Meet Chris and Helen

Chris and Helen, tell us about your family.

We are married and, together, we have three wonderful and energetic little kids—one girl and two boys.

What does a typical week look like for you?

Chris works full time at Cornerstone Anglican Church Box Hill. He spends his time in the Bible, in prayer, catching up with people, leading teams, and providing vision and direction for this new church plant. Meanwhile, Helen spends most of her days with the kiddos and with other mums with little kids. She also loves to help out with church ministry and building relationships in the community as she is able to.

What do you enjoy doing together as a family on a day off?

We love to find good coffee (usually with a good playground), read, go for walks, or head to the beach with our kids.

What are the things you appreciate the most about living in the Box Hill area? 

We love our neighbours. It has been such a joy to get to know each one of them, and we look forward to doing life alongside them for a long time. We love the diversity and richness of the community with so many different cultures surrounding us. We love the multi-generational aspect of those families and that many households are made up of three generations. We love the desire that so many people have to build a sense of community and belonging and to really establish themselves and their families in the area. We love that it’s a beautiful place to live—there are great paths for bike riding and parks for the kids, and with lots of exciting development to come. 

How long have you been Christians, and who was it that first told you about Jesus?

Chris came to trust in Jesus when he was a teenager through his local youth group. Helen grew in a strong Christian family and can’t remember a day not trusting in Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. The various questions and hardships throughout her life have solidified and grown her faith and trust in Jesus. 

What has encouraged you from God’s word recently?

Chris: I have been reminded of the glorious invitation of the gospel: that Jesus calls anyone to come to Him to find rest. Real rest! He is a wonderful Saviour! 

Helen: I’ve similarly been encouraged by the compassion and tender mercy of Jesus. I love Matthew 11:28-30 which says, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ It’s such an encouragement when we are so often so weak and insufficient to know that Jesus still loves us and longs for us to come to him. 

What’s something you’re looking forward to?

Seeing what God might do in Box Hill and beyond, the Parramatta Eels breaking their premiership drought someday, but over all of that, I’m looking forward to eternity. I love how the Bible describes eternity for the follower of Jesus. John 17:3 says, ‘Now this is eternal life: that they know you (God).’ Can’t wait!

What are your hopes for your family and your children?

We hope and pray that each member of our family loves Jesus and others well. We long to be a strong family unit that works together to bring glory to God. We pray that each of our children would flourish in their God-given gifts and abilities and would always love being a part of their local church family. 

Is there an amusing fact about you that you’d be happy to share?

One day Chris’ (red) hair did actually catch on fire. (He survived.)

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