This year’s North New South Wales (NNSW) Prayer Conference saw record attendance, with more than 900 delegates gathering at Yarra Holiday and Adventure parks in Stuarts Point from February 27 to March 2. Since launching in 2016 with 120 attendees, the event has grown significantly, with this year’s program attracting more than 400 first-time participants.
NNSW prayer coordinator Charissa Torosian noted the increasing engagement in the conference. “It’s encouraging to see so many people hungry for a deeper connection with Jesus and a revival of prayer,” she said.
Themed “Power Unlimited,” the conference featured guest speakers Pastor Pavel Goia, editor of Ministry magazine, and Melody Mason, a prayer coordinator at the General Conference in Maryland. They emphasised the importance of prayer, surrender and “seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit”.
Many delegates shared testimonies about the challenges they faced in attending the conference. According to Mrs Torossian, health issues, car troubles and financial difficulties created obstacles, “but God’s providence was evident throughout”.
Among those who faced difficulties was a group of 20 women from Papua New Guinea, who shared their experience on Sabbath evening. Originally, 80 women had planned to attend, but visa complications prevented most from travelling. Those who made the trip described their months of fasting, prayer and fundraising in preparation for the event.
On Sabbath afternoon, the community outreach program, introduced in last year’s conference, returned with 30 volunteers visiting Stuart’s Point and Macksville to offer prayer and distribute literature.
The children’s program engaged more than 100 children, led by NNSW children and family ministries director Colleen Savage. Centred on the theme “Experiments in Faith” (inspired by Hebrews 11), it featured interactive activities, music and storytelling.
While plans for next year’s conference are yet to be announced, Mrs Torosian said the team is already preparing. “We are praying that God will continue to grow this movement of prayer and revival,” she said.
