In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, a quiet yet remarkable shift is taking place — and it’s being led by the youngest among us.

Gen Z, often stereotyped as screen-obsessed and disconnected from tradition, is showing a surprising and growing interest in faith.

Jim Wackett, the newly appointed CEO of Scripture Union NSW, has seen this hunger for hope and meaning up close. “We’re in a unique moment,” he says. “Post-Covid, we’ve entered what I’d call an age of anxiety. Everything we thought was bedrock — the way the world was — is not the way the world is anymore.”

From Churches to Caravan Parks

Scripture Union has been part of Australia’s spiritual landscape since 1887, working alongside churches to reach people where they are — whether that’s a coastal caravan park, a schoolyard, or a remote regional town.

“Our volunteers love going where people are and sharing the good news of Jesus,” Jim explains. “We run beach missions, school lunchtime groups, and camps, especially in regional areas. Across New South Wales, we’ve got about 2,100 volunteers — passionate people who love what they do.”

While Scripture Union serves people of all ages, there’s a strong emphasis on young people. From high school Christian fellowship groups to primary school “Super Clubs,” the goal is simple: connect kids and teens with the hope found in Christ.

Why are Gen Z Asking Bigger Questions?

Jim believes this surge in spiritual interest among young people is tied to the turbulence of recent years. Climate change, pandemics, conflict, and a breakdown in community have created a sense of instability.

“Young people have been told for years, ‘Choose your own destiny, make your own way,’” he says. “But that’s ringing hollow for them. They’re reaching out for hope and purpose.”

Jim agrees that many are turning towards Jesus, however Jim cautions, not every influence is a good one. “It’s also a scary thing because there are people who want to prey on kids in that situation, taking them down dangerous rabbit holes — whether that’s spiritually, politically, or socially. For young men in particular, there are some really negative online influences out there.”

Investigating Faith with Open Hearts

Even for myself, as a new Christian, I reiterated to Jim that I could relate. In the past, I thought faith was just a set of rules and stories. “Everything the world offered didn’t seem to have any of the actual answers,” I said to him. “It wasn’t until I investigated the Bible for myself that things started to change.”

“Absolutely,” Jim said. “We’re seeing young people doing exactly that — saying, ‘If everyone’s telling me one thing, I’m going to look into this for myself.’”

The statistics back it up:

In England, the number of young people attending church has quadrupled in the past five or six years.

In Sweden’s annual youth barometer, “Jesus” is now on the list of cultural talking points.

France has recorded record numbers of baptisms at Easter, double the year before.

In the United States, Gen Z is more likely to attend church regularly than Millennials or Gen X, and Bible sales are up 22%.

“There’s a genuine hunger,” Jim says. “And for us at Scripture Union, it’s a unique moment and a unique opportunity to reach young people with the message of Jesus.”

How to Get Involved

For those who feel a desire to be part of this work, Scripture Union makes it easy to connect. The easiest way is through their website su.org.au  You can explore different volunteer pathways, whether it’s joining a beach mission, helping in schools, working on camps, or developing new resources.

The organisation is also expanding into digital and printed resources, with the aim of encouraging daily Bible reading and prayer. “Growing a relationship with Jesus Christ is the greatest thing you could ever do,” Jim says.

In a time when the world feels unsettled, it’s heartening to see a generation turning towards something steady, hopeful, and life-giving. As Jim reminds us, “We’re in a unique moment — and Jesus is still the answer.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

As a Christian community, we are called to meet people where they are—with gentleness, not judgement. Addiction can impact anyone.

In recent years, gambling’s become more accessible than ever.

What once required a visit to the local club or TAB can now happen silently, instantly, and in isolation—right from the palm of a hand.

Leah Hammond, General Manager of South Pacific Private, recently shared some urgent truths about gambling addiction and how we can begin to break its hold.

“We certainly have [seen an increase],” Leah explained. “With increased accessibility, online apps on your phone—they’ve drastically risen, and it was a five-year high in 2024. In fact, what we’re seeing is that 94% of sports bettors are placing their bets digitally.”

The good and the bad of easy access

Technology has changed the way Australians gamble. And while convenience can be useful in some areas of life, it can become dangerous in others. As Leah put it, “Off the back of COVID, we continue to hear that the isolation… it’s allowed for people to have everything readily accessible, and gambling is one of those things.”

The rise of mobile betting apps means people no longer need to physically walk into a gambling venue. “They can do it wherever they want,” Chris observed.

That freedom, however, comes with real risk. “It can be addictive and destructive and really, really isolating for people,” Leah said. “We believe people should view gambling through the same lens as other addictive behaviours such as alcohol and drug misuse.”

And as with those other struggles, support and community are essential.

First steps: what can we do now?

Big games, like the State of Origin, bring more than just sport—they bring a flood of betting ads and temptation for those trying to break free. So, what is something someone can do tonight to try to minimise any damage?

Leah’s response was clear and simple: “Delete any apps. Avoid going anywhere near places like pubs or gambling centres as much as practical. And I appreciate that can be hard, but the first step is, as I say for gambling—delete the apps.”

It’s a first step toward regaining control, and often the most powerful ones are the simplest. Deleting apps is practical, but there’s also a deeply human side to recovery: connection.

Don’t struggle in silence

For those feeling trapped in addictive patterns, reaching out is a vital part of healing.

“We certainly encourage people to talk to anybody about behaviours that are harming them,” Leah said. “Thinking about gambling all of the time and feeling the need to bet more money and more often are certainly signs that people should speak to their loved ones about.”

That kind of honesty takes courage, but it’s part of stepping into the light and breaking the shame that often surrounds addiction.

