This I Know
Conversations with Christians
on Life, Faith, and Following Jesus
This I Know grew from The Lydia Project: Conversations with Christian Women, an Australian podcast co-hosted by Tori Walker and Taryn Hayes, featuring many remarkable guests whose lives bore witness to God’s faithfulness through every season. After several years, the podcast entered a season of hiatus as ministry, work, and family commitments grew.
Now the journey continues.
Through conversations with Christian men and women from different walks of life, we explore the ways God shapes us through seasons of joy and suffering, doubt and faith, failure and growth. These are stories of grace at work: ordinary people being patiently transformed by our Saviour, Jesus.
Along the way, we’ll reflect on the books, authors, and resources that have helped shape our understanding of God and deepen our walk with Him.
Whether you’re weary, hopeful, searching, or simply seeking to keep following Jesus faithfully, This I Know is here to encourage you, challenge you, and strengthen your courage in Christ. In a world full of shifting opinions and uncertain answers, we return again and again to the same firm ground: God’s Word is trustworthy, and His promises hold. Yes, Jesus loves us. This we know. For the Bible tells us so.
***
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1–2
Episodes
Feb 15, 2022
Feb 15, 2022
42 min
Jan and Chrissy began meeting together when Chrissy began a traineeship at her local church. Their one-to-one disciplining relationship developed over the course of the year, bringing them both much joy, encouragement, and growth. In this episode, Taryn chats with Jan and Chrissy about the value of mentoring relationships among women and how they grew both relationally and spiritually in their 5 years of meeting together regularly.
Jan Wilson has been a Christian for about 35 years after discovering Jesus as an atheist in her mid-thirties. Jan has four adult children and 2 grandchildren. When she is not helping out with grandchildren, she enjoys having great theological chats with her husband, spending time with God, doing her best to keep fit, walking her dog or spending time with Christian sisters. She also likes to relax by reading mediocre novels, watching French films and AFL matches - sometimes while knitting and hoping she doesn't make too many mistakes!
Chrissy Vellacott found during year 10 - when she changed schools and was dealing with much uncertainty - that she could trust God, she could know Him, and she could let Him change her life. She enjoys one-to-one discipleship with women from her church, working in AV, and teaching flute. Chrissy and her husband, Andrew, look forward to welcoming their first child in a few months.
Jan 15, 2022
Jan 15, 2022
8 min
This year is to be one with a focus on relationships - women to women, across the sexes, within the church, with our communities and as Christians in an increasingly hostile world. Join us this year as we chat with Christian women about their personal stories of Christ at work.
The episode that follows this one will be Tori and Taryn discussing the book Growing Together: Taking Mentoring from Small Talk and Prayer Requests by Melissa Kruger. Still available from The Wandering Bookseller with a 15% discount. Following that episode, we will chat with two women who have had a wonderful experience of one-to-one fellowship. Soon after that we will introduce our first book club book of the year with an interview with the author.
If you would like to get cracking on reading our book club books for the year, here's the list:
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Dec 30, 2021
Dec 30, 2021
31 min
Joanne Hobbs is the CEO of Teen Challenge Qld, a ministry helping young people from addiction to hope. Tori Walker chats with Jo about how she ended up in this position, and how God is at work through the ministry.
EPISODE NOTES:
Joanne Hobbs is the CEO of Teen Challenge Qld, a ministry helping young people from addiction to hope. Tori Walker chats with Jo about how she ended up in this position, and how God is at work through the ministry.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Dec 10, 2021
Dec 10, 2021
34 min
EPISODE NOTES:
Whether you are a new Christian, or have been for a while and feel in need of a refresher, "Need to Know” will give you the essentials—what you really need to know if you’re going to follow Jesus.
Host Tori Walker chats with Gary Millar about his work at the Queensland Theological College, as well as his most recent book, “Need to Know”. This practical and easy-to-read book shows readers how letting the fundamental truths of the gospel take root in our hearts changes everything about the way we see God, ourselves and the world around us. He explores what this miraculous change on the inside looks like on the outside as we live our lives shaped around gospel priorities.
