Launched in an online format in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, We the Girls—a North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) initiative for teenagers—had its first in-person event on May 28.
“We the Girls is the initiative of a group of pastors in our conference who saw a need in their communities and schools to minister to teenage girls and create a life-giving community for them,” said NNSW women’s ministry director Pastor Bethany Chapman.
More than 250 women gathered at Avondale School in Cooranbong to worship, hear the word of God and fellowship.
“The team was surprised and delighted to have such a large turnout for the debut of “We the Girls” in person,” said Pastor Chapman.
In the evening, women of all ages joined the program for a celebration, followed by a marketplace with food and live music. Marketplace stalls were run by various Adventist women to help support their small businesses.
“The programming was uplifting, fun and encouraging,” said Pastor Chapman explaining that many attendees expressed their excitement to be gathering in person and their joy at being part of “such a special event”.
“Before the night was done, they asked when the next event will be, as they did not want the night to end. This has been refreshing and so needed after two years of changed plans and cancellations,” she concluded.
