Newsletter 25/09/25

The Good News!!

"Parting your soup is not a miracle, Bruce. It's a magic trick. A single mom who's working two jobs and still finds time to take her kid to soccer practice, that's a miracle. A teenager who says no to drugs and yes to an education, that's a miracle... you want to see a miracle, be the miracle" - Morgan Freeman, as God in 'Bruce Almighty'.

Bruce Almighty is one of my favourite movies. I often find myself shedding a tear in the middle of all the laughter. The quote above always gets me, reminding me of the everyday miracles happening everywhere around us.

A New Way is in a season of miracles right now! The hungry are being fed, prisoners are being visited, the lonely are finding comfort, and the good news of Jesus is reaching people who would never step inside a traditional religious institution. Best of all, God has been opening doors into the very pockets of our community that need help the most. My prayer is that this newsletter encourages you and helps you see the miracles taking place here on the Central Coast.

Our Sundown Sessions remain a weekly highlight. On any given Wednesday night, as I look around the warehouse, more than 50% of those gathered had no regular connection to a Christian community before they started attending. To me, that is nothing short of miraculous. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another faith community where this is happening, but if you know of one, I’d love to connect with like-minded ministers.

Something else I’ve noticed: when I run into people on the street from previous churches where I’ve served, many tell me they haven't heard much about A New Way and wish they knew more! Up to now, our main ways of communicating have been through this newsletter and our social media. We’d love to share updates in local churches, but we know how busy church calendars can be, so often the most effective way of getting the word out is through you! If you’re willing, and you are bold, please share this newsletter with your friends and your christian community. I believe this is good news worth spreading, and you never know whose ears it might reach... It may be the start of a miracle for someone.

Enjoy this newsletter, I think it's the best yet, we've been busy (in fact I've clocked upwards of 40hrs time-in-lieu over the last month)...

For some personal news... I am very excited to announce that Emily and are now engaged! (It's another miracle she said yes, haha). We are grateful to a good friend and pilot David Hampe who took us into the sky for the occasion. We would appreciate your prayers as we plan our life together.

Kibble Park Food Service

We have begun a partnership with Safe Link Alliance and now stand alongside many other charities helping the under-served in our community.

Our role is simple: on Monday nights we provide hot and cold drinks to people who may be experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty. It has been an eye-opening experience for our volunteers, especially on nights when it’s pouring rain or freezing cold, as the line for food and drinks is often even longer in those conditions.

Every Monday night there are usually 40–60 people in need, along with many volunteers. We also work with charities who hand out clothing and local businesses who take turns on a roster to serve meals.

We are honoured to be part of this great initiative and to join in with what others are doing on the Coast!

Finding Community

We are proud to create safe spaces! Do you know someone who needs community? Let them know about us! We recently received this kind review:

"The people here truly embrace you as part of their family, showing genuine warmth and kindness. They are some of the most relatable and humble individuals you'll ever encounter, making you feel completely at home. I truly cherish my time here and always feel uplifted. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Evan and Lewis for their incredible efforts. Your hard work makes a meaningful difference, and I can't thank you enough!"

Social & Community Housing

Great things are happening within social and community housing areas (often known as housing commission). Recently we partnered with Pacific Link to run social wellbeing programs, including a weekly pop-up coffee shop where residents can come together for community and connection. I’ve had some incredible conversations there and have been deeply inspired by the resilience of my neighbours on the Central Coast.

Our partnership with Pacific Link really was a miracle. In a previous newsletter I wrote about Hard-Knock Way and my desire for our ministry to be active in this space. Fast forward a few weeks and I was sitting in a coffee shop with a good friend I first met 13 years ago. Out of nowhere, someone stopped by to shake his hand and say good morning. They knew each other from a parents’ group and occasional camping trips. I happened to notice the man’s shirt had a Pacific Link logo, so I mentioned I’d been meaning to reach out. To my surprise, he turned out to be the CEO! We swapped numbers, and within two weeks we were planning our first program together. God is good!

Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre

One morning I woke up inspired by the scripture: “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

So I sent an email to Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre, hoping to arrange a visit with some of the prisoners. To my surprise, I received a reply the very next day. A new chaplain had started working there only two weeks earlier and had been sitting at his desk thinking, “Why are no churches willing to help? How can I find support? We need help.” At that very moment, my email landed in his inbox!

