Our Stories

We are Jeff, Emily, and Joshua Guo, and we joined Southside Bible Church in January 2023. Having recently relocated from NSW, our decision to become part of the SBC family has proven to be a blessing. Since coming to SBC, we have been embraced by a loving community of believers, providing us with a sense of belonging and a newfound family in Christ here in Canberra. Through SBC, God has graciously surrounded us with role models who have guided and supported us as we navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of parenthood.

One aspect of church life at Southside that we hold dear is the hospitality displayed by its members. Whether it's gathering for shared meals during the week or coming together after Sunday services, these moments have allowed us to build deeper connections and care for one another. The fellowship experienced during these times of togetherness has been instrumental in creating friendships and providing us with a support system that extends beyond just church.

Our decision to join SBC has not only provided us with a spiritual home but has also allowed us to witness God's provision through the role models and caring community within SBC. We cherish the opportunities for fellowship and shared meals, which have enriched our lives and deepened our connection with both God and our fellow believers.

My name is Maggie, and I have had the privilege of being a part of Southside Bible Church since October 2019. During my time here, I have experienced immense growth and encouragement in my relationship with God. The Fellowship Groups have played a vital role in my spiritual journey, providing a nurturing community where I can connect with fellow believers, share insights, and receive support. Through the fellowship, I have forged deep and meaningful friendships, allowing me to grow alongside others who are also seeking to strengthen their faith. Additionally, serving in ministries such as Bible Kids and Table for Christ has been a source of joy and fulfillment. Witnessing the transformation in the lives of children as they engage with biblical teachings and seeing families come together to share meals and build relationships has been rewarding. These ministries have not only allowed me to serve others but have also enriched my own walk with God.

One of the aspects that truly sets Southside Bible Church apart is its emphasis on creating a community that transcends generational boundaries. Here, I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals in various stages of life, whether they have been followers of Christ for 30 years or just 30 days. This diverse congregation has cultivated an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and growth. I am inspired by the wisdom and experiences of those who have faithfully walked with God for decades, and I am equally encouraged by the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives brought by those who are new to the faith. The genuine care and support extended by the church family have been a true blessing, fostering an environment where everyone is valued and embraced. Southside Bible Church is a place where I am continually challenged to grow in my faith and to serve others wholeheartedly.

Since moving from Adelaide in May of last year, our journey at SBC has been nothing short of transformative. Joining the church in July 2022 was a pivotal moment for us, as it provided the opportunity to deepen our connection with Jesus Christ. SBC has played a crucial role in helping us follow Jesus by connecting us with like-minded brothers and sisters who offer unwavering support and genuine fellowship. Through their teachings on the gospel and God's plan for the world, SBC has broadened our understanding and strengthened our faith.

As part of the community, Yul has found his passion in capturing meaningful moments through his photography, while I have discovered a sense of purpose by being involved in the welcoming team. However, it is the invaluable connections we have made through the fellowship group that truly enrich our experience at SBC.

Sharing life with people of faith, journeying together, and growing in our spiritual walk is what we treasure most about our time here.

God is at the centre of everything that is done at Southside and we are constantly encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.

Through being a part of Southside we have formed close friendships with people of a variety of ages. We love that there are many opportunities to get to know others in the Southside community – like Fellowship Groups and Mystery Meals.

We love serving the Southside community through the ministries that we are involved in. We believe that ministries such as Crèche and Youth Group are so important for growing the church community and creating disciples of the Gospel in our children and teens.

We love that the teaching at Southside is all Bible based. Each week we look forward to solid Bible teaching that will both encourage and challenge us in our daily lives as Christians. We also look forward to Café Time during the middle of the service as we are able to fellowship with different people during this time, while also grabbing a coffee!

Most importantly, we love that God is at the centre of everything that is done at Southside and we are constantly encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with Him. We really love being a part of the Southside Bible Church family!

Coming to Southside made me aware of the richness of God’s Word and His community.

I joined Southside in 2015 when my husband was sick and dying from cancer. It was a tough time when I was invited to church and I felt very welcome. My 45 year-old daughter Helen, who has Downs syndrome, and her carer have been also welcomed into the church family.

I really enjoy the Bible teaching and being part of the church family. The fellowship is amazing and I’ve had the opportunity to serve others. I’ve always been aware of the Bible but coming to Southside has made me more aware of the richness in God’s Word and His community. I enjoy the warmth, prayers, kindness and caring we share in our Fellowship Group. Going into homes and feeling welcomed is a great blessing.

I serve in our Bible Tots crèche ministry, Café Break, and by providing meals for students and young parents. Being able to share life and the love of Jesus with people from different cultures and all walks of life has been a great encouragement. Church camp weekend has been something that we particularly look forward to because we get to know people and share our lives with them at a deeper level.

SBC reminds me that I belong to God’s big family.

I became part of this wonderful church family from late 2007. The church is indeed my family that I love and serve dearly and reminds me that I belong to part of God’s big family. As part of the church family I am treated with respect, gentleness, understanding and encouragement. Thanks to the mutual love we share with each other and the work of our heavenly Father in my life, I have grown to love God and His people more than anything this world can offer.

I enjoy our weekly Sunday celebrations, and love to serve the church family during our half time morning tea break we call ‘café time’. My faith has grown since I started coordinating the café time ministry and serving without sinking is delightful. I am happy when I see my church family enjoy food and fellowship with each other during cafe time and pray they are even more satisfied with the spiritual food of our weekly Bible talks that follows the cafe time. I am challenged a lot by our Bible talks, and eager to share my thoughts and pray with other family members as we grow in maturity of faith and knowledge together.

I am also part of a weeknight women’s fellowship group that is lots of fun! It is such a privilege and blessing to receive support from faithful sisters of my group as well as the wider church community. I find it such a joy to share my life’s journey with my special eternal church family.

We’ve had the great pleasure of engaging in close fellowship with a diverse range of people…

Having moved to Canberra for work in 2009, it was an easy choice to come to Southside Bible Church – God led us here! God’s Word teaches us that the church is the arena in which we best exercise our gifts: to serve Him and His people. Having witnessed firsthand the many ways in which the people of SBC do this, we’re convinced that the power of God’s Word as it is faithfully preached every week is the power by which SBC lives, person to person, week by week. We’ve had the great pleasure of engaging in close fellowship with a diverse range of people, and especially getting to know many international students over the years – which has meant that we have a very warm welcome when we travel overseas! We’ve enjoyed being a part of fellowship groups, learning and growing together with God’s people, as well as serving on Sundays through Sunday school and music. It’s hard not to witness God’s work through His Word and people at SBC!