AS YOU GO...
Twenty-Twenty-Six
UPDATES
DEAR LIFEHOUSE FAMILY
Compelled:
A God Who Sees, Feels, and Acts
Right throughout Scripture, there’s a consistent pattern in the way God relates to people. It’s revealed when God saw Israel suffering under the oppression of slavery in Egypt. We’re told that when He saw their situation, He was moved into action (Exodus 2:25).
When Jesus walked the earth, we see the same pattern on display. Again and again, He saw people—not just their appearance, but much deeper. He saw their pain, their loneliness, their despair, their fear, and He was moved with compassion, so He acted—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, restoring the broken (Matthew 14:14).
Eugene Peterson captures it powerfully when describing the way Jesus saw people: “At the sight of them, his heart broke.” What Jesus saw impacted Him, it stirred compassion within Him. A compassion that wasn’t passive, a compassion that could not be ignored. Rather, a compassion that compelled Him to act.
And LifeHouse, this is the same compassion that God desires to outwork through us. That empowered by His Spirit, we would be a people who see, who feel, and who act.
Jesus reinforced this when telling the story that we know as the “Good Samaritan”. In this story, a man is attacked by bandits who steal his belongings and leave him beaten and near death on the side of the road. Three different men happen to be walking along that same road and each of them see the wounded man. Two keep walking. One stops. What was
it that caused this reaction? Jesus tells us; when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. (Luke 10:33-34, emphasis added)
At the end of the story, Jesus reveals His intention for telling the story, saying; “Now go and do the same.” LifeHouse, this is Jesus’ invitation to join Him on mission. He’s calling us to be a church that refuses to look away. That cannot simply walk away.
Instead, we allow the love of God to shape what we see, stir what we feel, and steer what we do. And in doing so we will continue to reflect the heart of a God who sees, feels, and acts.
Lotty and Cie
Senior Pastors, LifeHouse Church
FROM THE MISSIONS DESK
As You Go:
LifeHouse Church
on Mission
God’s vision for human flourishing—seen in His original creation and promised in His ultimate coming kingdom—is one of right relationships: with Him, with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Michelle Grant
Missions Director, LifeHouse Church
When there is brokenness in any of these relationships, pain, suffering, and poverty result. But God does not stand distant. In love, He sent His Son to reconcile people to Himself and to bring about His Kingdom of righteousness and justice.
As God’s people, we are called to be His ambassadors; ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). We are invited to actively participate in God’s restoration story, praying and working for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
This mission is holistic. The Good News of the Gospel is that restoration is possible — for the wounded, the isolated, the oppressed, and the oppressor. Moved by compassion, we connect with people through intentional care. We also seek to meet needs beneath the surface. We aim to build genuine relationships, walking humbly alongside others, pointing to God, who brings healing to the brokenness in all of us.
In doing so, we create opportunities for people to encounter God, experience transformation, and become agents of change themselves.
Collectively, LifeHouse Church outworks this mission through:
Facilitating local PROJECTS in our community, Investing in kingdom PARTNERSHIPS, locally and internationally, and Providing PATHWAYS for our people to participate through prayer, giving, and service.
Four key themes emerge when looking at the LifeHouse missions story…
Creating Community Connections,
Strengthening Families,
Investing in the Next Generation,
and Building the Church Beyond Borders.
It is our hope and prayer that if you call LifeHouse Church home, you can find your place in this unfolding story.
Everyone’s path looks different.
What compels you?
What pathway stirs your heart?
Your participation might look like engaging with our projects and partnerships, or demonstrating God’s love in the ordinary rhythms and relationships of your home and neighbourhood — as you go, proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near (Matthew 10:7).
Creating
Community
Connections
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:15-16 The Message
Jesus calls His people to be visible—present, engaged, and generous with their lives. We are to live in ways that allow others to encounter something of God’s goodness through us.
At a time when loneliness is rising and financial pressure weighs heavily on many households, the need for meaningful connection has never been greater. Disconnection can take many forms and is often quiet but profound; left unaddressed, it erodes dignity, wellbeing, and hope.
This is why creating community connections matters.
It takes shape in everyday places: care services, community hubs, through chaplaincy, and in missional communities. Each is an expression of a Church committed to meeting people where they are and walking alongside them.
Connection is the starting point for change. Through authenticity, consistency, and compassion, trust is built and transformation can follow. Not through programs, but through relationships.
The Church has a unique role in this.
Following the example of our God—who came to earth for us—we are called to live with open lives: noticing, listening, and stepping into ordinary spaces with extraordinary grace. As people experience this kind of connection, many move from isolation to belonging, from receiving support to contributing to the stories of change around them.
This is how communities are strengthened and how, through living as light-bearers, Christ is revealed and the Gospel becomes tangible.
Strengthening
Families
“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows —this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.”
Psalm 68:5-6A NLT
A pure, authentic faith is one that is concerned with and compelled by the same things as God, our good Father. Throughout Scripture, God’s concern is consistently toward those most at risk of being overlooked or oppressed; those without the protection and stability of family and societal systems.
Families are the framework of society. Crisis, trauma, or breakdown within a household, ripples outwards, into communities and through generations.
