Shaken, but not stirred at Merry Beach

It was sailing smoothly until it wasn’t… thankfully God was in control and taught the directors and team members the value of Psalm 28.

Merry Beach Mission, a 7-day endeavour led by 36 Christians and three directors, aims to share the transformative message of Jesus as Lord and Savior at the local tourist park. The leaflet team kicks off the program by spreading the word about Christian kids’ programs at the beach throughout the week.

Nevertheless, on day three, unexpected challenges arose when campground management prohibited communication with campers and restricted advertising within the camp. Despite the shock, the team remained steadfast, turning to prayer and creative solutions to continue ministering to children. Each decision was made thoughtfully, navigating strict rules with resilience.

Surprisingly, the youth program that night was described as a mini-revival. Team members engaged in lengthy conversations with parents, sharing the full gospel. Children eagerly listened to the good news of freedom in Christ after the main talk. Despite the harsh restrictions, God’s grace allowed for impactful conversations at the team’s weakest moment.

While still shaken by the management’s restrictions, the team experienced remarkable moments. Parents shared heartwarming  stories, highlighting the impact on their children. One 14-year-old, typically averse to social interaction, expressed to his mum a desire to emulate the older team members and thought their family should attend church.

Despite the challenges, the team persevered, sharing the consequences of sin and the peace offered by the gospel with young people and parents. Day three proved to be one of the toughest, yet God’s grace was revealed through numerous gospel conversations that night.

A group of six boys, regular attendees for years, showed. a true softening to the gospel, engaging in extra Bible studies. One of them, a 17-year-old boy from Wollongong, sought specific help in finding a local church. Through adversity, Merry Beach Mission discovered that God’s plans were unshaken, leading to unexpected blessings and meaningful connections.

Thank you for all you do to help ministries like Merry Beach continue to bless and impact local communities. To keep this support going, visit su.org.au/donate.