Hope Stories
Sam
Samuel, a PhD student from India studying in Australia, shares how God has guided his journey, from receiving a scholarship to pursue higher education to providing for his needs in unexpected ways. He reflects that God makes everything beautiful in His timing and celebrates the good news of being embraced and cared for by the Father.
Hailey
Hailey shares that during the darkest year of her life, she struggled with severe depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts, but everything began to change when she found Jesus. Her faith has brought her peace, patience, and hope, especially through her favourite verse, Matthew 28:20, which reminds her that God is always with her.
Bec
After attending Door of Hope for 23 years, Bec stepped into a new ministry role caring for the church’s digital community, creating opportunities to connect with people who can’t attend in person. Through online platforms, she's been able to encourage spiritual growth, build relationships, and help others experience church no matter where they are.
Timo
Timo, from Germany, has faced a life filled with major surgeries, pain, and suffering, yet those challenges only deepened his faith and trust that Jesus was always with him. Holding onto Matthew 6:33, he now seeks to live each day by putting God’s Kingdom first and allowing that to shape his ordinary life. With a passion for revival in Germany, he feels called to ministry, desiring to make disciples and share the hope of Jesus with others.
Chelsea
Chelsea shares that her daughter has been coming home from Hope Discovery Kids with drawings and big questions about God, which has challenged her mum to go back to the basics of faith and explain God’s love in simple ways. Teaching her 4-year-old about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and God’s love has highlighted just how important it is to pray, read the Bible, and talk about faith together as a family.
Brittany
I grew up knowing Jesus but walked away for 13 years, during which life felt dark and rebellious—yet God never left my side. Eventually, I chose to return to Him, declaring Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, even when I felt unworthy of His grace. Though I’ve since moved, being part of the online community reminds me of God’s enduring kindness and truth, just as Psalm 117 declares.
Mat
Mat shares that before meeting Jesus, his life was consumed by addiction, violence, and trouble with the law, leaving him without purpose or direction. God radically transformed his life, redeeming him from his past and setting him free through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Now studying at Bible college, he places his identity firmly in Jesus, testifying that if God could bring healing and purpose to his life, He can do the same for anyone.
Ella
Ella shares how struggling with depression and anxiety led her to unhealthy coping—through alcohol, relationships, and even suicidal thoughts—leaving her feeling guilty, alone, and in pain. Yet God drew her back, reminding her that His love at the cross never changes, that Jesus is enough in her place, and that her sins are fully covered. Jesus doesn’t condemn but forgives and loves completely.
Emma
I went through a painful friendship breakdown that led to years of struggling with depression, praying for God to take it away, but not seeing it happen instantly. Now, on the other side, I still actively manage my mental health, but I’ve found joy and healing, seeing how God has brought good even out of that difficult season. I’ve learned that while we live in a broken world, Jesus came to restore us, and God uses even painful experiences to grow us and show His love.
Ezekiel
My family and I moved from India to Launceston, trusting God to guide us in this big step. We faced the challenge of moving to a new country without knowing anyone—but the transition was surprisingly smooth, and we saw God provide in every situation. Though we sometimes worry about finances and settling in, we’ve found that God consistently gives us solutions, reminding us that every journey is different but guided by the same God.
Levi
In grade 10 I finally stepped out to start a student-led Alpha group after being inspired at the Youth Alpha Spheres conference. What began with simple Life Essentials videos has grown into real moments of prayer, tears, and people coming to youth and reading the Bible, creating opportunities for genuine conversations about Jesus. My encouragement is to just go for it—even if one person shows up, that’s one more person you get to share the gospel with, so let your light shine and be bold in your faith.
Mel
I’ve learned to reframe my struggles through God’s Word, asking not “why is this happening to me?” but “how is God using this for my good and His glory?” That’s what inspired the Finding Gold in Sludge podcast—sharing stories of how God’s character and goodness can be discovered even in the hardest seasons, because life will never be perfect this side of eternity.
Girkin Family
I took a major step in my life by quitting drinking, and a few months later felt drawn to explore my faith, which led me to buy a Bible, attend church, and join the Alpha program. Through these experiences and being part of the church community, I discovered a deeper connection with God, finding support, guidance, and a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt since my youth. Despite past challenges and health struggles, I now feel a profound peace and trust that God is guiding and watching over me and my family.
Disney Family
Although we both grew up with parents who knew God, faith wasn’t part of our upbringing, and discontent followed us into adulthood and even into our marriage. Moving to a new state during COVID gave us the space to seek God, and through prayer, scripture, and guidance, we began to experience His transformative presence in our lives and marriage. Now, with God at the centre, we’ve been blessed to grow as a family, raising our children with faith, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope and direction.