Some of my fondest memories In Australia were because of this couple. After a week in Byron Bay, 3 teams went to a different area called Coffs Harbour. It was about a three hour drive on a Friday morning and we arrived at Lifehouse church around 11am. These two were the bright smiles that met us. That night we were able to sit down in the church cafe and hear their story. The love that they have for people, the church, and each other lit a fire under my faith again.
Sam was born and raised in Coffs Harbour. He has so much love for his roots and where he came from. It is evident how much he loves his hometown through the love he has for the people in all walks of life. He is there to meet anyone where they are at and help in anyway possible. Katlin was born and raised all over the US and world. As soon as you meet her you know that she has a gift of hospitality and a caring heart. Even though she despises holding hands with anyone but her husband, she strengthens those around her with kind words. Both of them are walking in a faith to be more like Jesus. Their vision is to bring a YWAM campus to Coffs Harbour and unite the churches with missions. I think what I found so empowering was their love of helping churches all over Coffs. On our first Sunday there, we were sent to about 5 different churches to sit in services or help out. Each of them spoke so highly of our hosts and believed in the ministry they are building.
They were both leaders for the YWAM campus in Byron Bay before praying about opening a campus in Coffs. I cannot talk highly enough about this couple and the impact that they have had on my life. They taught me to love more and love deeply when it comes to the people that come in and out of our lives. Even if it was for a short while, the time I spent in Coffs was spent serving a bunch of different ministries whether it be weeding a botanical garden, scything a bunch of tall grass, spreading mulch, talking with people in different congregations, encouraging leaders in the church, serving at a youth night, or just praying over the town, we were available to help them. They showed us what it means to be true hosts through taking us to a kangaroo beach at sunrise and even inviting all 20 of us into their home. I will never forget the experiences that I had with them and the conversations that they had with us. Please join me in praying for their ministry in Coffs Harbour and their new baby girl that is on the way!
