It is always a buzz at the mid-way point to hear from the NET teams about their year so far. Just before all the missionaries took their well deserved two week break we gathered together. It was during this time that the stories emerged in detail of what it has been like to be on the front line with young people. The stories are inspiring and full of hope. I won't try and explain it here, as Elle Reid does an extraordinary job in capturing it later in this newsletter.

What I will say is that what I experience time and time again, through the NET Missionaries being themselves, meeting young people where they are at and sharing their lives, is that other young people see that faith as a young person is possible.

In fact, 75% out of 1350 students that gave feedback this year from their time with a NET Team said that they wanted to engage more with their faith - that’s over 1000 young people!  This is the gift that NET brings, it bridges the gap between the traditional teachings of the Church and the contemporary lives of young people, making faith not only possible but vibrant and transformative.

Thank you so much for continuing to partner with us in this mission to make living out faith possible for young people!

Peace, Mark

Mark Lysaght

Executive Director

Elle Reid

A big happy hello from Hamilton, New Zealand. Wow, where do I even begin? There are not enough words to express the gratitude overflowing my heart for your unwavering support of my decision to jump into the deep end of living in the big wide world.

Let me start by saying that this year has been an absolute whirlwind of joy, growth, and blessings beyond measure. My team and I have taken long road trips to Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo and Tauranga with breath-taking scenery of waterfalls, dormant volcanos, rolling hills from the lord of the Rings, shoeless locals and thousands of sheep. So far, we have ministered to 2050 young people around the Hamilton Diocese (I did the math). If you think being an extrovert is a challenge, try thinking about trying to get teenagers with mullets interested in Jesus. The main challenge for me was trying to hide how terrified they made me, but once I overcame my fear, I found a real beauty in meeting people where they are at. Some of these kids go through so much, they are crying out for help in ways that society disregards as "troubled" behaviour, and they feel neglected. This makes my heart ache. To know how privileged I am to be in a position to love them is a gift I will never waste. It pains me to see how some of these teenagers think about themselves, believing the lie that they are unlovable which has been drilled into them.

My mission here and probably my mission for the rest of my life is to prove to young people that they are not created for mediocrity and have the potential to change the world. The encounters I have had with these young people are such a witness to how powerful love is. Just from us showing up every day whether it is getting completely defeated on the basketball courts at lunch, unashamedly singing karaoke at the top of our lungs with students or chilling out with them between classes to unwind, seeing how much it makes a difference in their days and the joy that it brings to them when waving to you from across the school grounds inspires me to be better every day. I often say that I feel like the kids are ministering to me more than I am ministering to them.

They let us be a part of their lives and are so open to us sharing our lives with them, which is something that I never thought I could be a part of. I have gotten many opportunities to push myself way out of my comfort zone through sharing my story with hundreds, learning an instrument, learning how to cook (which is mum's favourite), living in community, praying triple the amount I am used to and organising large evangelisation youth and young adult conferences and events. All things that I didn't know I cared to do or could do in 5 months until now. I have learnt so much about myself, I have discovered my limits and have had them extended over and over again. This journey has been so difficult with facing battles including homesickness, the cold, the insecurities that come with not feeling good enough and overcoming limiting fears, however, I wouldn't change it for the world. I can see the growth in myself already and I am so proud of what I have achieved and overcome. I look forward to what God has in stall for me next and I have a sneaky feeling that this mission is just the start for me!

So once again, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Your generous contributions, prayers and tireless support have made all of this possible. I truly couldn't have done it without your love, you have made a significant difference in my life. If you would like to continue supporting me on my mission this year, whether through financial means or thoughts and prayers, it would be greatly appreciated and a tremendous help as I continue growing, learning, sharing and loving the young people of Hamilton this year.

PRAY FOR THEM

We have put together a poster of the 2024 NET Missionaries so that you can pray for them and the ministry they are doing.

“The greatest gift that we can give to each other, is to pray for one another”

If you would like a copy for your home, Church or workplace please click the link below and we will send you a PDF copy to print off.

The NET Missionaries will be so grateful for your prayer support as they pray for you.

Theme Scripture

Our theme scripture for 2024 comes from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, and we experience it daily as we witness our NET teams living lives that are quite simply overflowing with the Hope of the Gospel message. Please join us in prayer, that the young people of Darwin, Hamilton, Auckland and Maroochydore would experience the Hope our teams bring in their own lives.

Kaiya Lysaght

Kaiya is 18 years old and from Brisbane, Australia. She has served one year with NET Australia & New Zealand and is enjoying  serving a second year with a passion for sharing the love of Christ with everybody she meets. She loves sunsets, music and spending quality time with family and friends. 

To sponsor Kaiya click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24KaiL

Noah Tabone

Noah is 18 years old from the Blue Mountains, NSW. He is an adventurous young man who loves pizza and being outdoors, especially at the beach and the basketball court. He can’t wait to share his love for God with young people.   

To sponsor Noah click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24NoaT

Save the Date

Join us for our annual fundraising dinner at Victoria Park, Brisbane QLD on October 24. Always a great night and all proceeds go to the work of NET Ministries, including the cost of your ticket.

Get ready for a great night and we look forward to seeing you there!  

Mark Lysaght 

Executive Director

NET Ministries

Australia & New Zealand