Reaching and Equipping Cadets

posted by Navigators on April 7th, 2026 in Blog | Discipleship | Evangelism | Gospel | Missions

We are so thankful for your partnership with Navigators. Every gift you give – whether for an individual labourer, a special project or where needed most – helps our work in advancing the Kingdom. Andrew Oldfield is part of our Canberra Navigator community, working with Trainee Cadets and Midshipmen at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). He shares this message of appreciation for the support he receives from partners like you:

It’s the start of another year at ADFA with the influx of first years and all of the opening events that we run with FOCUS, another Christian group. It’s always an encouraging time due to our ability to speak to every single First Year through the compulsory Chapel services. Would you believe we had 126 of the 381 First Years put their name down as being interested in the two groups! It’s a great start to the year.

Andrew sharing the gospel at ADFA at the final launch event during week 1. Photo: supplied.

Since that high point, engagement has been slower, with less follow-through from the students than in previous years as we begin to train the next generation. Despite feeling harder than previous years, we are still amazed at what a privilege and opportunity it is to help Cadets and Midshipmen know and be shaped by the gospel.

In our day-to-day investment in cadets, we endeavour to reach and disciple every student at the Academy. Sometimes the day-to-day work can feel mundane and less exciting, but each year turning is also a chance to see the fruit of the ministry. We have returning cadets who are excited and have been equipped to share the gospel, and we remain in contact with graduates who are seeking to keep making disciples outside of the Academy. All that we see God do at ADFA and all of this fruit is only made possible through the funding we receive, and you are truly co-workers with us.

Thank you for partnering with us!

_{Featured image of soldiers in a vehicle by Diego Gonzalez on Unsplash.}