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Judith wants to spread the message “you are never too old to get out of your comfort zone and let God lead you to be His hands and feet!”

Judith’s gifting as a former teacher has been transformed into a purpose-filled ministry.  She shares with Keith how spreading faith, hope & love to children on the other side of the world has changed her life forever.

Imagine keeping 80 children occupied for eight weeks of school holidays and paying your way for the privilege!

For most parents each new school year cannot come fast enough, but for our next guest it’s a time save and plan for her next overseas trip.

Judith Bond is our first guest in our Inspiring not Retiring series.  

At 58 she packed her bags and went over to the other side of the world to share her passion and equip young children with skills to give them a brighter future.

Log onto http://www.nikkisplace.org/ for more information.

Riverstone families connect

Let’s take a look at how we have joined up with a men’s woodworking group to provide a place where children can be mentored.

Guest Performer Steve McPherson

Steve McPherson singing “Our God” with the Wesley Impact! band.

Steve McPherson has been one of Australia’s frontrunners in lifting the quality of live praise and worship performances in Sydney in the 1990’s.

He’s been regular on show and has been a wonderful supporter of Wesley Mission for many years.

Irene Gleeson: Irene shares her first taste of Africa on a bus heading north – “puzzled why everyone was cheering and waving at her, only to later discover she was one of few to make it through a region that has been ravaged by 37 years of war.

Irene Gleeson and Rev Dr Keith V Garner: Irene tells Keith about God’s favour and how CHILDCARE Kitgum Servants (CKS) has grown.  Medical clinics, an AIDS hospice, churches, water wells and an FM radio station are now up and running.... and there’s more to come.

‘Inspiring not retiring’ – “Faith to step into the dream!”

When most think of retirement they think about taking a well deserved holiday and joining the local golf or bowling club.

Twenty years ago, Irene Gleeson had a prompting in her heart to help underprivileged children in Africa.

Believing that God had a bigger dream and plan for her life, she sold her North Sydney home to head to Northern Uganda, towing a caravan under a mango tree and taking on 50 children to nourish and nurture.

Two decades on – and despite having 15 grandchildren of her own - she’s now called “Grandmum” by some 8,000 students, mainly former child soldiers and abductees traumatised by war.

 Ms Gleeson also oversees some 400 staff comprising of teachers, nurses, builders, counsellors, cooks, drivers and volunteers.

Log onto her website www.cks.org.au/history.php for more information.

Wesley seniors day centre

At Wesley Mission we also have many success stories.  While not everyone can trek abroad like our guest today, it’s important to interact and support people and those we love.

Wesley Seniors Day Centre is just one of many services we have to provide the frail with a new lease on life.

Guest performer George Lubega

George Lubega singing “Ganja Man” with the Wesley Impact! band.

Once addicted to alcohol and marijuana or (Ganjaweed), mostly to overcome hunger pains at night, he met Irene and his life turned around.

George now works with former child soldiers among others, encouraging youth to exchange guns for guitars.

Richard Fortune heads the coordination of the online networking hub to help miners stay connected in their faith.

Richard talks about the up-coming conference, ‘Mining for Christ’ 2011.  To be held in Sydney on the September 30 -October 1.

‘Ministry in business’ – “Out of the Pit ministries”

It’s true, it’s tough to find a ‘life-work balance’ but what happens when you have a job where you are on site 24/7 and how do you stay connected to your faith, let alone a faith community?

Imagine working up to 1,800 metres underground for up to 12 hours at a time and your next chance to attend church is 6 weeks away

In our topic exploring Ministry in Business, we meet a man who faced that very dilemma.

What followed was a new website called ‘Out of the Pit’ Ministries, a web site created for Christians to connect during the long stints in desolated areas.

Log on to http://www.outofthepit.org/ for more information.

Stuart and Al

Stuart and Al with children

Just like miners who are isolated today we look at Part One of our Out of Home Care program here at Wesley Mission.   

Stuart and Al face a difficult task of looking after two disabled children.  Our support at Wesley Mission helps provide much needed respite to a family who requires constant care.

Guest Performer Heidi Popp

Heidi Popp with the Wesley Impact! band

Heidi Popp highlights that no matter what we go through, God is our light in the darkness.  Here’s she is with “O God of My Comfort.”

Daniel shares about putting his faith into action. The reward, to see lives changed in impoverished nations.

Daniel Flynn and Rev Dr Keith V Garner

‘Ministry in business’ – Thankyou water – realising a dream!

Imagine working without a wage. Yes, many people volunteer, but what about running your own full-time business only to have another job on the side to pay the bills? Now that’s passion!

On this week’s Wesley Impact! we meet Daniel Flynn, founder of Thankyou Water. Daniel is a committed Christian who had a dream to turn a $600 million dollar bottled water industry on its head.

Thankyou Water is a brand of bottled water that gives 100% of its profit to fund water projects in developing nations.

Log onto the website: http://www.thankyouwater.org/  to see how Thankyou water is branching out into the marketplace.  

On this week’s show we look at part two of Stuart & Al’s story who are a part of Wesley Mission’s ‘Out of Home Care’ program.

To view a full extended version of the story click on the link .

Guest Performer Debbie-Ann Bax.

Debbie-Ann Bax singing “It’s Over” with the ‘Wesley Impact!’ Band.

Debbie-Ann Bax is a native of New Yorker. Educated at LaGuardia High School of Music and the Arts, Debbie trained in Opera Workshop, Theatre, Solo Voice and Gospel Chorus.

After her subsequent move to Australia in 2007, Debbie-Ann recorded with Guy Sebastian & Paulini Curuenavuli on “Receive The Power”, a song written for the Pope’s visit during World Youth Day 2008.

Log onto http://www.singing.com.au/instructors.aspx?ID=Debbie-Ann%20Bax for more information.