There were so many moments this year at Colour! Every "creative moment" was intentional and every "guest speaker" came with the heart of God for us ALL ... and on occasion for a few who were particularly precious. Jeanne's message 'CUT DOWN YOUR NETS' hit the mark. Here is tiny glimpse (on video) of that message and a tiny glimpse of the girls themselves. Amid a great gathering of women, there are countless overcoming stories to be told, here are a handful. Be inspired ... And if you know someone facing a similar challenge, why not share with them that they are not alone ... and if God can do it for another, He can certainly do it for them.

Love always, Bobbie

SYDNEY [WEEK ONE]

JACQUIE BROWN

- Married to Brendan.
- Fantastic couple, soul winners, firmly planted in the House.
- Two sons: Jayden (2) and Jentezen (3 months).
- Both Jayden and Jentezen have a severe skin condition which is extremely painful for the boys.
- Jacquie lives with hope and trust in God.
- She is a fantastic nurturer and leader, with an amazing heart for people.

"Thank you, Jacquie, for having the courage and tenacity to fight through these agonizing times with your precious little boys. We’re still believing with you for a miracle of healing with you. So as you return home to be a Christ-honoring mother, GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

KARLY FALKNER

- Youth Pastor.
- Seven years ago was a shy girl (not anymore!).
- Her youth pastor made her preach many years ago and she “killed it” the very first time.
- Awesome preacher.
- Passionate about serving the Lord amongst her generation.
- Loved and respected by the young people she leads.

"Karly, what an honor to have you on this platform today. As I look into your eyes, I see myself in you …as I was four decades ago as I myself launched into youth ministry. I’m not saying it will be easy, my friend. But I’m telling you that the PRICETAGS as a woman in youth ministry will be MORE than worth the rich REWARDS. As you continue your journey as a youth pastor, GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

SUE MULHARE

- Married to Chris.
- Three children: Levi, Bethany & Reuben.
- Chris & Sue are Senior Pastors of New Hope Church (Toowoomba), with multiple congregations.
- Regional leaders for South-West Queensland Australian Christian Churches.
- Toowoomba was hit by floods in January (inland tsunami) and New Hope Church is helping the community in a huge way distributing food, household items, clothes, toys. Even a car for a family!
- Committed to impacting their communities for Christ in a powerful way & reach even the most remote areas with the love of Christ.

"Sue, you are giving your everything to build Christ’s Kingdom! Thank you for the outpouring of unselfishness through the years, especially to your community in the wake of the tsunami. We hold you in such deep respect for all the choices you have made. So as you continue to serve your area, leave this morning with fresh incentive to GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"
 

SYDNEY [WEEK TWO]

DENISE HODDER

- Has three daughters of her own.
- Is the guardian of her 7 year old grandson.
- Also foster mother of three (3) other children – two of these children have disabilities (one of these is now in full time care).
- Runner up “Barnados Mother of the Year” in Queensland!
- Works full time for Oz Care, a community organization, facilitating a network for dementia care.
- Has a great attitude and thinks that “whatever happens in life you just get on with what needs to be done!”

"DENISE, you give us such an example of a woman who just is determined to take care of those around her, no matter how much sacrifice she has to give. Thank you for giving us such a powerful picture of faith at work. As you leave here this morning, GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

JESSICA PESETA

- Mum of 5 kids - brilliant mother!
- Jess was diagnosed with cancer / leukemia 4yrs ago.
- Jess is now cleared of cancer!
- But she is still believing for more miracles. She still suffers from after effects of chemotherapy and needs to take lots of medication.
- Comes from Christchurch where there has been major earthquakes last few months - the upheaval has made living conditions very difficult and inconsistent especially for her kids.
- Jess is very pastoral, compassionate, generous, strong and creative.

"Wow, Jessica, you have faced more than your fair share of challenges in life! We can’t begin to know the pain that the cancer and other physical challenges have brought you. But just know that you have been a true hero as you have fought your way through this. Please know that our prayers continue to follow you. So as you leave Colour, return with renewed strength and encouragement. GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

BECI WAKERLEY

- Beci is Jess’s (above) sister.
- Married to Dave.
- Children’s pastor.
- Songwriter – writes beautiful worship songs for children.
- Two sons: Brooklyn (5) and Orlando (1).
- Devotes her life to building the church, and in particular in raising a generation of children to love Jesus and His House.
- Great leader and releaser of people.

