Get To Know Laylah McLaren
posted by Navigators on July 23rd, 2026 in Get to Know
Laylah is part of our Queensland Labouring Community. She ministers with her dad, Dustyn, on campus. Let’s get to know her better with a few of these Get To Know questions!
How did you come into relationship with Jesus?
I was raised in a Christian household: Christian parents, Christian community, Christian school. From four years old I thought I had a relationship with Christ. I now know that wasn’t the case. My relationship with Him didn’t start until I was 17. It happened at a high school camp. Socially awkward, anxieties through the roof, the atmosphere loud, bright, crowded – I wanted out the moment it started. Hearing the speaker, though, I could see how it could be beneficial to stay. By the third night something clicked with me. For the first time I truly stopped and reflected on my past. Taking every decision I had ever made and comparing it to what choices I would have made if I was in Christ. It was then that I cried out to the Lord for a real relationship.
In what ways have Navigator communities shaped your journey?
Laylah with her dad, Dustyn, ministering on campus.
The Navigator community has been a fundamental part of my journey in Christ. After crying out to Jesus I was a little lost on what to do next. My father introduced me to the Navigators. I attended my first workshop, discussing the importance of 1-on-1 discipleship. It was then a whole new world was opened to me. Suddenly I felt like I had a new understanding for what being a discipling Christian meant and its importance.
Can you share a story of how God has changed someone’s life you have invested in?
One of my coworkers discovered I was a Christian. Taking that opportunity to ask what she thought that meant, I had the joy of sharing how and why I was a Christian. We had an amazing discussion where I shared the gospel and let God lead me in a situation I felt very unprepared for. She isn’t following Christ yet but is curious about my views and perspectives on life. It is not a massive change on the outside but seeing her soften to Christ has been a huge privilege to witness. I am praying for continued opportunities with her.
Featured image: students. Photo Alexis Brown, Unsplash.