Hello! My name is Amelia, and I am a Year 13 student.

As a part of Year 13, I work at Belmont Christian College in Newcastle as a Youth Worker and a Teacher’s Aide. In this role I’ve loved learning more about God, the Bible and how to do ministry in a school setting.

Unbelievably, it’s just six days until we head off to Fiji for a month long mission’s trip. I am so grateful for the opportunity to head over to Fiji with the Year 13 team of: 77 students and 21 leaders. 

We have spent the first half of the year learning in classes about cultural engagement, sensitivity and how to effectively share the gospel in a foreign country and culture. We’ve spent hours praying for the people we will meet, for the teams that we will join and for the words that we will speak to those we meet. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to go into the world and meet with fellow believers in Christ and to tell others about our Lord and Saviour.  

I have already learnt so much about myself and Fiji, but mostly I have learnt about God. Through preparation for Fiji our hearts have been reminded of the great love we are saved by, and the importance of taking the gospel into all the world. In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commissions the disciples to GO and make disciples of all the nations: “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

This is the same commission that we are called to follow, and during this first half of the year we have learnt that GO’ing doesn’t just mean overseas, but it means meeting people where they are at. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, becoming “all things, to all people, so that some may be saved.” 

As we continue to prepare, to learn and trust in God’s provision for our life we would love for you to join in prayer with us! Pray that as we deal with the logistical side of a mission trip we would remember God’s sovereignty and provision. That we may prepare well and in truth to share the gospel whilst in Fiji. Please also commit our time to God, that our hearts may continue to be shaped to be more like Christ and that we may plant seeds in the hearts of the Fijian’s for the sake of the Gospel.

Our prayer, with just six days to go and for the rest of the trip is that of 1 Peter 4:11: “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever, Amen.”

Amelia van Netten 
Year 13 Student

Photo:  Amelia (right) and fellow Year 13er Ally Rowe. They made and sold Fiji-appropriate skirts as a fundraiser.