Can you believe the first quarter of 2025 is already behind us — and Easter is just around the corner?

In this update, I’m sharing a few glimpses into our lives and ministry here in Perth:💛 A powerful story from ARMS (Australian Relief and Mercy Services), one of YWAM Perth’s local outreach ministries that helps families in crisis👣 A quick personal update on Elli🌿 And a simple, meaningful Easter tradition we do as a family — something you might like to try with yours too!

Did you know that according to the 2021 Census, approximately 1.46 million Australians (5.8% of the population) reported needing assistance with daily living tasks such as self-care, communication, and cleaning the house?

One of the ministries of YWAM Perth is called ARMS (Australian Relief and Mercy Services). It began more than two decades ago to help people in need here in Perth. As we provide practical help, we also have the opportunity to show and share God’s perspective and love with them.

When government social workers see a family struggling to maintain their home, so much so that they are at risk of being evicted from government housing or private rentals, they contact ARMS to see if we can assist. If we have the capacity, they will pass the case to us.

After more than 20 years of ministry, sadly, the need hasn’t decreased — it has increased. More and more families are struggling, and the list of those needing help keeps growing.

Recently, I went out on one of these cases to help and take some photos for the ministry.

It was just off a road I often drive past when taking my girls to sports. The home had five children and a pregnant mother. Three windows were broken, clothes were scattered everywhere, and the kids were sleeping in a storage room so full that I couldn’t even see the floor.

I briefly spoke with the oldest child. She had given up on school and now spends her days at home watching videos and hanging around. There was no hope in her eyes — it was heart-wrenching to see.

We wish cases like this were rare, but sadly, they are not. Right now, we have a long list of families waiting for help.

Please pray for the ARMS ministry — pray that we can help even more effectively, that people would come to know Jesus intimately through what we do, and please pray for more volunteers to join us. The need is great, and more hands would allow us to reach more families with God’s love and hope.

Our team cleaned as much as we could and had conversations where we could. Every time I visit one of these homes, it feels like we’re only putting a band-aid on something that needs much deeper healing. But we trust God is at work in their lives. We do all we can, and then we place them back into His hands.

Update on Elli.

On a personal note, Elli is doing much better in handling her anxiety. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support — it truly means a lot.

One of the big stress points for her was her contract with YWAM Perth for her visa. After receiving a lot of helpful advice from an immigration lawyer and a labour lawyer, we were able to cancel the contract. This has been a huge relief, as it means Elli can now return to ministry at her own pace and in her own timing.

Last week, she joined Monday worship for the first time since November 2024. It wasn’t easy for her, but she stayed until the end — and I was so encouraged by that.

Thank you again for standing with us.

Easter Activity Idea

A little family tradition we do every Easter is something Elli started a few years ago.

On Good Friday, we go for a walk together and pick up some stones along the hiking trail. That evening (or sometimes on Saturday), we take some time to write down a few of the shortcomings we noticed in ourselves over the past year.

The girls usually write things like, “unkind to my sister” or “not listening to parents right away.” Elli and I also share ours with the girls — things like frustration, unbelief, judging others...

On Saturday night, we place the stones (representing our sins) into a basket and cover them with a red cloth. After the girls are in bed, Elli and I secretly replace the stones with Easter chocolate eggs for the next morning.

On Sunday morning (or sometimes in the afternoon), we gather around the basket. The red cloth is uncovered, and instead of stones, the basket is filled with eggs! Then we go to a nearby river or lake and throw all the stones into the water, reminding the girls that Jesus has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west.

When Elli first started this tradition, it felt like a lot of work. But as the years have gone by, it’s become easier and more meaningful for the girls. We love seeing them look forward to Easter — not just for the chocolate, but for the deeper meaning behind it.

Would you join in prayer with us?

Would you continue to pray for Elli — for wisdom, recovery, and finding joy in this season?

Please also pray for the ARMS ministry — for more volunteers and that the families we are meeting would come to know Jesus in a real and personal way.

I also recently started taking two one-on-ones with students from the Foundation of Counselling Ministry (FCM) school. It’s been a great opportunity to walk alongside them as they learn and grow in their journey with God and their heart for helping others. Please pray for wisdom to lead and guide them well, and that they would draw closer to Jesus through this time.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We are so grateful—so incredibly grateful. Please let us know how we can continue to pray for you also! 

Lots of love,

Elli & Acksios with Julina, Amelie and Liana