Growth Year Plan

SYDNEY, Rev. Lawrence & Helen Ong

Following a period of transition and consolidation in 2024, our local centres have found stability in 2025. The year also marked a significant turning point with our missions entry into East Asia, launching us into a new phase of international missions.

This report provides a summary of the current status, challenges and opportunities across our four centres and our newly formalised missions work.

BAULKHAM HILLS CENTRE (FARSI)

Ps Mostafa oversees this Persian ministry, averaging 25-30 members. This is a challenging work due to the transient nature of the people and financial pressures of members.

Many grapple with job security, visa and settlement issues which hinders deep, consistent church commitment. Raising committed leaders also remains a significant hurdle. Please pray for deeper spiritual engagement and for God to meet their physical needs.

EASTWOOD CENTRE (CHINESE)

Following significant leadership challenges in 2024, this congregation has stabilised with approximately 25 regular attendees. They demonstrate resilience and potential.

Two growing weekly cell groups (one evening & one daytime) are each led by an experienced lay leader. We rejoice with three new converts and one baptism during Christmas 2025.

The search for a new pastor is on-going and deliberate, prioritising spiritual and cultural fit over speed. Prayer is also needed for passionate, committed leaders to emerge.

We are grateful to God for sufficient tithes & offerings that sustains the church’s needs. The centre’s location is prime for outreach to the local Chinese community. The foundational work is solid for future growth and we need committed and trained leaders.

EASTWOOD CENTRE (ENGLISH)

Launched in 2024, this work has grown encouragingly to an average of 20 attendees, primarily comprising young believers. There were 10 baptisms in 2025.

Two fortnightly cell groups are currently led by pastors due to the majority being young believers. Our primary focus is grounding them in faith through Bible study.

We are grateful for Pastor Ian Bartley, a highly experienced Australian pastor, who provides pastoral oversight. There is a critical need for mature believers to step into leadership roles.

LIDCOMBE CENTRE (CHINESE)

This is an established, stable and mature group of approximately 35 believers.

The congregation is characterised by faithful tithing and commitment. It is ably supervised by a dedicated Chinese pastor who is gifted in organising major events and has successfully raised a choir and established 3 fortnightly cell groups.

Their current challenge is plateaued development. There is a lack of processes to attract and assimilate newcomers, which is key to growth and expansion.

MISSIONS IN EAST ASIA

We are very excited with this new milestone for the church. Our goal is to plant a network of churches all over East Asia.

Pastor Randy Singh conducted a week-long training program in July. By God's grace, this resulted in the planting of a new church in the North East in October 2025. We believe this will be the first of many such fruits.

Our approach is equipping locals to reach locals so one urgent prayer request is for faithful workers and necessary resources to cater for this expansion wisely and effectively.

2026 OUTLOOK

Centre Pastors/Supervisors will map out a clear, actionable growth plan for their centres, with specific, faith-filled goals. They will be held accountable to these objectives through regular supportive review. Pray for all leaders to be infilled with the Spirit, equipped with a measure of faith to believe for great things and empowered to break out of their comfort zones.

Missions in East Asia will focus on consolidation and expansion in the North-East region. There will be training and explorative trips to plant more churches in the region. Pray for protection, wisdom and abundant resources for our workers.

Children’s Ministry is a strategic priority to serve families and enable sustainable growth locally. Pray for dedicated teachers, volunteers and for the necessary resources and curricula.

Worship Teams will start training and establishing worship leaders and musicians for each congregation. Pray for enhanced corporate worship and opportunities for gifted individuals to serve.

God has faithfully sustained our diverse local ministries and has unexpectedly opened a significant door for missions in East Asia. The 2026 Growth Year plan is a faith-filled response to these opportunities and challenging every part of our ministry— from Eastwood to North-East — for Spirit-led expansion, discipleship and maturity for the glory of God.