Avondale University's Lake Macquarie and Sydney Campuses have recently hosted two powerful faith-focused events that have deeply impacted students, staff, and the wider church community.
In partnership with the Greater Sydney Conference Youth Department, the campus hosted a special Uni & Youth Worship Night. The evening brought together Avondale nursing students, alumni, and around 300 young people from churches across the Northern Greater Sydney area. Newly appointed Associate Youth Director, Pr Stanley, encouraged attendees to deepen their spiritual journey by thoughtfully engaging with Scripture, exploring its historical contexts, and considering the intersection between faith and contemporary culture. The strong turnout provided meaningful exposure to the university environment and strengthened the relationship between the church and the campus.
Building on this momentum, Festival of Faith (FOF) Semester One concluded with a powerful week under the theme “Draw Near”. With over 60 dedicated volunteers, the event ran every evening and focused on drawing closer to Jesus while encouraging students, staff, visiting schools, and the community to do the same.
Pr Josh Kross served as the week’s presenter, delivering inspiring messages and modelling true discipleship through personal conversations with many students and staff. A student-led café and prayer space operated each evening, creating welcoming spaces for meaningful reflection and connection.
On Friday, more than 70 students actively served the community through various outreach activities, including leading chapel services and pancake lunches at Avondale schools, service projects at The Heights School, backyard blitz teams, visits to Adventist Senior Living – Alton Road, and assistance at the local Op Shop.
The response to FOF was overwhelming. Due to high attendance, the balcony had to be opened, with over 800 people gathering on the final evening. During the commitment time, a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit was witnessed, resulting in the following responses:
- Accepting Jesus – 57 people
- Joining Connect Groups – 73 people
- Pastor reaching out – 37 people
- Baptism – 35 people
- Becoming a disciple maker – 72 people
The Lord was clearly present in both the Worship Night and Festival of Faith, reinforcing Avondale’s commitment to supporting young people in their academic and spiritual journeys and calling our campus community to truly “Draw Near to Jesus”.