Endorsements

"A gap year is a vital step in the discipleship journey of our young people. But that step needs to lead to the next step after the year is done.
The a-GAPe Challenge has been designed to help young people stay connected to their local church, local schools and serve in a local mission which will help them not only make the first step of following Jesus after school, but also equip them to keep serving Jesus after the gap year. As Rector in the West who is committed to both young people and our local community, I commend this program to you."

Rev. James Delanty (Rector, St Alban’s Anglican Church, Leura)

“My highlight has been learning how to serve in ministry, how to be a leader alongside other people who are also learning… it has been really encouraging to build friendships with these people who then encourage you to do it along with them.”

Eva Pope, 2026 Cohort, Iglesia Providencia, Chile

"The thing I love about a-GAPe Challenge is the way it's designed to help school leavers to mature as disciples of Jesus as they step into adulthood. It grows them in their knowledge and love of God as they serve in ministry, keeps them grounded in their local church, has them discipled by a mentor - all while connecting with a wider cohort of like-minded people in the same life-stage. This has the potential to be a great blessing to the churches and young people of western Sydney."

 Rev. Rick Hall (Senior Minister, Richmond Anglican Church)

"I really think a-GAPe is helping me prepare for life in ministry... learning about the different doctrines and learning deeper theology as setting the groundwork of my knowledge and my faith that will hopefully just continue to build up as the years go on."

Addison Porter, 2026 Cohort, Toongabbie Anglican Church

“Offering affordable and localized opportunities for young people in Western Sydney is long overdue. This training, in partnership with schools like ours, is a valuable addition to our mission of empowering young people to confidently share the gospel with a new generation. I believe this initiative will inspire Christian youth to deeply engage in listening, learning, and leading small group ministries. My prayer is that this will be the start of great things for local western region churches and Christian schools committed to investing in their youth, providing a structured approach to Bible study and practical ministry service.”     

Phil McMurray,Director of Mission and Ministry, Penrith Anglican College