Life.Church Stories - Episode 18

Life Church “Lead the Way” Gathering Notes

Opening Moments

• Host reminds the church that “we believe in leading the way in generosity, both in our finances and our time.”
• Today’s purpose: stories meant “to inspire you to continue to allow God to use you to make a difference in our local communities and around the world.”
• Preview of two spotlights: veteran Andy Cullen (Gold Coast, Australia) and kids-ministry leader Carly Ramsay (Life.Church Yukon).

Testimonies

Andy Cullen – Gold Coast, Australia

• Setting / life context
– Australian Army veteran deployed to Afghanistan in 2008, 2011, 2012.
– Returned home “suffering from PTSD”—tormented nightly by vivid hallucinations; “My whole self-worth as a man, as a husband and a father was completely deteriorated.”

• Key turning points and miracles
– Couldn’t read because “my brain just wasn’t functioning properly,” so he opened the YouVersion Bible App and discovered the audio feature.
– “You can’t hear God’s word and not be affected.”
– Began nightly rhythm: “I just put on a chapter and I’d press play… sometimes two, three chapters.”
– God used the Word as “an anchor tying me back to reality.”
– Testifies to “physical healing, emotional healing,” and renewed purpose: “He’s ignited my spirit in ways that continue to blow me away every day.”

• Scriptures referenced
– 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (quoted): “The testimony about our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner… who saved us.”
– Ephesians 2:8 (quoted): “By grace, you have been saved through faith… it is a gift of God.”

• Spiritual insights & emotions
– From hopelessness (“there was no light”) to gratitude for “that glimmer of light right at the bottom.”
– Describes Scripture as living medicine: “I found healing.”
– Closing scene: playful moment with daughter—evidence of restored joy.

Carly Ramsay – Life.Church Yukon (Leader Spotlight)

• Setting / life context
– Serving in LifeKids for over four years.

• Key turning points and joys
– Passion explained: “Watching these kids grow with their ridiculous faith. I wish that I had the faith of a kid each and every day.”
– Serving “has just changed my life.” Best part is “to watch them learn and grow in their relationship with God.”

• Spiritual insights & emotions
– Childlike faith inspires adult believers.
– Service framed as partnership with parents to “lead kids to a relationship with Christ.”

Holy-Spirit Highlights

• God’s Word, even when only heard, breaks through mental and emotional darkness.
• Audio Scripture as a lifeline for those unable to read—technology serving redemption.
• Childlike faith called “ridiculous” in the best way—stirring adults to deeper trust.
• Unified mission thread: ordinary believers offering time and gifts produce extraordinary impact locally and globally.

Prayer Points & Next Steps

• Pray for veterans battling PTSD and TBI to encounter Jesus as Healer and Anchor.
• Thanksgiving for the YouVersion Bible App reaching people like Andy.
• Strength and joy for LifeKids leaders; pray that more volunteers will step up.
• Action: talk to campus staff or Church Online team to “get plugged in” and serve.
• Continue to give and pray “consistently,” believing God will “use you to make a difference… around the world.”