In July, the largest cohort in Year 13 history flew to Fiji to partner in ministry with local churches. We asked them what the trip was like, what they were encouraged by, and what they wanted to remember.

It's such a great joy to see how God is working in Fiji just as much as he is in Australia. One of my favourite memories was during our [local church mission]. In the church we were staying in, we had 10 or so youth every night sleep over with us. To be able to talk with them about their faith and what they believe and also to encourage them to continue pursuing Jesus was one of the most encouraging moments I've had.

Huntley Stace, St Stephen's, Normanhurst

I was super encouraged by how everyone was keen to do all kinds of ministry. There were so many times when I would look around and my mates would be delivering all kinds of talks, building relationships with the Fijian people, and living for God in a way that encouraged and spurred me on.

Harry McKenzie, Austinmer Anglican

At the village, they just lost the person [running] youth group. But [the church] still encouraged youth to hang out with them and be in God's word. Even though they didn't have someone running [youth group] they still encouraged them to read the Bible.

Desi Black, Blacktown Anglican

I was really encouraged by the believers' absolute dependency on God to provide. I think it's really easy in our context to believe in God as a secondary thought or have him and something else we like to depend on, but in Fiji the believers truly understand that he provides their bread each and every day, and they trust in him to provide.

It was so clear over there to see his sovereign power over everything we do. Every ministry and every opportunity to talk to people was a gift by God, and their willingness to listen was only in his power. This is definitely a mindset I want to take into the rest of my life and ministry.

Sophie Loane, Naremburn-Cammeray Anglican

When I went to Fiji, I was really encouraged by the people and how some of them would have the most in-depth biblical knowledge that would blow 90 per cent of Australians out of the water. I'd be talking about this random thing, and they'd be like, "Oh, that's from this Bible verse right here!" and they would just quote it. They didn't even need the Bible [to reference]. It was amazing to see the love of Jesus right there. It made me so happy to see that Jesus is everywhere on this earth. Jesus's word has been spread, and the gospel is being known and proclaimed everywhere.

Gary Rumbel, Maitland Evangelical Church