New kids on the coast
Liam and Allison Holland have made the brave move to quit their Sydney home, follow their calling from God and move to Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast to work in full-time ministry.
12 months ago, the Hollands couldn’t have pictured themselves stepping into full-time ministry for the Lord. But that’s the very step they took this April when they became the Mission Leaders for The Salvation Army Ulladulla Mission.
The Ulladulla Mission is a plant from the Batemans Bay Corps, who have provided a wonderful basis in which Ulladulla can plant its roots and grow into a strong church.
“We, as a church, want to actively represent Jesus in the community,” Liam Holland says.
“Thankfully, Ulladulla has an existing great relationship with The Salvation Army in the area, and we’ve been blessed to inherit that as new leaders.”
The mission holds fortnightly church services out of the Family Store, but with its dynamic corps work, it will soon look for a larger space.
Through the mission, the Hollands offer welfare, a bible study, and a weekly community BBQ. They also hope to start up a women’s and men’s bible study, and a mainly music program to attract the large single mother population in the town.
Uncertain employment is another major concern in the community. During the holiday season, the town’s population almost doubles. While this is a good source for jobs during peak times, consistent employment cannot be guaranteed in the off-peak seasons. This has lead to high youth unemployment, with a lack of accommodation services further escalating these problems.
When the Hollands first felt the calling from God to enter full time ministry, they were in Westmead Children’s Hospital with their son, Asher. Asher suffers from a rare disease called MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. Moving away from Sydney meant not only leaving behind a medical team for their son, but also a support network of family and friends.
“We were comfortable where we were in Sydney, and in our jobs. We never envisaged moving or moving into Corps Ministry, but, as we have learnt, never say never,” says Liam.
Allison explains: “We felt very strongly challenged by the question of trust in God, and more specifically if our faith was bigger than our fear.”
The Hollands have been blessed in finding a paediatrician in Ulladulla who works closely with their medical team at Westmead. They have also found a special needs school for Asher, and feel they have the support around them they require.
For now, they are getting to know their new community, and are excited for what is to come in Ulladulla.
“We’re passionate about seeing people find freedom – freedom from fear and anything that can crush the human spirit. Our prayer is that people discover the hope and a future that a relationship with God can bring in a very real way,” says Liam.
Comments
I prayed that the people that took the reins at Ulladulla would be the right ones and God has really blessed that place with 2 spirit filled leaders. The fields are ripe for harvest and the people of Ulladulla really love the Army. I made so many friends there and wish them all the best. Blessings Linda Pierpoint