The Big Year Out was literally one of the greatest and most transformative experiences of my life! Like nothing before, it taught me the value of ongoing Christian community and how important and life-giving it can be. It allowed me share my faith journey with people my age whilst being guided by those further along the path, whose invaluable pearls of wisdom still pop up in my mind all the time. The mission exposure trip to the Philippines has left a permanent imprint on my psyche and continues to inspire and challenge me to be a be more, do more and love hardest. Finally, regular service placements showed me how easy it is to touch people’s lives as the hands and feet of God, and reinforced that I had something crucial to offer. as a young Christian, RIGHT NOW.

All of these aspects made the Big Year Out a life-altering journey that, with God’s help, has changed me forever. I can’t recommend it enough.

Ellen, BYO 2008

Photo: Ellen and Pete did one of their BYO placements at Minda, a centre for people with disabilities. They are pictured here with the members of the Minda choir, Tutti.