NET Ministries receives first ever Tasmanian on mission for 2023
Matilda (Tilly) Lenthall has this year become the first ever Tasmanian to join National Evangelisation Team (NET) Ministries.
Originally from George Town and now on mission in Christchurch, New Zealand, Tilly attributes being the first from the state to embark on mission with NET to an exciting movement in the Archdiocese of Hobart.
“Our scripture theme for this year is from Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
“I believe this is so important and relevant for Tasmania,” she said.
“I’m so excited that God is doing a new thing for the people of Tasmania – without this movement I would not be at NET this very moment.”
Attending the Ignite Conference in Sydney alongside other enthusiastic Tasmanian youth last year, Tilly said she was able to see the fruits of NET Australia and New Zealand, having met the members of the 2022 teams and alumni.
Describing them as having an exuberant fire which she wanted as well, she prayed, discerned and decided to apply to serve with NET Ministries for a year after the conclusion of her studies at Launceston’s St Patrick’s College.
“NET is an environment that encourages you to chase after your relationship with God – it is the centre of their mission.
“I also found it hard throughout my childhood to find those [Christ-centred] relationships with other young people, so when I first encountered NET it instantly attracted me because of the clear relationships with young people that NET offers a space to initiate,” she explained.
Included in her team’s ministry on a practical level will be to run retreats for different age groups, collaborate with the Diocese of Christchurch’s Catholic Youth Team for parish youth groups, classroom visits at schools or for Diocesan level events.
“Alongside my teammates we all offer a unique set of gifts. Through my own experience I hope to be able to offer a sense of relatability through experience for those who may only be
coming to their faith or those who have attended Mass but not had a personal relationship with Jesus.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Tilly said she hopes to grow closer to God and form lifelong friendships with those around her.
“It has definitely had its challenges – one of which is being in another country to my family, but God has called me to an encounter and to form relationships with those in Christchurch, and that is my goal.
“I want to walk out of the year knowing that my team and I gave the youth we minister to everything that we had,” she concluded.