Every year, Baptist Youth Ministries (BYM) runs two programs designed to help young adults explore what God might be calling them into. Together, these programs form Impact Young Adults, a journey that encourages participants to grow in four key areas: Form, Faith, Engage and Serve.
This year, seven young adults are taking part in Impact Growth, while ten others are preparing for Impact Adventure, a two-week trip to Cambodia in partnership with Baptist Mission Australia.
Impact Growth
For many participants, the journey begins with Impact Growth. Over the course of a year, young adults are encouraged to explore their faith, develop practical life skills and think about how they can engage with and serve the world around them.
Led by Impact Coordinators Rachel Stuhr and Pete Alarcon, the program explores practical topics that shape everyday life and faith. Sessions cover everything from financial stewardship and budgeting to sharing faith in a secular world and understanding God’s heart for mission.
“We want young adults to grow with Jesus in ways that connect to their everyday lives,” explains Rachel, “they explore what it means to be a good friend, neighbour and citizen, considering how they can reflect Jesus in their families, workplaces, universities and local communities”.
One participant from last year’s Impact Growth cohort is a great example. A talented carpenter, she had been serving faithfully in various ministries at her church but struggled to find where she truly fit. Through Impact, she began to see how God could use her practical skills to meet real needs.
Inspired by others she met through the program, she launched a trades ministry at her church, connecting volunteers with people in the congregation who needed practical help around their homes. The ministry has become a blessing to many and helped her discover a new sense of purpose. This year, she’s taking the next step by joining Impact Adventure.
“We ask young people what it looks like to use the gifts God has given them, in the places He’s put them, to do what’s right in front of them,” explains Rachel.
Impact Adventure
This year, ten young adults from across NSW and the ACT will travel to Cambodia as part of Impact Adventure. The team spends time alongside Baptist Mission Australia‘s long-term workers, learning about the culture, seeing God’s work firsthand and encouraging those serving on the ground.
Impact groups have been visiting Cambodia since 2023, building strong relationships with the families, workers and ministries serving there. But for Rachel, one of the greatest benefits is the way the experience deepens participants’ faith.
“One of the biggest benefits of the trip is seeing young people’s faith revitalised,” says Rachel. “They’re away from the distractions of home and placed in situations that are unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable. We often see them listening more closely for God’s voice and engaging more deeply with Scripture.”
One young woman who travelled with Impact Adventure last year returned home transformed. “She’s become much clearer about her gifts and what God is calling her to,” reflects Rachel, several people from her church have shared with me how she’s grown in confidence, both in her faith and in her ability to share it with others.”
Rachel and Pete will leave for Cambodia with the Impact Adventure team on 29 June. As they prepare to go, they’d love your prayers:
- For the participants who are travelling overseas for the first time, that God would give them peace, confidence and a great sense of anticipation.
- For good health and safety throughout the trip, particularly for participants managing ongoing health concerns.
- That their visit would be a genuine encouragement to the Baptist Mission Australia teams serving in Cambodia.
- That each young adult would return home with a deeper faith and a renewed desire to serve Jesus in their churches and communities.
Please join us in praying for these young adults as they step out in faith and discover more of what God is doing both in Cambodia and in their own lives. You can follow their adventures and stay informed about future Impact programs and events on their Instagram.
