“When I first visited Camberwell Baptist Church (CBC) earlier this year, my goal was to learn English. I went to church on a Thursday night thinking that there was going to be an English class but there wasn’t. Instead it was a Simple English Bible study class. I listened to worship songs for the first time and even though I didn’t understand the lyrics, I felt touched. I had no idea who Jesus was and what He did. I didn’t believe anything in the book of Matthew even after reading it. I said to myself, “that’s only myths.”  I left the church for some time and went interstate. 

When I returned, I was out of work and desperate. I turned to Jesus for help as I felt like I had nothing to lose anyway. Something miraculous happened. I was invited to an interview and offered a job that I’m so passionate about. God REALLY exists! He listens to my prayers and responds to my every need. That’s something I had never experienced when I believed in Buddhism.

I decided to come back to church this time to learn more about Jesus. I long to know everything about Him. During the time when I studied the Bible, the Lord showed me my life status with a picture in my dream one night. I was so moved as I finally realised that Lord has known me all the time. While I knew nothing about Him, while I didn’t realise His existence, He still knew me, cared about me, and protected me.” Aini shared her testimony at the recent CBC Baptism Service.

Aini’s story is one of many lives transformed through the Simple English ministries at CBC.

“We are excited to see people of all nationalities come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him,” says Karen Newnham, Associate Pastor for Multicultural Ministries.

“Through our Let’s Talk English and Simple English Bible Study, we encourage people to practice English and also introduce them to cultural aspects of Australian life. There is also a Mandarin speaking Bible Study run at the same time, for those who want to find out more about the Christian Faith.”

As the Boorondara neighbourhood becomes increasingly multicultural, CBC strives to represent Christ and continue to seek ways to serve and reach people with the good news of Jesus.