NETworks 2012 Issue 3

From the Director’s Desk:

NETworks Issue 3, 2012 - 1

NETworks

NET Ministries AustraliaPO Box 889PaddingtonQLD 4064Ph: +61 7 3217 5299Fax: +61 7 3217 [email protected]

Well we made it! Thanks to all of our devoted and newly “on board” supporters of NET Ministries, we made it through a very lean financial year. We may not have much change left over but, once again, we have taken the message of God’s love to over 30,000 young people in this nation.

It is always so rewarding to attend our end of year Debriefing Program for the NET Teams and hear the stories from the year.

I wish I could record all their stories here in this newsletter, but we only have room for a few snippets. We have a glimpse into the lives of so many young high school students who are simply searching for something more than what they see all around them as so called “truth.” There are others who are struggling with enormous emotional issues in their lives who need a listening ear, others who are unable to believe in themselves or love themselves because they are not experiencing that love from others. Our team members so often provide that listening ear. They herald the unconditional love of Jesus for these young lives, through their constant support and personal life testimonies. We often receive feedback about these areas, but it is so wonderful to see how these stories and experiences “build up” and encourage the faith of the NET team members themselves.

Stor ies f rom 2012.. .Issue 3, 2012

(Continued inside on page 2)

Inside This Issue:Ignite & BreakthroughNET Mass & BanquetNET Alumni Noticeboard2012 Statistics Staff Farewell

storyafterstory

afterstory

story

story

STORY

afterstory

Experience

Witness

Storiesshared

LoveUnconditional

Encounter

Photos: Netters & Staff contributed in many ways - from running streams

& sessions, the recruiting stall, MC-ing, music, and of course performing skits and dramas.

Stor ies f rom 2012.. .(Continued from front page)

When I sit and hear these stories it does my soul good to know that we are actually making a difference in the lives of so many. I was a Parole Officer in another lifetime, and trust me when I say, it is so much better to be on this end of a young person’s life, than it is to treat a sometimes horrific end result. Human beings need the God who created them in their lives. They need love and affirmation and a relationship with a God who cares, and has the power to see them through life. When I hear these stories I thank God for the team members who give their lives for this cause. Thank God, also, for you who support them and have a heart for this ministry, for as we know “the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.” During the Debriefing Program we also witness the enormous growth in the team members themselves. We participate in and watch over their “letting go” process, their resolution of relationship difficulties, their love, forgiveness and unity with one another. We witness genuine Christian love. It is a privilege!

As we finish another year and ready ourselves for the year to come, we ask your prayers for the recruits we need (especially men) to equip our teams and the finance we need to continue our work in an efficient manner. Many of us will be heading away on holidays and so we will pray for you, as you rest and recreate with your families and friends. Have a very peaceful and blessed Christmas and we will continue our journey to help renew and re evangelize this amazing Church of ours in 2013.

God Bless

IGNITE & Breakthrough Conferences

In a ‘normal’ week for a NET Team (if there is such a thing), a team will usually run ministry events in schools and parishes in their area. But occasionally they are privileged to be involved in a larger ministry trip or event. Four of our NET Teams this year were able to come to the Ignite Conference 2012: Awaken. The Emerald, Sydney, National and Mazenod College (Melbourne) teams all travelled huge distances to attend.

Will Adamiak, 24 from the USA, who is on this year’s Sydney NET team, had his expectations blown away during his time at Ignite.

“I was expecting to be really busy at Ignite, but even as a volunteer I was surprised at how much I got out of the conference. I was expecting to give out the whole time but felt I received so much more instead.”

A highlight of Will’s time at Ignite was during one of the rallies when prayer teams and reconciliation were available for the delegates.

“Suddenly all these people were flocking to go to prayer teams and reconciliation. The queues were huge, and it made me think of when Jesus was alive and how the people used to flock to him, in the thousands just to hear him speak, to see him, to be near him. The same things was happening right there in the conference. Jesus was alive and again the people were flocking to him.”

