Elm With Eli

"Never underestimate what God can do with a simple invitation, a word of encouragement, or a small act of kindness. We may plant and water, but God gives the growth ultimately." — JR Abenes.

Today on the podcast, I am deeply blessed to sit down with our brother JR Abenes from the Canberra Church of Christ. JR grew up in a traditional Catholic household in the Philippines, but an ordinary Sunday invitation from a neighbour planted a tiny seed that changed the entire trajectory of his life.

From navigating deep family grief as a young boy to a 4:00 AM bathtub baptism, JR’s story is a beautiful testament to how God's quiet providence connects the dots in our lives when we trust Him. Whether you are a parent looking for encouragement, a young Christian seeking direction, or someone wondering if your small acts of service matter to God, JR gave the right encouragement.

It was a blessing and encouragement to me to hear and share his amazing story. Big thanks to JR!

Today, I'm joined by Claire Whitcombe, a faithful Christian, mum of two young teenagers, and a loving wife to her husband Mark.

Claire grew up in Canberra as a preacher’s kid at the Canberra Church of Christ, so she was surrounded by an incredibly warm, hospitable church community. But as a teenager, she reached a point where she knew she needed to make her faith her own.

Since then, Claire has walked with the Lord across different countries and communities, and today, serving heavily in children's Bible ministries. Claire and her family worship with the Macquarie Church of Christ. So with that — let's get right into it.

Faith journey, transformation, and hope.In this special episode, I sit down with Richard Birkett, a faithful and long-time Christian from my home congregation (the Canberra Church of Christ). Richard shares his lifelong faith journey, from his early confirmation in the Presbyterian Church to finding deeper truth in the Canberra Church of Christ after responding to a Bible course advertisement in 1978 by Ian Grant. He reflects on baptism, ongoing learning through Scripture, and how God’s providence guided him. Richard also speaks on overcoming personal loss with hope and the support of his church family and God's Word, encouraging us in persevering, enduring, sincere, lasting faith.

Graham Wall joins us to talk about his faith journey and how it grew over the years and brought him to be the person he is today. From being baptised at a young age to years of ministry, church planting, and serving others. Graham shares how daily time in the Bible shaped his life, how doubt strengthened his faith, and offers encouragement for staying close to God at every stage of life.

I’m sitting down with someone who isn’t just a brother in Christ, but my Grandad, David Jennings. Grandad’s spent decades walking with Christ and building a life of faith, marriage, family, and service in the church. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of his story today. So with that, let’s get right into it.

Today’s special guest is someone with a really encouraging story. Tim Paull is someone who loves God deeply. He serves his church quietly and faithfully, and takes his role as a husband, father, and Christian seriously. He's someone I really look up to, and it's a real blessing to chat with him today. Thanks, Tim, for your time in doing this interview with me today.

So without further ado, sit back, relax, and let's get right into it.

Benny reflects on faith, family, and the influences that helped shape his walk with God over the years.

Today, I’m really thrilled to sit down with someone I’ve known for quite some years now. I’m really looking forward to this conversation, and want to thank Benny for having this wonderful chat with me today.

So without further ado, sit back, relax, and let's get right into it.

A conversation about Jules’ journey of faith, the experiences that shaped his understanding of God, and the ways his walk with Christ has influenced his life and perspective over the years.

Jules has encouraged me in many ways. His love for God, the way he teaches, and the way he leads singing, so I'm super blessed to have a chat with him today.

Jules has such an amazing story. From his early years in Adelaide, to being baptised as a teenager, to preaching, evangelising, teaching music, leading worship around Australia and the U.S, and helping train hundreds of worship leaders. He's such an amazing guy, and I think you’ll really like hearing his amazing story.

A conversation about Lucrecia’s journey of faith, the challenges and changes she experienced throughout her life, and how God has continued to guide and strengthen her along the way.

Today’s guest has one of the most incredible life stories I’ve heard. I've known her for quite some years, as long as I can remember, because she used to worship with my congregation a while back, and I'm super blessed to not only get the chance to interview her but share her story with others, because it is quite an encouraging one.

So without further ado, sit back, relax, and let's get right into it.

A conversation about Penny’s life growing up in Perth, the many challenges and hardships she has faced along the way, and how, through every season, she has continued to hold onto her faith and trust in God.

Penny Fry is someone really special. She's someone I've known for as long as I can remember. She has walked through a lot in her life, but through every hardship, she has held onto her faith and kept trusting God. She's someone who consistently shows kindness and honesty in all that she does, and she has a genuine love for people. So, without further ado, sit back, relax, and let's get right into it.