08/07/2026
"When we moved to Australia, Mark’s brother was part of Everhope, so we were invited to come along to a church camping weekend. That’s where I first met Matt and quite a few others from the church.
The whole time, Mark kept reminding me not to say anything against God!
After that trip, I went back to normal life. Mark started getting more involved in church, and the boys started tagging along too. During that time, Mark and I had many heated discussions about faith. He would share all this information with me, but I was stubborn. I wouldn’t budge. I was adamant that I was right.
Then one afternoon, Mark and I made a bet.
If I won ten shots in the basketball hoop, he would have to watch a film of my choice with no complaints. But if he won, I would have to go to church with him the next day.
Normally, I would win.
But this time, Mark did.
So I conceded, and off to church I went.
I came with an open mind, but I didn’t believe it would make any difference. I thought it would be one and done. But I was wrong. At first, it wasn’t some miraculous belief in God that brought me back week after week. It was the people. Everyone was so lovely and welcoming that I found myself wanting to be around them.
Then Matt asked if I wanted to meet up and talk.
I bet he regretted that decision, because for the next few months it was question after question after question! Especially when Tara and I came together — we were both as bad as each other with all our questions.
It didn’t fully click that I was a believer until one phone conversation with Matt. This time, he was the one asking me questions.
'Do you believe Jesus existed?'
Yes.
'Do you believe he was crucified for your sins?'
Yes.
'Do you believe he rose from the dead?'
Yes.
Every question he asked, my answer was yes.
Then Matt said, 'Jayne, it sounds like you are a Christian.'
I think I was the most shocked out of everybody."
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It was heart warming (and hilarious) to hear Jayne share this past Sunday about her journey of coming to faith. Jayne affirmed her baptism on the 14th December 2025 and her whole family are now a much loved part of the Everhope Church family.