Bobbie Houston, founding pastor of Hillsong Church, has shared a moving reflection following a deeply significant weekend marked by both joy-filled remembrance and profound national sorrow.
Just days before the tragic events that unfolded in Bondi, Houston and her husband travelled to the Central Coast to minister at a church they pioneered 45 years ago. The visit marked a meaningful return to a place rich with memories of faith, sacrifice, and early ministry obedience.
"It was such a joy to visit again - to take a road trip we hadn't done for a while, and to reminisce about days gone by," Houston shared.
She expressed gratitude to Pastor Paul Geerling and Jo, senior leaders of iSee Church, for their warm and honouring welcome, as well as to Matt and Amber, campus pastors at Erina, and long-time friend Murray Newman for a time of shared memories and laughter.
Reflecting on the early years of ministry, Houston recalled travelling up the coast every Sunday afternoon between services at what is now Hillsong City, with a toddler Joel in tow. "Those were formative days - full of faith, commitment, and vision," she noted.
Houston also reflected on her husband's legacy as a church planter. "Many may not realise how many churches my husband planted, but he did. Visionary to the core. Every one of those churches has remained. Some have changed leadership or name over the door, but there is always a sense of Welcome Home. And as we saw on Sunday, they are flourishing."
The weekend's joy, however, was met with heartbreak upon returning to Sydney and learning of the devastating Bondi tragedy.
"One never knows what a day will bring," Houston shared. "Yet it amazes me that the Lord is God of the past, present, and future. He knows the beginning from the end - and therein lies our trust and confidence."
Her reflection stands as a poignant reminder of God's faithfulness across generations, the enduring fruit of faithful ministry, and the deep reliance on God's sovereignty in moments of both celebration and sorrow.
