviews with Paul Tripp and Glen Scrivener.
While adults enjoyed rich teaching and fellowship in the main session, 572 children and youth were served by one of eight programs, ranging from toddlers to Senior High (Year 11-12). Quiz Worx served the Primary Program with puppetry, music and stories while Tim Edwards taught Junior High, and Matt Jacobs in Senior High. Powered by over 200 volunteers, KEC’s age-specific programs gives every family member an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel each Easter.
KEC 24 Children’s Highlights
“Our kids were thriving in the programs each day and when we shared highs and lows, they repeatedly said, “we have no lows!!!”.
– Alysha, KEC 24 Delegate
“My youngest – not currently a Christian, came to the Senior High program and actually went to every session for the first time since COVID. So encouraging.”
– Karen, KEC 24 Delegate
“I was encouraged to see my children excited to learn about Jesus and eager to share what they had learnt with others.”
– Amelia, KEC 24 Delegate
While we live in a prosperous country filled with beautiful treasures and alternative wisdoms, it is our hope that KEC has given delegates a renewed confidence in Jesus, the greater treasure. Despite growing confusion and scepticism towards the Bible, we pray that the church will persevere in resisting worldliness and clinging to God’s word for clarity and wisdom for all of life.
Save the dates for KEC 2025!
Katoomba Easter Convention will return next Easter long weekend, 18-21 April 2025. Keynote speakers Philip Ryken and Glen Scrivener will join us to teach from God’s word. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about KEC 2025 registrations and event updates.
