Eight days. Eleven young people. Four vehicles. More than 2,550 kilometres. One clear mission—to serve others and share the love of Jesus.
From 20 to 28 June 2026, the team travelled more than 2,550 kilometres, discovering that the true destination was not a place on a map, but the people they met, the communities they served and the moments where God’s love was made visible. It was this purpose that gave the journey its name: Road Trip with a Purpose.
The journey began at the Wahroonga Conference Office, where the team gathered before travelling to Avondale University Church for worship. After lunch, they continued north to Coffs Harbour Seventh-day Adventist Church, where they were warmly welcomed with dinner and accommodation.
The following morning, the group completed their first service project by painting handrails, gardening and carrying out brickwork around the church property before continuing to Nambour Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In Nambour, the purpose of the trip came to life as the team spent the morning serving Peter and Angela, who had been facing ongoing health challenges. Through mowing lawns, gardening and helping around their property, the group was able to provide practical support while enjoying meaningful conversations. Peter and Angela’s generous hospitality and positive spirit left a lasting impression, while serving together strengthened the team’s own sense of community and purpose.
Bundaberg marked the halfway point of the journey. A visit to Lady Musgrave Island provided an unforgettable opportunity to experience God’s creation, despite many battling seasickness during the two-hour boat trip. Snorkelling alongside green turtles and colourful reef fish made every difficult moment worthwhile.
The team is especially grateful to Pastor Luke, who organised local service opportunities and shared the rich history of the heritage-listed St Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Church. They also served at Hope Adventist School by leading the junior school chapel and connecting with students before helping prepare the community garden.
At Noosa Adventist College, Pastor Ethan shared the chapel message while the team led worship for middle and senior school students, with support from the school chaplains, Pastors Esther and David.
On the return journey, the team was presented with another opportunity to serve after learning about Margaret and her neighbour, who were facing difficult circumstances. Recognising a practical need, the group spent time mowing lawns and gardening before praying with them and offering words of encouragement. It was another reminder that God can use simple acts of service to bring hope, care and connection.
The trip concluded back at Coffs Harbour Church, where the group shared stories from the week, led the worship service in song and reflected on God’s leading throughout the journey before enjoying lunch together and finishing the evening around a bonfire.
The team extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Ben, Ian and the members of Coffs Harbour Church; Pastor David and the Nambour Church family; and Pastor Luke and the members of St Andrews Church for their generous hospitality and partnership throughout the journey.
One of the greatest blessings of the trip was the people the team met along the way. New friendships were formed, valuable connections were made, and the experience strengthened the group’s faith and commitment to service. The journey was a reminder that although we minister in different churches, schools and communities, we are united in the same mission—to share the love of Jesus and tell others about Him.
Looking back, the journey was never simply about reaching the Great Barrier Reef. It was about young people discovering that ministry often happens through simple acts of service—not only to others, but also to one another. As they became the hands and feet of Jesus, they found that God was present in every kilometre travelled, every person served and every moment shared.
Written by Ethan Beyers, Jacinda Ralph and Stanley Stuski
