Grateful Living
Open Doors Pt 4 - A Pivotal Season of Growth & Mission
The late 1980s and early 1990s were a defining era in the life of Hervey Bay Baptist Church, marked by revival, cross-cultural partnerships, and an expanding vision.
In 1989, visits to the Solomon Islands, then during a spiritual revival, the hearts of our church were deeply stirred. When teams from the Solomon Islands returned the visit, their passion and worship brought fresh life to our own congregation. In 1990, two young men—Genesis from the Solomons and Johnny Obed from Vanuatu—joined the church for a year, pouring into the youth ministry and mentoring young people with energy and purpose.
New doors also opened in Fiji through a partnership with Ambassadors for Christ. This led to leadership training, church planting in Hindu and Muslim communities, and support for theological students from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Hervey Bay played a key role by sponsoring pastors and mission trips where teams taught, preached, led youth programs, and even helped build churches in places like Lautoka and Ba.
Locally, this season saw the beginning of school chaplaincy in Queensland, with Owen Backwell serving at Hervey Bay High—the longest continuous chaplaincy placement in the state.
The church’s outreach also expanded through creative and practical ministries. A simple idea to run craft classes quickly flourished into a vibrant ministry, drawing 150–200 participants per term. With devotions included, many came to faith and found a spiritual home at the church.
To reach the unchurched, “Sunday Night Live” was launched, combining music, drama, puppetry, and dance. Within months, crowds grew to 220, half of whom were newcomers. Over time, audiences reached 500.
The Bus Ministry began with one Coaster and grew to a fleet of five, picking up children and families from across Hervey Bay each week.
In the 1990s, Hervey Bay Baptist Church led powerful city-wide initiatives—Sights and Sounds productions, the Whale Festival’s Blessing of the Fleet, prayer vigils, and unifying worship events. Churches united, and community hearts were moved as visual storytelling and prayer brought the message of Jesus to life across Hervey Bay.
Together, these ministries reflect a season of deep spiritual momentum, community connection, and lasting impact—both locally and across the Pacific.
In 1989, visits to the Solomon Islands, then during a spiritual revival, the hearts of our church were deeply stirred. When teams from the Solomon Islands returned the visit, their passion and worship brought fresh life to our own congregation. In 1990, two young men—Genesis from the Solomons and Johnny Obed from Vanuatu—joined the church for a year, pouring into the youth ministry and mentoring young people with energy and purpose.
New doors also opened in Fiji through a partnership with Ambassadors for Christ. This led to leadership training, church planting in Hindu and Muslim communities, and support for theological students from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Hervey Bay played a key role by sponsoring pastors and mission trips where teams taught, preached, led youth programs, and even helped build churches in places like Lautoka and Ba.
Locally, this season saw the beginning of school chaplaincy in Queensland, with Owen Backwell serving at Hervey Bay High—the longest continuous chaplaincy placement in the state.
The church’s outreach also expanded through creative and practical ministries. A simple idea to run craft classes quickly flourished into a vibrant ministry, drawing 150–200 participants per term. With devotions included, many came to faith and found a spiritual home at the church.
To reach the unchurched, “Sunday Night Live” was launched, combining music, drama, puppetry, and dance. Within months, crowds grew to 220, half of whom were newcomers. Over time, audiences reached 500.
The Bus Ministry began with one Coaster and grew to a fleet of five, picking up children and families from across Hervey Bay each week.
In the 1990s, Hervey Bay Baptist Church led powerful city-wide initiatives—Sights and Sounds productions, the Whale Festival’s Blessing of the Fleet, prayer vigils, and unifying worship events. Churches united, and community hearts were moved as visual storytelling and prayer brought the message of Jesus to life across Hervey Bay.
Together, these ministries reflect a season of deep spiritual momentum, community connection, and lasting impact—both locally and across the Pacific.