Will’s experience of getting more than he gave was echoed by every one of the Netters who volunteered and as Ignite is now an annual event, we are already looking forward to the next one.

But it wasn’t just those four teams that have had the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. The Townsville and Mount Saint

Bernard Teams, together with a team of young people from the Cairns Diocese put together the third annual Breakthrough Conference. About 50 young people came to the three day conference that was led by keynote speaker Fr Bony Abraham from the MGL’s (Missionary of God’s Love) on the theme ‘Grace in Your Face’.

And at the other end of the country, the Melbourne Diocesan

NET Team went to Tasmania during the Victorian school holidays. Over ten days they ran 5 retreats and several other events. The team were very busy, meeting over 350 new people at the events they ran, but they still had an opportunity to soak up some of the beautiful sights and scenery in our country’s south.

“...When I hear these stories, I thank God for the team

members who give their lives for this

cause.”

“...expecting to give out the whole time but felt I received so much more

instead...”

Shanelle BennettExecutive Director


NET Ministries Australia wishesyou a very blessed Christmas

and a happy new year!NET is looking to field 9 teams in 2013: 1 National & 8 Local.

We are excited to keep you updated on our journey!


“As for you, let what you heard from

the beginning remain in

your hearts.”1 John 2:24

Mass & Banquet

2012

The Net ters and Staff o f 2012 wi th Fr Pau l and Fr Bav in

Thanksgiving

On Saturday 10th November, family and friends gathered to celebrate the closing of another NET year.

We began with our Thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by Fr Paul Smithers and Fr Bavin Clarke.

The Netters concluded the Eucharist with the stirring NET Drama, ‘Thank You’ that aptly summed up their year of service.

A special note of thanks also goes out to all who contributed to NET in 2012 and made this ministry possible.


* If you have an announcement for the noticeboard please email

[email protected] Alumni

On Facebook? Why not find NET MINISTRIES AUSTRALIA and LIKE us to stay updated

with news and events.


Sadly we say “farewell” to four of our beloved NET Staff members Adam Burns, Jillian Pearce, Rebecca Whitney and Stephen Mierendorf. As you would probably presume, NET staff is like a family, the wheel turns on this amazing ministry because we are gifted with extraordinary people. Adam, Jillian, Rebecca and Stephen are no exception to this. They have sacrificed so much to be part of this team and we will be eternally grateful for all that each of them ha done for us, individually and as a team. We know God will care and provide for each one of them as they move into the future. All our love and prayers go with them. Thanks guys for everything!

ENGAGEMENTS:

Joanna Madden (11) is getting married next year to Matthieu

who was on NET Canada

Laura Turnbull (09) is engaged!

Daniel Saban (04, Uganda 05, staff 06/07) is engaged to Talia

The Road Travelled Statistics of NET in Australia 2012

Townsville NET Team Youth Reached: 2,790

Total Events: 110Encounter Days: 17

RE Classes: 16Rallies: 1

Youth Groups: 26Young Adults grps: 1Schools Visited: 11Parishes Visited: 12Diocese Visited: 3

Talks Given: 21Testimonies Given: 32Dramas Performed: 41

Host Homes: 4KM’s Travelled: 24,858

Canberra-Goulburn NET Team

Youth Reached: 3,299Total Events: 77

Encounter Days: 66Rallies: 3

Overnight Encounters: 8School E-Days: 37Other Retreats: 3

Schools Visited: 16Parishes Visited: 12Diocese Visited: 1

Talks Given: 71Testimonies Given: 45

Dramas Performed: 100

National NET Team Youth Reached: 6,670


Overnight Encounters: 3Parish E-Days: 7

RE Classes: 1Rallies: 2

Youth Groups: 7Young Adults grps: 1Schools Visited: 76Parishes Visited: 7Diocese Visited: 1


