After returning to the Wollongong area from interstate, Criss and Ailsa began intentionally praying for and building community within their apartment complex, believing God could use it as a place where discipleship would multiply into other communities. Through simple gatherings and conversations with neighbours, a small Discovery Group formed around engaging with the stories of Jesus together.
One neighbour — we’ll call her Hannah — has experienced profound transformation. Before joining the group, Hannah rarely left her apartment and described herself as struggling with agoraphobia. Now she’s connecting with neighbours, helping in the community garden, dog-sitting for others, and even inviting people to join her in cold-water swimming.
As Hannah has encountered Jesus through these discovery times, her life has changed so noticeably that even a hesitant friend in Sydney cannot deny the transformation she sees. Hannah has also shared that recurring nightmares stopped after the group began praying for her, and she is now asking questions about baptism and preparing to take that next step of faith.
What began as simple hospitality in an apartment foyer is becoming a discipling community where neighbours are discovering Jesus together.