Mount Evelyn, Victoria: From 27 to 30 September 2024, the Australia Southern District youth gathered for three nights at Oasis Christian Camp in Melbourne. A group of young people from the Australia North & West District also made the long trip down from Brisbane. More than seventy people gathered for what has become the highlight of the spring school holiday in the Australia Southern District.

Pastor Glenn Stanley from Sydney spoke about making decisions in a complex world. He challenged the young people to move beyond simply following rules and instead to seek after God’s heart when they make decisions.

Over the weekend, the youth worshiped together and played games. On Saturday afternoon, there were workshops on Leadership, Worship, Gaming, and How to Share Your Faith. On Sunday, everyone split into four teams; each team made a music video, which they shared together in the evening. There is some amazing videography talent among the Australian young people! Everyone had an opportunity to grow and develop and to share their interests.

The weekend they culminated in a special time of prayer over Absalom Vaotuua, Agnes Fifita, and Grace Po Ching, who are some of the young people representing Australia at the upcoming Third Wave Conference in January 2025. Previous Third Wave attendee Pastor Kat Wood, NTC Principal Dr. Joseph Wood, and ANZ FSC Roland Hearn each prayed specifically over the representatives that God would bless them at Third Wave. Already Absalom, Agnes, and Grace are leading the youth at their churches and on their districts.

Youth Camp illustrates the emphasis that the Australia New Zealand Field puts on developing young people into mature leaders and Christ followers. “Last weekend’s youth camp was a powerful reminder that investing in our youth is not just an opportunity but a sacred responsibility,” said Agnes.

Pray that God would continue to inspire, empower, and grow his church through young people in Australia.