‘Service to Others Really Matters’: A STORMCo Revival
Pr Jonathon Gillard
Published
For more than 30 years, STORMCo (Service to Others Really Matters) has been impacting communities across Australia. The initiative sends youth teams to visit communities and “present Christian faith in action by building long-term relationships and being a refreshing influence to the entire community” (stormco.org.au).
Once a thriving youth ministry activity in Victoria, STORMCo has experienced a downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we were excited to see the youth of Geelong Seventh-day Adventist Church head to Warrnambool and the Carrum Downs Pathfinder Club to Bairnsdale to serve in each community.
With two new groups launching this year, our hope is that this will spark a movement of youth teams committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus through service projects.
Shantaya Lewis, a member of Geelong Church, and Kennedy Su'a, a member of the Carrum Down Pathfinder Club, share their STORMCo experience.
Shantaya Lewis (Geelong)
"A passionate group of youth from Geelong Church embarked on a STORMCo trip to Warrnambool with one shared purpose: to serve the local community and honour God through every action.
The trip was organised by Caroline Debicki, who felt deeply inspired after attending a STORMCo trip in her youth. Motivated by that experience and a sense of God’s calling, she set out to create a similar opportunity for youth in Geelong.
Each morning, we ran a kids club that quickly became a highlight for local children. From energetic sports games and colourful face painting, to puppet shows, balloon animals, singing, and crafts - every moment was filled with joy and connection. In the afternoons, we turned our focus to practical service: cleaning the local church grounds and picking up rubbish around the community.
Although the trip was unexpectedly shortened due to unforeseen circumstances, it was undeniably impactful. We witnessed God’s goodness in so many ways and left feeling encouraged and thankful. Plans are already in motion to return in 2026, and we can’t wait to see how God continues working in Warrnambool."
Kennedy Su'a (Carrum Downs)
"STORMCo gave our young people the opportunity to live out our mission of 'Service To Others Really Matters.' From assisting with community service projects to simply being present and offering kindness, our team was able to make a genuine impact on the local community. It was a powerful reminder that even small acts of service, when done with love, can leave a lasting impression.
For many of our young people, this was their first experience stepping out of their comfort zone in such a meaningful way, and it has left a lasting spiritual impression on their hearts. The experience challenged our youth to grow in faith, responsibility, and teamwork. Many stepped out of their comfort zones to serve others selflessly, and they returned with a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus through action. It was inspiring to witness the way God worked through each of them during the trip.
Beyond the service itself, the STORMCo trip helped build stronger bonds within our club, encouraged leadership, and deepened our Pathfinders' understanding of what it means to live a life of faith and service."
VicYouth is committed to helping youth groups start their own STORMCo journeys with funding assistance available. If your youth group is considering a trip, have your team leader or pastor contact us at vicyouth@adventist.org.au so we can help get you started. Regional churches interested in hosting a STORMCo team are also encouraged to get in touch.
A special thank you to ADRA Victoria and Sanitarium Health Food Company for their generous support in helping make STORMCo happen.