Packed full of warmth and wisdom, this book will set anyone up for a lifetime of living for Jesus. It's perfect for giving to new Christians and makes a great gift for baptisms or confirmations. Mentoring questions are included for each chapter, so it's also an ideal resource to use in one-to-one discipleship with younger believers.
“Need to Know” is available online or in bookstores worldwide. In Australia, a 15% discount is available for all Lydia Project Book Club books through The Wandering Bookseller. Simply use the discount code LYDIA15 at the checkout.
***
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Wandering Bookseller: The Lydia Project Collection
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Nov 27, 2021
Nov 27, 2021
44 min
As an Aboriginal Christian Leader who is a descendant of the Waka Waka peoples, Brooke Prentis uses her talents and experience to lead Common Grace, a movement of people pursuing Jesus and justice. Tori Walker talks with Brooke about her family background, how she came to know Christ at uni, and why she is so passionate about the work she leads at Common Grace.
Brooke Prentis is CEO of Common Grace, a movement of people pursuing Jesus and justice. Brooke is an Aboriginal Christian Leader who is a descendant of the Waka Waka peoples. Brooke is a writer, speaker, poet, theologian, community pastor, Chartered Accountant, and Company Director.
Brooke has appeared on numerous national TV and Radio programs including ABC's The Drum, NITV's The Point, ABC RN’s Soul Search, God Forbid, and the Religion & Ethics Report. Brooke shares a message of Reconciliation as friendship across these lands now called Australia. @commongraceaus @brookeprentis.official
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
SHOW SNIPPETS:
"Just showing the reality of our warming world."
"Together we feel less tired and less alone and so I understand the reality, I can’t afford to be overwhelmed by injustice."
"What I pray is that non-indigenous Christians don’t get overwhelmed, because we actually need you to walk alongside us, to share that burden of injustice."
"It’s the Body of Christ."
"It’s knowing that God is up to something and I want to be part of that something."
"Build us up in our leadership and share that across these lands now called Australia."
"People don’t know."
"The call is still to listen, to learn, and to love."
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Oct 30, 2021
Oct 30, 2021
42 min
What does it actually mean to disciple someone? What is ministry supervision? And why should every ministry have it? These are some of the questions that Sarah Balogh answers in her chat with Taryn today on The Lydia Project. Sarah has a psychology practice in the Blue Mountains in Sydney, which she loves, but she also loves discipling women, caring for people in ministry in her role as a ministry supervisor, enjoying her family and supporting her husband in his role as the CEO of the Gospel Coalition, Australia.
EPISODE NOTES:
What does it actually mean to disciple someone? What is ministry supervision? And why should every ministry have it? These are some of the questions that Sarah Balogh answers in her chat with Taryn today on The Lydia Project. Sarah has a psychology practice in the Blue Mountains in Sydney, which she loves, but she also loves discipling women, caring for people in ministry in her role as a ministry supervisor, enjoying her family and supporting her husband in his role as the CEO of the Gospel Coalition, Australia.
***
Sarah Balogh is a Christian, wife, mother, friend, psychologist, ministry supervisor and flower appreciator. She’s also a women’s chaplain at Moore College and loves being involved in her local church, Springwood Anglican. Sarah lives in the Blue Mountains, NSW with her husband, Akos and their three children. In the rare moments when she has time, Sarah likes to write. Many of her articles can be found at The Gospel Coalition, Australia.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Ministry Supervision - What It Is and Why Your Ministry Needs It
Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES)
Dane Ortlund - Gentle and Lowly
Sarah Balogh.com - Ministry Supervision
SHOW SNIPPETS:
“Our house was always full of church, the bible and people.”
“Life was faith and faith was life.”
“As a young Christian, this was life, true life, if the gospel was true, which I believe it is, then He demanded my whole life.”
“I have a real heart for discipling women.”
“In practical terms, we should always be looking out for someone to disciple.”
“Sometimes God is more interested in our holiness than our happiness.”
