The Big Tent SA (2024)

Impacting lives is the essence of the Big Tent Victor Harbor Family Mission, a beacon of hope since 1947 and South Australia’s oldest Beach Mission. As a team member, I had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of our long-term relationships with those we minister to. One family, dedicated to the Big Tent for six years, reached out to me during the year.

The family revealed that their eldest daughter, E, had recently joined the local church’s youth group. With only two weeks of attendance and knowing just one other child there, E was invited to Easter Camp with the youth group—an opportunity she eagerly wanted. Seeking guidance, her hesitant mother approached me. Having visited the church weeks earlier, I confidently encouraged her to let E experience the Easter Camp.

When the family arrived at the Big Tent, E ran towards me with contagious excitement, pointing to her shirt—a memento from Easter Camp—saying that I was to thank for this. She had so much fun and was still excited by it. Since returning, E has actively participated in nearly every youth group meeting, exploring and deepening her faith. At this year’s Big Tent, she continued her spiritual journey with the guidance of leaders God placed in her life. God is a good God, who is working through not just E but her family as well. We saw the handiwork of God throughout this story and into what continued to grow over our time with the family this summer. We keep praying for the family and expect good things.