Sydney NET TeamYouth Reached: 6,059

Total Events: 76Encounter Days: 44Other Retreats: 46Youth Groups: 4

Young Adults grps: 1Schools Visited: 26Parishes Visited: 4Diocese Visited: 2

Talks Given: 50Testimonies Given: 55

Dramas Performed: 116Host Homes: 3

KM’s Travelled: 16,000

Melbourne NET Team Youth Reached: 6.288


Overnight Encounters: 2RE Classes: 21

Rallies: 1Youth Groups: 18

Young Adults grps: 2Schools Visited: 32Diocese Visited: 4Talks Given: 103

Testimonies Given: 77Dramas Performed: 149


MSB NET TeamYouth Reached: 204

Total Events: 119Overnight Encounters: 1

Other Retreats: 1Rallies: 118

Youth Groups: 39Schools Visited: 1Parishes Visited: 3Diocese Visited: 2



Mazenod NET Team Youth Reached: 1,280


Overnight Encounters: 1RE Classes: 14

Rallies: 26Youth Groups: 4



Host Homes: 11

Emerald NET TeamTotal Events: 174

Encounter Days: 89Overnight Encounters: 1

School E-Days: 2Parish E-Days: 2Youth Groups: 55


Talks Given: 33Testimonies Given: 71Dramas Performed: 68KM’s Travelled: 9,620

2012 Statistics Youth Reached: 30,530 Encounter Days: 311

Rallies: 151Overnight Encounters: 23

School E-Days: 348 Parish E-Days: 10

Schools Visited: 165 Parishes Visited: 29 Diocese Visited: 29

impacting

austral ia

changing

l ives

No one ever really knows what to expect when they first join NET and I most certainly would have never predicted the journey I’ve had with NET over the past few years. I first came to NET fresh from school as a seventeen year old who thought he knew everything there was to know about the world. I leave NET now as a twenty-two year old who realises just how little I do know.

My time on NET shaped me, my core beliefs and my faith in God. It has been an incredible journey that has never gone exactly how I had planned it to go and I am a better man for it. I am thankful to God for the incredible teammates, staff members, host families, contact people and young people I was blessed to journey with throughout my time on NET. I will always remember fondly my time as a Netter and a staff member.

Adam Burns

Thank You

The only words to describe my NET experience are ‘Life Changing’. Five days into NET training in 2009 I had an unexplainable experience of Jesus where I received the courage to be sold out for the cause, then, now and for the rest of my life. Through the grace of NET and the way it brought Jesus into my life in a real way, I was given my life back.

It has been such a privilege being on NET staff for two years, working with people who I know are some of the best people in the world. All the special moments, the authentic relationships, the whole NET experience can’t fully be put in words but it has all been and will continue to be some of the best parts of my life.

Now the Lord is leading me somewhere new but I am not empty handed. I will be taking with me all the people who have been a part of this amazing journey, all the Lord has taught and a heart for the vision to continue the good fight wherever I am in life. Thank you so much NET for everything. I don’t think you guys will ever know exactly how much you have done for me. Just know that I will always be there for you as you have been for me.

Farewell to Staff:

NET 2013 NEWS Fr Andrew Chase (Nattie team 96) will be leaving Australia to study in

Rome for the next 3 years, congratulations Fr Andrew!We are excited to announce we have 3 second generation netters doing

NET next year! Mary Dougherty’s (from the very first NET Australia pilot team in 1987/88) son, Dominic, and Arthur Wilson’s (1988/89) 2 children,

Madelene and Lachlan. Go guys!

