In Conversation With Sandy

What's the last spontaneous thing you did?
I went to see my favourite AFL team, Collingwood, train a few weeks ago. I felt a bit nervous and didn’t want to look like a superfan, but I lined up to get photos and autographs with some of the players at the end.

When did you move to Australia?
1980.

Which Christmas movie(s) do you watch every season?
Elf.

How did you first connect with Breakthrough?
I’d given my heart to the Lord and was going to an Open Brethren church. Then my brother-in-law came and told me one day, “I found this church in Blackburn, did you want to come along?” I did… and discovered Breakthrough!

What would the title of your autobiography be?
My life could be summarised by the greatest truth I’ve ever discovered: “Trusting in God and Putting Him First.”

Name your most favourite Christian concert you've attended.
For King and Country in 2024.

What's your favourite board game?
Pictionary.

Tell us the most valuable piece of advice you've ever received.
Dr Jerry Savelle’s teaching to NEVER QUIT!

Beach vacation or mountain getaway?
Beach.

What hobby or activity do you enjoy that might surprise people?
I love going to see all the big action and superhero movies (even if I cover my eyes during the scary bits) at the cinema with a chai latte and a big bucket of popcorn.

Name something you learnt at Breakthrough which has changed your life.

There are two things that come to mind:

1. People are God’s greatest asset on the earth. We are here to be used by Him to bring about His purpose in this world.
   
   
2. Always do it God’s way! I love that the leaders of Breakthrough will happily throw aside any plans or ideas when God moves in a different direction.

Share a moment when your Life Group became a source of encouragement and inspiration for your faith journey.

I remember one night going online for Life Group and feeling very discouraged about a situation I was walking through. I felt God say, “There are more with you than there are with them.”

Then, Mark read that exact scripture out during our Life Group!

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16

I can’t tell you what that did to my spirit, and how it encouraged me.

I also remember a night when someone in the Life Group was sharing a difficulty their family was walking through. I suddenly saw a picture in my spirit of their family under this particular object. I didn’t really know what it meant. Then a few minutes later, the person shared what their family’s ultimate dream would be—and it was linked to that exact object! I had no idea of their dream! And it so encouraged me that God had given me a vision for them.

It is SO important to be connected. Even when people think, “It’s not for me”… it is! Life Group has been a wonderful source of encouragement and strength for me.