I have just returned from a trip to Fiji visiting schools. Life has been tough for the people of Fiji in the past couple of years, yet despite this, I experienced a sense of joy and peace, especially in the young people.  In a world often marked by turmoil and uncertainty, the promise of peace can feel elusive. However, the words of Romans 15:13 offer a profound and reassuring message: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This verse reminds us that true peace is not found in the absence of conflict or through human efforts alone, but in the steadfast trust we place in God. It is a divine gift, flowing from the very heart of the God of hope. I experienced this first hand with the young people in Fiji - they place their trust in Him, and as a result are filled with a joy and peace that transcends their circumstances.

It reminded me of the NET missionaries who in living out their mission know that this this peace is not meant to be contained. By the power of the Holy Spirit, it overflows from them, touching the lives of those they encounter. It inspires hope and transforms communities, offering a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth.

At NET Ministries, we are dedicated to fostering this peace in the hearts of young people, encouraging them to trust in God and become beacons of hope in their communities. The NET Missionaries embrace the promise read in book of Romans and spread its message of peace and hope to a world in need.

Thank you for continuing to support this need, we are continually grateful.

Peace, Mark

Mark Lysaght

Executive Director

Maroochydore Team - Gabrielle Brennan

Recently we attended the Reclaim retreat for young adult Catholic’s in Brisbane. Our team was invited to come along and help out. This retreat was starting the day after we got back from mid-year training. I know we all had some trepidation about getting back into everything. I suppose the truth is I was feeling wearied, forgetting the passion and drive I had received from the Lord when I first gave my yes to NET. I was tired. 

During this retreat however, God came through. For the retreatants, but also for ME. We ran a workshop on personal prayer. Preparing for this workshop was a definite struggle. If any hearts were moved in that workshop, it’s because the Holy Spirit showed up. I was touched by people’s experience and encounters they had to share about the richness of their personal prayer life.  As much as we came to minister, I felt the Lord was ministering to our hearts. The theme of the retreat was “laying down your burdens.” Based on the scripture found in Matthew 11:28.

One of the moments that impacted me deeply was when we had a time of testimonies. One after another, the young adults came up and expressed how they had experienced God’s love through the community found during this retreat time.  As I spoke, I experienced this overwhelming sense of freedom. Something that had been running through my mind over and over was a line.

“My LOVE for Jesus has to be bigger than my FEAR!”.

I shared how God had been using this time of mission to transform me. Jesus is teaching me how to love with His heart. Like mending a machine, it must be completely pulled apart to be able to be put back together again. Made new again. He’s been teaching me this through the loving witness and patience of the teammates he chose for me. And goodness they have had to be patient with me! This year hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t sign up because it would be easy! I could find much easier things then giving a year of my life in volunteer mission work. It is the challenge that builds character, which is priceless.

My name is Emma Parrish, I am 24 years old and originally from Wollongong, NSW. I served with NET last year in Auckland, in which I experienced one of the most profound and rewarding years of my life. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland. 

I am a person with a love for anything to do with travel, getting coffee with people, youth ministry and my beloved sport of Netball.

I joined NET staff this June after feeling a call on my heart to guide people to discover the mission that God has placed on their lives and to help them live that to the full; which I truly believe NET is the ground on which all this is made possible. And what a crazy honour it is to be able to witness first hand our netters bring hope to the young people of Australia and New Zealand.”

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.

Kate Plant

Kate is 20 from Brisbane and this is her second year serving with NET and in the Auckland Diocese. She loves this ministry and is excited to share how Jesus continues to inspire her in her daily life. Some of her favourite things are hanging out with her friends, coffee and meeting new people.  

To sponsor Kate click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24KatP

Michael Rayner

Michael is 20 years old. He is a proud Kiwi from Wellington New Zealand. He enjoys mountain biking, picking out unique clothes at thrift shops, listening to music and exploring nature. He is excited to share with those he meets how much Joy Jesus brings to his life. 

To sponsor Georgia click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24MicR

Georgia Farrugia

Georgia is 18 years old, from Adelaide, Australia, and is serving her first year on NET. She’s looking to continue studying primary education following this year and has a passion for working and connecting with young people. She loves her family and has 4 younger sisters, enjoys singing and art, and is excited to deepen her relationship with God this year in so many new ways.

To sponsor Georgia click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24GeoF

Time to Book

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