The Inside Story - October Edition

An inside look at the stories of those behind Aglow Australia.   

The Inside Story takes an inside look at the lives we love, perhaps only heard about, or may not even know at all. Mentors, leaders, valued Kingdom partners, and most of all you, of whom, together, are forming the wider, magnificent story of Aglow Australia today.  

Hello to Bev Golder – Leader of Fairfield Aglow 

Beverley, you are one of Aglow’s many hidden heroes, and it’s a joy to hear how the Lord is using you and Fairfield Aglow in Sydney so powerfully.

Q1: Tell us a bit about how Fairfield Aglow came to be.

A: We are a team of six and commenced in Fairfield in 2023. However, looking back further, before the Sydney Olympics in 2000, I joined a prayer group at Olympic Park to pray for everything concerning the Games — especially for the competitors coming from overseas.

In that group, I found myself surrounded by pastors and leaders from Auburn and nearby suburbs, many of whom had Arabic backgrounds. Through their prayers and sharing, I began to learn more about the Muslim faith.

Years later, as a result of that season, we established Aglow in Auburn as an outreach group. Our team included leaders and members from other Sydney Aglow branches, and for more than five years we met right next door to a mosque to pray and worship for the local community.

We didn’t see many Muslim women attend our meetings, but there were certainly significant initiatives happening within the community during that time — and for all of it, we give glory to God.

Q2: Tell us how your heart to reach more people from Arabic backgrounds became a reality.

A: As our time in Auburn was coming to a close, we were approached by Pastor Sonia from LifeSource Church in Fairfield, who asked if we would consider starting an Aglow group for refugee women. After seeking the Lord and praying in Fairfield, we felt it was His plan for the next season.

Now, we meet in a church that was previously a shop, right in the heart of Fairfield. It’s such a joy to have around 15 women come each month — most with limited English, and some with none at all. While a few Muslim women who are seeking occasionally attend (there are fewer Muslims in Fairfield compared to Auburn and Lakemba), almost all of these refugee women have endured great trauma and are in need of healing.

Together, we share from the Word and focus on Jesus’s ministry, God’s love, and the work of the Holy Spirit. We are so grateful for our wonderful interpreter, who makes communication much easier. Our worship is in both Arabic and English, and many of the women — who come from traditional religious backgrounds — love to stand together and pray the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic.

Q3: It’s truly doing what Aglow exists for — by coming together and being intentionally present, you’re bringing His living presence directly into your community! What is your heart for this group, and what are some of the challenges you face?

A: That’s exactly our heart. Aglow is a wonderful opportunity to bring together women from different nations — many who are hurting — and to witness God’s healing at work physically, mentally, and spiritually.

We feed them with cakes, cookies, and God’s Word. Our ongoing challenges include standing firm against spiritual warfare, overcoming language barriers, and remaining mindful and respectful of cultural differences. Above all, our deepest desire is to see God’s plans fulfilled in the lives of these brave, incredible women.

If you’d like to learn more about Beverley’s branch and vision, please feel free to email her at golder.bev@gmail.com.