Because of the government nature of his role, the chaplain must serve people of all faiths, which means he cannot openly proclaim the gospel as much as he would like. Instead, he relies on outside Christian organisations who are able to come in and share the good news freely.

Starting in Term 4, Evan and I will begin running a weekly Bible study at Frank Baxter. We’re thankful that Evan’s current funding makes this possible, though it is only secured until the end of the year (please keep him in your prayers, along with creative ways to continue supporting his role).

The need inside the centre is great. Many inmates are there because, tragically, the conditions are better than the homes they come from. Some even commit crimes just to return, knowing they will at least have a roof over their head and three meals a day. Please pray for us as we begin these Bible studies in Term 4.

ISee Bible College Visit

Evan and I recently had the privilege of hosting Bible college students from ISee Church in Erina as they completed their practical units in mission and evangelism. Together we ran training sessions focused on recognising where the Holy Spirit is already at work and using the gifts and talents God has given us with authenticity.

The students then accompanied us as we introduced them to the areas around the Central Coast where we serve. We hope for more opportunities like this in the future to train and equip servants of the Gospel.

Audio Bible

I’ve been spending time in the studio working on the Audio Bible, more and more convinced of how great the need really is. The biggest challenge we face is copyright. Many translations are owned by publishing companies, and surprisingly, the same printers often produce both Bibles and books like the Satanic Bible, since the rights are held by the same companies.

Because of this, we may have to share the recordings privately with those who sign up, or simply give them away freely to anyone in need.

The work continues, and we’re exploring creative solutions to make God’s Word accessible to as many people as possible.

Insight High School Ministries

I’ve been serving as the interim chair of Insight High School Ministries over the past two terms. It’s been a fruitful season on the board, and you can read my Chairperson’s Report here: Chairman's Report

Thornleigh Youth Camp

This weekend I am heading to Thornleigh Baptist Churches youth camp in Tahlee!

I am excited to speak about my favourite characters Elijah and Elisha, and I am praying that many students will have an expirience that encourages them on their journey of faith.

Creative Fundraising

One of our members, Lucas Collins, has been inspired by what we've been doing, so approached his workplace to see if they could support us. Maybe this is an option for you?

Here's what Lucas has to say!

"Crystal Clear Finance Solutions is a trusted finance brokerage based in Bateau Bay that is excited to make donations to A New Way. Our mission? To simplify the world of lending and match clients with the ideal finance products, from home, personal and motor vehicle loans to commercial and SMSF loans. With a wide range of lending options and a focus on clarity and personalisation, Crystal Clear empowers individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their goals with confidence and ease.

What this means for our community:

Whenever A New Way refers a client who successfully settles a loan or refinances their mortgage with Crystal Clear, a donation of $500 will be made directly to support A New Way’s programs. It’s a meaningful collaboration that turns every finance referral into a tangible impact in your community.

Together, we’re crafting brighter futures for clients and communities alike. If you’re interested in having a chat with the Crystal Clear team, reach out to Lewis!"

If you are in a position to consider reconsidering your mortgage so that A New Way can receive a donation, please fill in this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7OQ7g4hDAJ5RR7ZGqhmggj8_YX5y5hMdDnokPfyqaW032Rw/viewform?usp=header

Hospital Visits

You may know that I’m a certified clergy member with the Central Coast Local Health District.

My ID card currently reads “A New Way Church” (I wish it said “A New Way Services INC”), but either way, it allows me to enter the hospital at any time to sit with those in need.

I would love to do more hospital visits and I’m available whenever needed. If you, or someone you know, would like this support, please email lewis@anewway.org.au. I’ll gladly put aside whatever I’m doing to visit and spend time with the sick.

Donations & Bequests

As always, we continue to thank everyone who enables this ministry to continue! We are doing more now than ever. I pray for sustainability, and that means we need your help.

Acc: ANW Donations

BSB: 082-356

Acc No: 915282595

Reference: A New Way

Prayer Requests

• We are praying for Thornleigh Youth Camp, and for Lewis as he prepares to be their speaker this weekend.

• We pray for Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre.

• We need a shipping container! It would mean that we could have more space in the warehouse to do more good.

Numbers 6:24

A New Way