Why Ettalong Beach?

Upon our return to Australia after spending four years in California, we knew we had to plant a church. Our hearts longed for a deeper connection with God's presence, and we were determined to dig a deep well of his presence wherever we landed. 

Jet lag had us rising at the crack of dawn, around 4 or 5am, prompting us to hop into our car and drive from Lisarow to Terrigal. The journey through the bush during autumn was amazing, and the proximity to the beach was a bonus.

We walked through Terrigal meeting a ton of people, convinced that this was where we would establish the church. However, it was our Pastor, Bek's brother, Benj, who suggested we explore Ettalong Beach. We did and our first response was…yeah, nah. A few days later, we felt the Holy Spirit tell us both individually to go back to Ettalong. We did and our second response was….yeah, nah. We felt God say again to go to Ettalong so we did, we were not convinced at all. The divine nudging continued, and we eventually relented, though not entirely convinced.

Then, as if by divine design, we stumbled upon an empty Uniting Church building, situated just 100 meters from the beach in downtown Ettalong. It was available for lease, and our interest was piqued. Still somewhat reserved in our enthusiasm, we inquired further. It was during this time that we learned the name "Ettalong" meant "Place of Drinking," a name bestowed by the Darkinjung people who had originally inhabited the area. Slowly but surely, God began to shift our hearts toward this place until we were wholeheartedly committed to establishing a vibrant church dedicated to worship, the Word, and the pursuit of spiritual depth.

In a pivotal moment, we received a divine message in the form of three words: "THIS IS IT." This is where we would make our home, where we would raise our daughter Ruby, where we would plant Bloom Co. 

This is where we will worship God like crazy, drawing others who shared our passion, and together, we would foster a beautiful community dedicated to worship, the word and reaching the lost.

There are many wonderful churches on the Peninsula, filled with pastors and leaders doing remarkable work for the Kingdom. We've had coffee chats with them, and they are truly outstanding. Nevertheless, tens of thousands of people in this area remain unfamiliar with Jesus, and there is still much work to be done. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

At times, our plans don't unfold exactly as we envision, but when we choose to lead a surrendered life, one that seeks out God's voice, his direction, His guidance and especially his friendship, we find ourselves in a place of safety, peace and purpose.