Our Vision Statement
Anew Conferences – Women with a heart for change.
Change within – to know we are deeply loved by our Heavenly Father.
Change in those around us – to deeply love those around us, and to share God’s love with them.
To work towards changing the world for those in poverty by prayer, giving and going.
Isaiah 43:19
19 For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah 43:4
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
Proverbs 31:8 – 9
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.
Psalm 82:3-4
3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
4 Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
What happens at our Anew conferences
Our day can take different forms in our different locations, but will always include God inspired speakers, heartfelt moments of worship, opportunities for prayer, moments of blessing and heart connections. There will be delicious food, and moments for laughter together.
We are compassionate and an important part of Anew is working towards changing the world for those in poverty, by praying together, giving and even at times by going. At each event there will be opportunity to give towards aid projects both overseas and in our own areas.
Anew is a ministry of Queensland Baptist Women, facilitated by the State Director, Cathy Knechtli. QBW is a ministry of Queensland Baptists. For more information about Queensland Baptists please click here.
Cathy Knechtli
Cathy Knechtli is the State Director for the Queensland Baptist Women. Cathy has a passion for Jesus, to share His love with women and for worship, and loves to see women and young people released in their God given giftings. She lives on the Sunshine Coast with her teacher husband, 4 kids, and various musical instruments.
Cathy Ballantine
Cathy Ballantine has been a part of the Qld Baptist Women's Team since 2010. She works part time as Administrator and Uniform Shop Manager for The Boys’ Brigade Qld and has a home based Admin business. Cathy is married to Matt and they have 4 children - Declan, Brenna, Jacob and Megan. They have been a part of Salisbury Baptist Church since 1999.
Jane Van Mourik
Jane Van Mourik is part of the executive committee for Anew Conference. She is married to Queensland’s State Rep for Baptist World Aid, Brent Van Mourik. Before she met Brent, Jane was a missionary in Uganda, volunteering with two different NGOs before co-founding an organization to care for and rehabilitate trafficked teenage women in 2013. Jane has a passion for poverty alleviation and worship, and loves serving God’s women through Anew Conference, and volunteering alongside her husband in his ministry. When she has some free time Jane is also an Early Childhood Teacher and keen knitter.
Katisha Lindee
Katisha has been part of the Anew Conference worship team for the last six years. She is a classically trained violinist by day and a singer, looping artist and multi-instrumentalist by night. Katisha has almost completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the Queensland Conservatorium and is passionate about using music as a tool to share the love of Jesus. She is excited for the adventures God has for her in 2019 which she hopes will include school chaplaincy and continued touring with her music around regional Queensland.
Natalie Stanley
Natalie serves with her husband, Nathan, at Biloela Baptist Church in Central Queensland. She is mum to three energetic children aged between 4 and 8. In her free-time she likes to sing, read, craft and play boardgames. As well as women's ministry, Natalie enjoys serving in the areas of worship and community outreach. She is passionate about seeking God in prayer and walking alongside women in their faith journeys. She is excited about sharing that passion with the Anew Conference women.
Vanessa Coppard
Vanessa is part of the Anew conference team, doing a lot of work with our regional conferences. She works as an Education Assistant, and volunteers as an RI Co-ordinator and RI teacher. Vanessa attends Salisbury Baptist Church where she teaches Children’s Church.
Shannon Perrett
Shannon lives Far North QLD, with her husband and 3 gorgeous girls. After serving for 6 years in Papua New Guinea, her family relocated to Mareeba where they continue to work with Mission Aviation Fellowship. Shannon is thrilled to be part of the Anew Conference team. She is passionate about encouraging women to pursue their God given identity in all seasons of life – especially the chaotic ones!
Heidi Gerschwitz
Heidi Gerschwitz lived overseas for 20 years, mainly in USA, working with children. She volunteered at several soup kitchens with the poor and homeless through her church in NYC. Currently studying her Masters of Counselling she is also training with Elijah House Ministries to become a prayer counsellor. Heidi lives on the Sunshine Coast and goes for a run most mornings along the beach and has seen some amazing sunrises.
Doreen Couchman
Doreen Couchman has lived on the Sunshine Coast for all of her adult life and has attended the Noosa Baptist Church for many years. She joined the Anew Conference Team in 2018 after retiring from a long working career in administration in the welfare sector. Doreen enjoys being involved in a background capacity at the Anew Conferences and loves seeing God move amongst His women.
