Here Is...Elyse Bywater!

Who are you??!!?? Elyse J. Bywater
Where do you come from?

Southern Highlands - was born at Bowral Hospital!
What are you doing with yourself at the moment?

I am working at “Wool Addiction” in Bowral most days of the week, on Sunday I work at “Mimi & Fifi”.
Stuff you like doing?
I love playing the cello, and just veging out, watching some great classic movies. Also hanging out with friends is good too. And yes I do knit, and I’m trying to learn to crochet… I suppose you can call me boring sometimes, oh well. Oh and I also love reading the Bible and learning more about our Awesome Creator!
How/Why did you become a Christian?
I grew up in a Christian household, well everyone except Dad was Christian, and that’s still the same today. So I went to Sunday School, and GFS and other groups. However I didn’t really know what being a Christian was all about, I suppose I can say I just went with the flow.

I didn’t really find out what it was about until year 8 when my sister, Fiona, was playing a CD by “The Lads” (which is a Christian band) in our room. There was this one song called “Creator” and it is about how much God loves us and how He wants to know about our life. That got me really thinking about God and what He has done for us, giving up His only Son. I started going to church every week and learnt more and more about Him. In year 9 I was confirmed, which was when I was more confident to share publicly what I believed in.

However I still didn’t understand how great God was and how much I should let Him into my life, until 2004. That was the year when it seemed my life just fell apart. Dad decided that he didn’t want to be in our family anymore. So he left. Then a couple of months later Mum was in a car accident. Those couple of months and the months after really tested my faith. I was unsure about everything, except who God was and that even though I was going through a tough time, He was never going to let me go through it alone. And so, I just let Him take over and He got me through it all.

Favourite Bible verses?
I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength!!!

Philippians 4:13

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!!! Hebrews 13:8

How are you involved at MAC at the moment?
I’m involved in various ministries in MAC. I am a youth group leader as well as a Kidsplus leader. I am also involved in one of the Sunday @ 6 bands and I do occasionally lead Sunday @ 6 service, whether I’m good at it or not, that’s another story (you are! - AP.). I also attend STRIVE, it's very good for those who want to learn more about God and other stuff about leading.

How can we pray for you?

Thank God that He is in my life; and pray that I may be able to find a great church and good friends next year when I move to Lismore for uni. Please pray also for our youth groups - that we may be able to grow in number.