Another summer is here, and Evangelism in Australia is introducing its top 5 most popular episodes of 2025. This is #2. In this episode of the Win Win Evangelism Podcast, Tina Waldrom sits down with Lachlan Shipard to hear his remarkable journey from a self-focused lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and quick fixes to discovering lasting hope in Jesus. Lachlan openly shares the emptiness he faced even after making big life changes, and the unexpected moment when he sensed God calling him to reach out. His honesty and vulnerability give us a fresh perspective on how God draws people to Himself in surprising ways. Tina and Lachlan explore what it means to share your faith in everyday life, not through pressure or perfection, but by living authentically and pointing others to Christ. This conversation highlights the heart of evangelism and apologetics—answering real questions, walking patiently with people, and allowing your own story to testify to the goodness of God. Whether you’re new to sharing your faith or looking for encouragement to keep going, this episode will inspire you to step out with courage and compassion. In this podcast episode, you will discover that: Lachlan's life was filled with partying and substance abuse before finding faith. Lachlan moved to different locations seeking change, but continued his old habits. A breakdown can lead to a moment of clarity. Understanding Jesus became clearer through personal study and community support. Sharing personal stories is vital in evangelism. Actions often speak louder than words in demonstrating faith. And more… SHORT VIDEO - From Party to Purpose: Lachlan’s Story of Finding God WATCH THIS FULL VIDEO EPISODE with Lachlan *SUPPORT THIS PODCAST – BUY ME A COFFEE – MORE INFORMATION HERE. *OUR ONLINE LEARNING & COURSES Share Jesus Membership On Mission with God @Home (free sample) On Mission with God @Home (Full Course Details) 3 Day Evangelism Challenge *OTHER PODCAST EPISODES LINKED TO THIS Summer Hits 2025 #5 Bringing the Gospel to the Jewish Community with Lawrence Hirsch Summer Hits 2025 #4 Legacy of Leadership: Melinda Dwight’s Journey with Alpha Australia Summer Hits 2025 #3 How Is God Speaking to Those Who Don’t Know Him? How to Reach Different Generations With The Gospel Transforming Lives Through the Power of Conversations Living in Miracles – The Life and Ministry of Evangelist Tim Hall *STAY CONNECTED TO LACHLAN SHIPARD Lachlan Shipard Email: Lachlan.shipard@gmail.com *GET THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM EVANGELISM IN AUSTRALIA Subscribe to EIA EIA Website EIA YouTube Channel EIA Instagram EIA Facebook Tina Waldrom on Facebook Tina Waldrom on Instagram Discussion Questions 1. Lachlan shared that before Christ, he tried to fill the void in his life with parties, drugs, money, and relationships. What are some common “quick fixes” people turn to today instead of God? Read: John 4:13-14 “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 2. Lachlan described a turning point when he realised he had to stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. How does taking ownership of our own sin open the door for God’s grace? Read: James 1:14–15 “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” 3. Lachlan said he became “miserably happy”, he cleaned up his life but still felt empty until he encountered Jesus. Why do you think self-improvement alone cannot replace salvation? Read: Ephesians 2:8–9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.” 4. Lachlan’s conversion began with a thought: “Reach out to Me.” How has God drawn you (or people you know) to Himself, sometimes unexpectedly? Read: John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” 5. When Lachlan first became a Christian, he zealously gave out Bibles and told everyone about Jesus. Have you ever been overzealous in sharing your faith? How can we balance boldness with wisdom and grace? Read: Colossians 4:5–6 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” 6. Lachlan learned that people are often reached more by watching how Christians live than by what we say. In what specific ways can your daily life shine Christ’s light to those around you? Read: Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 7. If you had only two minutes to share with someone what Jesus has done in your life (as Lachlan suggests), what would you say? How can your story of Jesus’ work in your life become a bridge to evangelism? Read & Reflect: Acts 22:6–10 About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, “Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” I asked. “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him who was speaking to me. “What shall I do, Lord?” I asked. “ Get up,” the Lord said, “and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.”
