FOI-NZ BLOG

The Sydney beachside suburb of Bondi is home to the country’s most iconic beach and at the same time one of the largest Jewish populations Down Under who have lived there in peace and security. On a beautiful sunny late-autumn day that tranquil illusion was shattered. A gunman opened fire on the peaceful crowd killing fifteen and wounding forty. And, seven months later, we are still asking ourselves “Why?”

I have just returned from an 8 week sabbatical coinciding with my 10 year anniversary at FOI. This time of refreshment allowed me to recharge and look towards the next season of ministry giving thanks for all the Lord has done to date.

More than four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains a theatre of significant humanitarian distress. Since February 2022, the war has likely killed well over half a million people, including soldiers on both sides and more than 16,000 verified Ukrainian civilians, with the true civilian toll believed to be higher.