Chooi Kok has been dreaming of flying back to her birthplace, Malaysia, as a missionary.
But taking up a new a new ministry position at Auburn has opened her eyes to the missionary opportunities in Sydney's own multicultural backyard.
"It's a fascinating place with such a stark cultural mix," she says. "The nature of the suburb is rapidly changing."
Many Muslims live in Auburn, which has one of Sydney's largest mosques, and more than a quarter of Auburn's population was born in mainland China.
The youth group at St Thomas' Anglican Church reflects the suburb. Its a mix of Anglo-Australians and young people from Asian background.
But there is also two Muslim boys who come regularly. Muslim children are also part of the kid's club.
"I think they like the social contact," says Ms Kok.
Ms Kok has just started a new position as youth worker at St Thomas'.
"It is the first time they have had a catechist [student minister]," she says.
That might sound like a small step. But Ms Kok says its a significant step forward in mission for an under-resourced church.
"Growth can only come through training up the young people for ministry," she says. "The young people need to grow spiritually. Training them up as future leaders will keep the young people in the local churches."
So is she still thinking of the overseas missionfield when she finishes Bible College?
"Mission opportunities in South East Asia with CMS remains the most likely route," she says.
But with all the migrants coming into Sydney and not enough Moore College graduates with cross-cultural experience, Ms Kok is keeping her options open.
