About 5 years ago I started an NGO, as you do when your marriage is falling apart and your heart is breaking. A friend in rural Fiji needed help sending her daughter to school, and before too long, a grassroots program was born supporting Girls to overcome barriers to education. My friend became the Fiji Coordinator with her local contacts and networks and I watched her get bus....
I have always known Jesus to be real in my life. I grew up with God-loving parents and continued to grow in faith throughout my childhood. I met my husband Luke at youth group when I was 12 years old. It took a while, but over time our teenage friendship developed into something more and when I was 26 we were married. Luke and I had always dreamed of a large family, four childr....
I was born in Greece in 1965 but at the age of five our family moved to Australia. My family were not very religious and, although my parents identified as Greek Orthodox, we rarely attended church. I attended the local public school and it was there, when I was in Grade 3, that I was took part in a Greek Orthodox scripture class. This was the first time I was introduced to pra....
I remember when my parents told us they would no longer be married. I can’t remember their words, the time or the place – but I do remember feeling lost. It was as though the tiny sliver of happiness I once had, was forever gone. Let’s be real divorce is a bitch. (I honestly couldn’t think of a better-suited word. Trust me, I tried.) It ruins t....
I was born in New Zealand, the fourth and youngest child of the family. I am named after an African American actor, Ben Vereen. Me being neither a boy nor African American didn’t bother my mum, she loved the name and she loved me so it was a perfect fit. I have always had a great relationship with my mum and my father was a hardworking and committed provider for our family, b....