BIRTH NOTICES:

David (08) and Lisa de Weger (08) welcomed their first child, Arianna on

26th October 2012

Angela (03, Uganda 04/06, staff 07/08) and Luke Harris (02/03, Uganda 04)

welcomed their third daughter Phoebe on 3rd October 2012

Nahum (97) and Megan Kozak (06) welcomed their first child, Leela on 3rd

November, 2012

Erin May (02/04) and husband Aaron welcomed their fourth child and first

daughter, Eloise on 1st November, 2012

Clare Bell (98, staff 02/03) and husband Phillip welcomed their second baby,

Monica on 4th July, 2012

Jacinta Boulus (10) and husband Bart welcomed their first child, James, on

7th September 2012

Nicky Ashley (03) and husband Simon, welcomed their first child, Norah on

2nd December, 2012

VOCATIONS:

Chris Eaton (01) was ordained a Deacon with the

MGL’s in late November

From 2003 to the present day I’ve served with NET in 4 countries on 3 different continents with many, many wonderful men and women. I’ve been in – 52° (without the wind chill) and + 40° weather. I’ve seen moose, sheep, kangaroos, and caribou. I’ve received the generosity of many beautiful host families and sponsors who made it possible for my brothers, sisters, and me to tell countless young people that Jesus loves them. I’ve learned so much about myself and others and how to love them both. Most importantly, I’ve come to deeper knowledge of Jesus and His love for me. My time with NET has been a tremendous gift and I hope that I can pour out my life for others just as His love has been poured into me through my time on NET. I pray that “He who began a good work in (me) will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my time with NET – because of you I am a “new creation” (2 Cor 5:17).

Jillian Pearce

Rebecca Whitney

Stephen Mierendorf

How do I sum up the last 4 years?! 2008 saw a girl make a decision that changed her life. When I decided to apply for NET for 2009, I had no idea what God had in store for me. He continues to transform that girl into a young woman with purpose, meaning and faith.

Over the last 4 years I have served with some of the most incredible people in the world. I would never have imagined this is where I would be in my life 4 years ago and I thank God everyday for calling me to this community of brothers and sisters, for experiencing life to the full following Him and for the new adventure waiting for me.

I cannot thank NET staff, my brothers and sisters, enough for forming me and calling me to be the woman I am today. You are family and will always be in my prayers. God Bless you all, keep fighting the good fight and know that wherever I am, I will be fighting with you. I will miss you!!!

WEDDINGS:

Rachel Plummer (09) was married on the 8th December, 2012

Jeanette Brodner (08/09) was married in September, 2012

Jacinta McKinlay (04, Uganda 05, staff 10) was married to Jeff on

15th December, 2012

NET Ministries 25th ANNIVERSARY:

2013 marks the 25th Anniversary

of NET Ministries Australia. The main Alumni activities

will take place on Saturday 22nd June

With a Gala Fundraising Dinner on Saturday 6th July

Mark it in your diaries!

Make an

IMPACT?

www.netmin is t r ie s .com.au

Events happening in 2013

Mass & Banquet at Mary Immaculate Church, AnnerleySaturday 22nd June, 2013

There are many ways to help NET Ministries Australia

positively impact the lives of young people every year.

If you are interested in

supporting NET with a tax-free contribution from a

or if you want information on how to include NET in

a Will by making a

please contact us on [email protected]

My Gift Today: $1000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $______

I want to assist the NET teams in this valuable ministry!

Please send me more information: Including NET in my will

Method of payment: Cheque or Credit Card Please debit the above amount from my: Bankcard MasterCard Visa American Express once only monthly quarterly yearly _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry: _ _ / _ _ Signature: ____________________

YES

Making a tax-free gift using my family trust

Name: Address:

City:Ph Work:

Email:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State:____________________ Postcode: ______________________________________ Home: ___________________ Fax: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Hosting a NET team

Supporting NET Ministries Australia

If undeliverable return to:NET Ministries Australia

PO Box 889PaddingtonQLD 4064 NETworks Issue 3, 2012

FAMILY TRUST

BEQUEST

25th Anniversary Gala Fundraising Dinner for

NET Ministries featuring special guest speaker

His Eminence Cardinal George Pell

Saturday 6th July, 2013Brisbane

Documents

NETworks 2012 Issue 3