“Often there are gaps between what we say we believe and what we do. A ministry supervisor can help fill the gaps.”
“Some of our children by be like dandelions - they can grow anywhere, while others are like orchids - they need a little more care.”
One of my favourite sayings is “I can only do what I can only do. The rest goes to the keeper and that’s God!”
“We do life with and for others.”
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Oct 15, 2021
Oct 15, 2021
46 min
Host Tori interviews Jo Gibbs on what the crosscultural life is like and how chronic fatigue affected that. Jo talks about the ministry roles that she has been in as well as how she came to understand who Christ is and what He had done for her.
EPISODE NOTES:
Host Tori interviews Jo Gibbs on what the crosscultural life is like and how chronic fatigue affected that. Jo talks about the ministry roles that she has been in as well as how she came to understand who Christ is and what He had done for her.
***
Jo grew up in a non-Christian family but came to Christ while at university. Later on she felt challenged to go serve the Lord overseas and ended up living in a crowded city for 11 years before returning to Australia due to her husband’s health. She took up ministry roles that used her plethora of skills from working in different situations such as, community development, cross-cultural ministry, working with families, kids and youth, then care and discipleship ministry.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
SHOW SNIPPETS:
"I felt like someone had given me some of the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle but without all of them and without the box with the lid that actually helps to put it together. That’s what it felt like."
"I was generally the one arguing with the Christian studies teacher, trying to pull out, what I thought were, apparent contradictions in the Bible or tough questions."
"I’d heard about the needs of the Muslim world but honestly at the time I felt really uncomfortable around Muslim women."
"I developed a love for Muslim women that went alongside that challenge that I’d heard."
"Great, huge needs."
"At one point I was a part of a women’s Bible study where the only person in the group who could read was the national leader."
"It (the Pentecostal church) often felt like it was, intentionally or unintentionally, focused on what I was doing to generate my Christian life rather than what Christ had done."
"I could see God taking me on this gentle process of different denominations."
"Rest in all that Christ has done and not what I generate in my Christian life."
"I think that remembering what God’s done in the past but also remembering who God is is such an important part of our lives."
"So just trying to pull back, reset my priorities."
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Sep 30, 2021
Sep 30, 2021
44 min
Linda Poole chats to Taryn about finding joy in Jesus and longing to be someone who chooses gratitude and thankfulness even when times are hard. Linda speaks about her years in cross-cultural mission where she and her family served as part of a hospital mission in South Sudan. She speaks of the transition back to Australia and the struggle that was. She also speaks to how God is growing her today in her ministry to her children, her church and as a facilitator for Pioneers, Australia.
EPISODE NOTES:
Linda Poole chats to Taryn about finding joy in Jesus and longing to be someone who chooses gratitude and thankfulness even when times are hard. Linda speaks about her years in cross-cultural mission where she and her family served as part of a hospital mission in South Sudan. She speaks of the transition back to Australia and the struggle that was. She also speaks to how God is growing her today in her ministry to her children, her church and as a facilitator for Pioneers, Australia.
***
Linda Poole is a wife, a mum and a passionate follower of Jesus. She loves Jesus, her family, mission, people, coffee and Tasmania. She is committed to playing her part in Jesus' global plan for the nations. At present, that includes ministry to her children, in her church – The Branch, Launceston – and as the Member Care and Development Facilitator for Pioneers, Australia. Linda and her husband, Graham, spent a number of years in South Sudan as part of a mission hospital team. Linda is also a contributor to the Australian Christian book, For The Joy, edited by Miriam Chan and Sophia Russell. (link For the Joy to the gospel coalition article - link below in the links section)
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Pioneers, Australia (mission organisation)
For The Joy, edited by Miriam Chan and Sophia Russell
SHOW SNIPPETS:
“God is good and we are at His mercy; he is good and he is gracious.”
“There is a lot of inequality in our world. There is a lot of suffering and injustice, and I wrestle a lot with our role in it.”
“Saying yes to Jesus means saying no to things that are so much a part of their lives.”