"BECKI, thank you for caring for so many of our children! What a vital way to “colour our world.” You bring the very best out in the people around you. So as you return to your vital role in Children’s Ministry, GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"
 

LONDON

MO SMITH

- After the birth of her second child 31 years ago, Mo became very ill.
- Her white blood cell count was low and she had developed a bone marrow infection and other health challenges. The bone marrow infection got so bad that she was unable to walk anywhere and ended up confined to a wheelchair. After a lot of time in and out of hospital, operations and treatment she did not recover. Doctors would say she would never get better.
- After 10yrs suffering from this illness, isolated and home bound… she asked elders of the Church to visit her, pray and anoint her with oil.
- The next day MO, walked to the garden, day after to the shed, by the end of the week could walk to the shops. She was completely healed!
- During her time of being isolated and in a wheel chair, she saw how many elderly people are in this situation…and actually die with no one to care about them. So Mo became passionate about serving elderly, isolated wheelchair users.
- In January 2000 she founded Regeneration Rise (Reaching the Isolated Elderly) to gather isolated, vulnerable elderly in the Putney area. She has a dream to start Rise projects all across the UK.

"MO, thank you for giving purpose to your pain. You have courageously DEFINED your pain rather than allowing your pain to define you. We’re cheering for you this morning. So GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

CHRISTINE WALKER

- Christine and her husband Ian have been in ministry for many years. For 15 years, they pastored and pioneered several churches in the UK. In 1997, they moved into mission work and served in Pakistan and Kazastan. They eventually returned to the UK and planted themselves in the Hillsong church…as key leaders and disciplers.
- Christine was recently moved at a Sisterhood United night about serving in prisons. She realized there was not a prison near her…so she approached a detention center near her home to see what she could do to help.
- Since then, they have bought in gifts, CD's, DVDs books, so many in fact that the detention centre has opened a LIBRARY with a full- time paid person to facilitate the resource center created by the donations .......and installed flat screen TV's in every room from the money she has raised.

 "Thanks Christine ...in a world of half heartedness you have dared to live with passion. Christ has used your passion to truly re-create a great environment at the detention center. So thanks for living with purpose and passion in your world .GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

SARAH DALLISON

- Sarah grew up in a loving family. As a young teenager she felt she did not fit in and began the destructive journey of experimenting with self- harming. This led eventually to anorexia and hospitalization.
- Her journey with lack of confidence and belief in herself affected her relationships. So she landed up in an abusive marriage which sadly, ended in divorce. During that time Sarah gave birth to her son who was born with Asperger Syndrome (A form of autism that effects social interaction). The doctors feared he would decline and never be able to emotionally connect with people.
- In a desperate place to find God in her situation, Sarah came back to church and encountered God for herself. She found healing, restoration and peace.
- Her son has since DEFIED every doctors report and has grown way beyond anything hoped for.
- Sarah is full of life and hope and is a Godly inspiration to those going through challenging times. She mentors single young mums and is now training to be a teacher.
- Some time back, Sarah’s young son told her he had been praying for a dad. We can now celebrate with Sarah and her son…Because JUST LAST WEEKEND, Sarah got engaged to a fantastic Man of God whom she met serving in Kids Church!

 "Sarah...thanks for REFUSING TO QUIT! Your guts and determination have been breathtaking to watch. And we stop this morning to celebrate the amazing future which is ahead for you. So hang this net up somewhere that your eyes will see it often. GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

KIEV

SASHA LUTSENKO

- Is in full-time ministry for a long time already, but this year which became the first year of her marriage, Sasha endures strong challenges with her health and with the health of her husband. Still she continues to serve God, taking an active part in the translation of Lisa Bevere’s book in Russian language, as well as working at all printing and video translations for the conference.

"Sasha...you’re a hero. Thank you for your faithfulness...even through HEALTH CHALLENGES. Your consistency and unwillingness to quit have made a huge dent for Jesus Christ. So as you walk into your future, we’re continuing to pray with you for complete healing. GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

NIGORA ZAKIROVA

- Is originally from a Muslim family, she moved to Moscow with her teenage daughter where she faced lots of challenges. Despite all, she got a prestigious job, bought an apartment and without a husband is now overcoming an economic crisis. Nigora has been an active part of Hillsong family in Moscow from the very beginning. She has a huge heart is for people...she shares her faith with Muslims, and cares about people despite her own challenges.

"Thank u Nigora for unselfishly looking beyond your own challenges in Moscow What a courageous example you have given everyone around you as a triumphant single mom. We celebrate you, Nigora. GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

ANYA POLISHCHUK

- This year for Anya was very difficult. She has two small kids, Yaroslav (4yrs) and Bogdan (5 months). When Anya has just given birth to her younger son, her husband being addicted to alcohol, jumped off a river bridge. Despite all, Anya is faithful to God; she is always at church, takes an active part in a church life. She’s been a part of Hillsong Church for 10 years already. Anya owns a beauty salon and uses the salon to serve at our Shine program for girls.

"Anya, WHAT A HERO YOU ARE! Your have faced massive obstacles and yet courageously kept going. Please know that we respect you with everything within us. As you leave Colour this year, may you know that we admire you and are cheering for you. GO CUT DOWN YOUR NETS!"

For more information and to register for Colour Conference please visit colourconference.com