In September 2023, we welcomed our very first Network Coordinator to the PYNSW team – Juli Secker! We thought we would ask Juli a few questions about herself so that you can get to know her and the work that she is doing at PYNSW.
Hi Juli! Tell us a little bit about yourself. What would you like PYNSW supporters to know about you?
I grew up in Perth WA, where I became a Christian in my late teens, and later met my husband Nathain. We have a 21 year old daughter, Maddeison. We have also lived in Melbourne, where we went to bible college, and Tasmania where we were involved in pastoral ministry. We came to Sydney in 1997 and have lived here ever since. I enjoy gardening, bushwalking and spending quality time with family and friends.
I am also on staff at Macquarie Chapel Presbyterian Church, so I am always trying to encourage our young folk to be involved with PYNSW!
How did you first connect with PYNSW?
I first connected with PYNSW when our daughter was just over one year old. Nathain began working with PYNSW as Training Director. The whole family became involved pretty instantly as the training office was located in our home. So, for several years we had training team staff become part of our family, and many still are. We also enjoyed opening our home to the training team, led by Karen Astles, who would come for regular meetings. Back then I also helped in the kids programme at Winter Camp, then as Maddei grew, I volunteered at 5/6 Winter Camp.
What roles and responsibilities do you have as PYNSW Network Coordinator?
I have been seconded to PYNSW from Macquarie Chapel for two days a week as Network Coordinator. My role involves connecting in various ways with people across NSW Presbyterian Churches, and in particular those involved in youth and children’s ministries.
We have already seen youth leaders from different churches working together leading camps. It has been great to be part of helping them explore new opportunities for disciple-making as they grow in their skills.
Our hope is to gain greater awareness of the needs within our youth and kids ministry spaces. Through gaining this awareness we seek to provide support, training and resources while helping facilitate opportunities for youth and youth leaders to connect with others in their region, and where possible, across the state.
We work to do this in a way that not only brings glory to God and extends His kingdom, but also creates firm Christian friendships and support networks for the next generation.
What excites you most about working with PYNSW?
God has been taking me on a journey over the past two years, revealing to me how difficult life is to navigate for young people in the 21st century, let alone being a Christian. As I was asking God, what I can do, the Network Coordinator role was made known to me and my heart leapt.
I’m excited to play a small part in helping provide opportunities for young people to connect and grow in Christ together, so that they might be stronger and spur one another on.
I’ve always loved what I’ve seen happen at PY camps – young people coming together, being fed and challenged in their faith through the sharing of God’s Word, making new friendships that often remain long after camp with the ease of social media and often become instrumental in a young person’s spiritual journey.
I love the imagery of Ecclesiastes 4:12. I think it shows us a great picture of what creating opportunities for connecting youth and youth leaders could be in our very disconnected world.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) – A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
What can PYNSW supporters pray for you?
I would love prayer for energy and balance in life, both work and family life. Having two part-time roles across MacChap and PYNSW, even though there is sometimes synergy, there is always a lot to be done. So, prayer for knowing what are the best things to focus on each day that would build toward supporting God’s kingdom across our state and when to say ‘this day is done’ would be awesome.
We are very excited to continue seeing what God does through Juli in her role at PYNSW as we seek to equip the Church to disciple all youth for Christ.