“I have a really high value on inclusion.”
“We struggled with the “uh, what are we supposed to do here now?””
“I really wrestled with every dollar I spent.”
“How do I live here, knowing what I know about there?”
“Gratitude is something that I want to keep getting better at.”
“Because we had faced a lot of stuff together, that glued us together.”
“There was a lot of shared trauma and sadness, but also a lot of laughter and joy.”
“My biggest ministry is my kids.”
“There are just so many opportunities to serve the Lord. Let’s not get complacent.”
“As much as I am distractible, I love to pray with people and for people. Prayer changes things. What a privilege to speak to our Father.”
“God gives us all that we need to do what we need to do today.”
“I’m learning to choose thankfulness and gratitude … and I’m learning that a lot of that is choice.”
“He is the one who keeps us!”
“There is a King and Country song called I Choose Joy. And that is what I want to do. I want to choose joy.”
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Sep 15, 2021
Sep 15, 2021
35 min
EPISODE NOTES:
"Sometimes we ask What is God's will for my life? when we should really be asking Who should I be? The Bible has an answer: Be like the very image of God."
Hosts, Tori Walker and Taryn Hayes chat about Jen Wilkin's book In His Image. Jen Wilkin is an American speaker, writer, and teacher of women's Bible studies with 20 years of experience in ministry. Her book, In His Image, explores ten characteristics of who God is - holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise.
Tori and Taryn discuss the premise of In His Image, why they think it is a valuable book to read and share, and their big takeaways from some of the chapters.
To get your own copy of this book with a 15% discount, head to The Wandering Bookseller and use the code LYDIA15 at checkout.
***
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Wandering Bookseller: The Lydia Project Collection
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com
Aug 30, 2021
Aug 30, 2021
1 hr 2 min
Jill McAlpine knows what deep emotional pain looks like - she has seen it in her practice as a Clinical Psychologist and she has felt it herself, acutely, through church-based ministry and the terminal illness diagnosis of her husband, Stephen. In this episode, Jill shares with Taryn her gratitude for the pain, hurt, sorrow and grief because of how God has shaped her and her husband through some of the more difficult moments in life and ministry.
***
Jill belongs to God, first and foremost. She is grateful for his gift to her of her husband and best friend, Stephen. Together, they embrace the challenges of loving and parenting two children (an adult and a teenager) and they are looking forward to retirement together.
As a psychologist, Jill has been blessed to meet and work with people from all walks of life in a diversity of settings, from schools to prisons; around the world, including in the UK working with Muslim women in a refugee centre; and currently in her clinical psychology practice in Perth with women (and men) across all life stages and contexts.
As someone involved in church-based ministry – that has included a couple of church plants – Jill has been entrusted with an intimate awareness (personally and professionally) of the struggles and pastoral care needs of congregations, of those who lead them, and of their families. Jill also enjoys teaching in Pastoral Care at theological college to help equip the next generation of students to care well for others.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
SHOW SNIPPETS:
“I’m a huge introvert and so for me it was quite a challenge to open myself up, so instantly, to people.”
“We were told that our parenting was not up to speed, we were told that I should not be working as a psychologist-because it’s not good for the family.”
“We were told that Stephen was not cut out for ministry or for leading a church.”
“We felt that at that moment we were so deconstructed, we had nowhere to go then to seek God out.”
“We soothed our way through our suffering, just praying.”
“Even though we thought that we had let them down, there was enough grace there to continue to love us.”
“The clutter was more my despair and my disbelief, I knew I couldn’t fix this. I was trying to work out ‘how do I manage this?’ And I realised that it was beyond me.”
“Everything just did not make sense and we were completely vulnerable and exposed to God’s plan for us.”
“We had nothing. It was a very pivotal moment for us in our ministry.”
“We are thankful for the pain and the hurt, the sorrow, the grief, we are thankful for how God has shaped us through it.”
“My time is very much with people-and sometimes those contexts blur.”
Can't see clickable links? Copy and paste this into your browser: tlpcwcw.podbean.com