This is why strengthening families is central to the mission of the church, the family of God.
The most powerful intervention is often the earliest one. When families are supported early—through practical help, relational care, and connection within the community—crisis can be avoided and family separation prevented.
Research consistently affirms what Scripture has long revealed: children flourish best in safe, stable, nurturing families. This conviction is reflected in key projects and partnerships that we invest in locally and globally. On the ground, this may look like walking alongside families at critical moments — a difficult pregnancy, or a challenging season. Or, it could take the form of longer term support, like building networks of assistance for foster or kinship carers, or providing social connection for those caring for a child living with a disability.
The goal is not simply to respond when things fall apart, but to help families thrive wherever possible. Because caring for vulnerable children and families is not a standalone ministry. It is the natural outworking of a healthy church family who takes its faith seriously.
Investing
in the Next Generation
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
Psalm 145:4 NIV
Every generation must encounter Jesus for themselves.
Scripture makes it clear: faith is never meant to stop with us.
We are called to pass on the story of God’s faithfulness.
Young people across Australia are navigating new pressures, coming of age in a world different to their parents and grandparents. Researchers have argued that ministry to children represents one of the most powerful opportunities to shape lifelong faith (1). Research also shows that younger generations remain spiritually open and deeply motivated by purpose, justice, and authentic community (2). The opportunity for meaningful formation has not disappeared. If anything, it has become more urgent.
We believe the local church has a unique role to play in that formation.
That’s why we invest in initiatives that provide environments where young people can belong and feel safe, explore faith, discover their gifts, and step into leadership - spaces for the next generation to encounter Jesus and grow in courage, character and calling. From creative expression and school-based programs, to regional youth gatherings, university outreach and mission and leadership pathways, each initiative is part of a bigger picture: raising confident, compassionate disciples who know Christ and make Him known.
It’s not about simply running programs for children and young people. We are stewarding the future of the Church. When one generation intentionally invests in the next, the impact extends far beyond a single season. It shapes families, strengthens communities and advances the mission of God for decades to come.
1 Barna Group, 2026, Children’s Ministry in a New Reality; George Barna, 2003, Transforming Your Children Into Spiritual Champions.
2 Barna Group, 2018, Gen Z: Open, but Not Yet Committed; Barna Group, 2021, The Open Generation; McCrindle, 2019, Understanding Generation Z: Recruiting, Training and Leading the Next Generation
Building
the Church Beyond Borders
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 NIV
God’s plan for establishing and outworking His Kingdom has always centred around His Church.
Jesus did not commission an organisation or a strategy. He commissioned a people, empowered by the Spirit and sent into the world as His witnesses.
Jesus gave Himself up for the Church, to make her holy and blameless and this body, this diverse, expansive family of God, is held together in Him (Ephesians 4:11-16; 5:25-27).
When local congregations are healthy and Spirit-empowered, communities are transformed. When leaders are trained and believers are discipled, the Gospel travels further than any single church could carry it alone.
This is why we invest beyond our own walls and borders.
Through international partnerships and mission networks, we stand with churches in contexts we cannot physically reach — supporting leadership development, evangelism, church-planting, and the strengthening of believers facing persecution.
Knowing that Christ will build His Church, we humbly play our part in strengthening it at home and overseas.
As the Church grows in unity and maturity, the witness of Jesus extends across neighbourhoods, nations, and generations. And all the powers of hell will not conquer it (Matthew 16:18).
Today's Faithfulness,
Tomorrow's Fruit
The Catalyst Fund
The Catalyst Fund is a strategic reserve of funds that will position us ready for God-sized opportunities that might be larger than our capacity in any single year — from church planting to key capital acquisitions. By setting aside resources today, LifeHouse will be able to move swiftly when a generational mission opportunity arises, ensuring our impact stretches beyond current walls and into future seasons. Your partnership fuels this readiness, enabling the church to respond in faith and courage when the Spirit opens doors. The Catalyst Fund is about multiplying kingdom opportunities, not just maintaining what exists; it’s our way of staying faithful to tomorrow’s mission, today.
Ways to Give
Giving to the As You Go Offering in June, or to missions throughout the year, advances our mission projects, supports the work of our partners, and impacts future generations.
The Impact of your Generosity
These stories were possible because of your generosity.
Thank you for sowing seeds that will reap a harvest for generations to come.
Gave: What we Gave in 25/26
Goal: LifeHouse Giving Goal for 26/27
LifeHouse Care: Gave $88,556; Goal $100,000
Urunga Campus: Goal $27,000
Coffs Playgroup: Gave $3,093; Goal $3,000
Chaplaincy: Gave $112,209; Goal $50,000
Sherwood Cliffs: Gave $10,000; Goal $10,000
Christian Surfers: Gave $9,902; Goal $9,000
Alpha: Gave $6,234; Goal $15,000
Totals
Gave in 25/26: $609,112;
LifeHouse Giving Goal for 26/27: $647,700
Total Funds Received (Apr 25 - Mar 26)*: $546,619
*Total funds distributed in 2025-26 is greater than total funds received due to timing adjustments and use of previously donated funds.