Surf, sun and Jesus at Bargara Beach Mission

Posted in Camp life

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Beach Missions aim to share the good news of Jesus with holiday-makers around Australia.

Since 2005, Bargara has hosted a mission team of SU QLD volunteers each year, who come to connect with and serve the local community, sharing the transforming love of Jesus.

Bargara Beach Mission director, James Dwyer, has experienced countless examples of God’s favour, which has kept the mission going for so long.

“It’s very community-focussed. We run lots of fun events and programs for the local kids and their families. It’s also an opportunity to show them the love of Jesus,” James says.

From daily programs and a family fun day to movie nights and a New Year’s Eve party, thousands of local children, young people and their families take part in this annual community event.

“We get a lot of good feedback from the parents and teens – they love the programs and events. Not all the parents are Christians, but they thought what we were doing was good and having a positive impact on the community, so that was really encouraging.”

For James, Beach Mission’s practical support is secondary to the eternal purpose of the event.

“I come because I love seeing how God uses us to make a difference,” James says.

“I love that with beach mission we don’t have to go very far to be missionaries and love the people we come into contact with.”

As the events and programs at Bargara Beach Mission continue to grow, SU QLD is looking for more leaders in 2019.

“I’d say beach mission is for those who have a faith in Jesus and want an opportunity to see God work powerfully in their life,” James says.

“For a lot of leaders it’s almost an awakening of the fact that it’s not hard to share your faith with the people around you. It’s an opportunity to speak about your faith, learn skills and let God use you in ways that you can take back to your church and your local community.”

SU QLD runs beach missions across the state, providing fun activities for children, teens and their families. These community outreaches are also a great way for local churches to engage with their local communities and share the love of Jesus.

If you’d like to support events like beach missions through SU QLD, you can donate at: www.suqld.org.au/donate.

SU QLD would like to acknowledge that many people have contributed to making Bargara Beach Mission such a success over the past 15 years. In particular, we want to honour past directors Brian Hayhurst, Gary & Fiona Payne, Tanya Mckee and Jane Moe. You are amazing!

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