Walking with Compassion and Faith

As a Christian community, we are called to meet people where they are—with gentleness, not judgement. Addiction can affect anyone—your neighbour, your child, your pastor, your friend. It’s not a moral failure; it’s often a response to pain, loneliness, or deeper unmet needs. We’re reminded in Galatians 6:2 to “carry each other’s burdens.” We are not made to do life alone—especially not in our hardest seasons. Having a trusted friend or family member to talk to can open the door to accountability, grace, and new beginnings.

When More Help is Needed

Of course, some situations need more than just a chat with a loved one. If someone is struggling to cope or unsure of whether their gambling has become a serious issue, there are professional resources available.

“I would encourage them to reach out to us here at South Pacific Private,” Leah offered. “You can access our website at southpacificprivate.com.au. We even have a self-assessment which somebody could take on their own to identify if they have a problem. And that connects them both with our website and other potential providers to support them.”

Support is also available through GambleAware NSW by calling 1800 858 858—a free, confidential service that can connect individuals with local counsellors and support.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Photo by Dieuvain Musaghi on Unsplash

When the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashton Wood’s life took a dramatic turn.

If you or someone you know have experienced domestic abuse or violence help is available on 1800 RESPECT. 1800 737 732.

Having spent years in corporate IT, Ashton was used to travelling frequently between Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney, and even Singapore. 

But when lockdowns began, he found himself with time—and purpose—he never expected.

“I decided I’d just clean up the house and take the things up the road to the local charity shop,” Ashton said. 

“We cleaned up the house, loaded up the car and I got lazy. I said, I can’t be bothered driving five minutes up the road today, I’ll do that in the morning.”

That evening, Queensland went into lockdown.

With a car full of donations and nowhere to take them, Ashton made a phone call that would change his life—and the lives of thousands of others.

One call that sparked a movement

Ashton reached out to Janine, a retired police senior sergeant he knew had worked in domestic violence. 

“I’ve got a car fully loaded, ready to go, but everything’s in lockdown. Where do I take it?” he asked. Her response surprised him.

“She said, ‘Ashton, what I need right now are mobile phones.’”

Ashton didn’t hesitate. “I’ve got two phones here in my drawer, they’re perfect,” he told her. “And she said, ‘Well, those phones could save a life.’”

That realisation hit Ashton hard. “I felt quite embarrassed,” he admitted. 

“She can have those. And I said, how many more do you want?”

When Janine told him he’d never be able to get enough phones, Ashton—true to his corporate problem-solving mindset—decided to prove her wrong.

More Than Just Old Phones

“I put it out just to my LinkedIn network,” Ashton explained. “But I needed to be clear. I said, ‘What countries are you sending these phones to?’ And she replied, ‘Ashton, I’m talking [2 million people] just in Australia.’”

That floored him. “You can’t be serious—2 million people in Australia?” he asked. “And she said, ‘Yes. And that’s just the reported figures.’”

And so DV Safe Phone was born—a grassroots initiative that’s grown into a national lifeline. 

In just five years, over 12,500 phones have been distributed to people escaping domestic violence.

The Power of a Safe Phone

Many victims have their phones monitored, tracked, or taken by perpetrators. A second, hidden phone can be the key to seeking help or planning an escape.

“If anyone needs a phone,” Ashton urged, “we know people listening might be perpetrators or victims. For victims, these phones are provided as safe phones.”

Through a growing network of over 400 police stations, hospitals, and domestic violence services across Australia, DV Safe Phone ensures that those who need help have a lifeline. A map on their website helps victims discreetly locate a nearby agency that can supply a phone and offer support.

Repair, Recycle, Restore

While Ashton’s original two phones worked fine, he quickly learned that many donated devices needed repair. “We’re replacing batteries in around 40 phones a day at the moment,” he said.

The initiative now employs two full-time technicians and relies on 18 volunteers to test and refurbish phones. Phones beyond repair—or old 3G models—are responsibly recycled through Mobile Muster, Australia’s leading mobile phone recycling program. Their certified processes ensure data is destroyed, protecting everyone involved.

A Community Effort with Eternal Impact

DV Safe Phone is powered by generosity—from individuals, corporate donors, and community groups. But the need is ongoing.

“We don’t sell any phones,” Ashton said. “It’s a really bad business model,” he laughed, “but we do it through people donating funds and us applying for grants to keep the place running.”

Every phone costs an average of $75 to process, and with over 100 phones sent out each week, support—both in devices and donations—is essential. 

The DV Safe Phone website features a live ticker showing donations of all sizes, a testimony to the widespread compassion fuelling the cause.

And if you’ve got an unused phone sitting in a drawer, chances are—it could save a life.

Faith in Action

Ashton’s story is a timely reminder of how God can use the ordinary for the extraordinary. A casual clean-up during lockdown became a ministry of practical care.

This is a poignant example of loving thy neighbour, one who may be secretly in dire need — something Jesus taught so clearly. Offering safety, dignity, and hope to those fleeing violence is Kingdom work in every sense.

If you’re with a church or community group looking to make a difference, DV Safe Phone provides accessible and meaningful ways to support vulnerable Australians.

How You Can Help

• Donate a Phone: Visit dvsafephone.org to find one of over 1,000 collection points nationwide.
• Give Financially: Your contribution helps cover repairs and supplies—making your gift part of a direct solution.
• Spread the Word: Share Ashton’s story in your church, workplace, or community group.
• If You Need Help: Click “Get Help” on the DV Safe Phone website to find safe, confidential support near you.

If you or someone you know have experienced domestic abuse or violence help is available on 1800 RESPECT. 1800 737 732.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva