By Garry Sanossian
On a busy stretch along the Pacific Highway, it would be easy to walk past a humble Op Shop in Asquith without realising what is happening inside. Racks of second-hand clothes, shelves of donated goods and a steady flow of customers tell part of the story. Behind it all is a team driven by a shared heartbeat for mission.
At Mission Op Shop Asquith, every purchase carries a purpose. Each dollar spent in the shop is directed towards global mission work, supporting Christian leaders and communities beyond Australia, while also helping meet local needs.
Run entirely by volunteers from Asquith Church of Christ and the local community, the op shop has grown into much more than a place to buy and sell second hand goods. It is shaped by people who give their time freely, showing up week after week to serve, connect and care.
“Not one of our staff is paid, all being volunteers… it’s very rewarding and feels like working in a big family,” said Steph Daniels, a long-time volunteer who has been serving at Mission Op Shop Asquith for more than a decade.
Volunteer Steph Daniels working at the shop.
When the Church took over the shop in 2012, it was a simple step of faith. At the time, it had raised more than $800,000 for Bibles for Missions. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving ministry, now contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars towards global mission work while also assisting local families in need.
“All of our volunteers have real joy in being able to help others get good value for their money,” said Senior Pastor Andrew Maxwell, who has led the church since 2010.
“Knowing that the money raised goes into gospel centred mission work gives everything we do a deeper purpose,” he said.
Senior Pastor Andrew visiting the shop.
For those who serve there, the mission is not abstract. It shapes everyday conversations and interactions.
“I always point to our banner behind the counter and let people know that every dollar we make supports global missions and helps local families in genuine hardship,” said former manager Jeannie Smith.
Missions Op Shop Asquith previous manager Jeannie Smith.
Today, under the leadership of Vincy Lam, that same heartbeat continues to shape the shop’s presence in the community.
“There’s a lot of regulars that come in and they have a long-term relationship with some of the staff that we have,” Vincy said.
“People love coming in, checking out the shop and donating their things. It’s a nice way to serve the community.”
Missions Op Shop Asquith manager Vincy Lam.
Those simple interactions often grow into something deeper. As people ask where the money goes or what the shop supports, volunteers find natural opportunities to share about faith, offer encouragement and build meaningful connections.
Inside the shop, the culture is marked by relationships. Volunteers speak of laughter, friendship and a shared sense of purpose that carries through each day.
“We have a great rapport with our customers and constantly make new friends and acquaintances,” Steph said.
People often walk in carrying more than donations. Some come with grief, hardship or significant life changes. In those moments, the counter becomes a place of care.
“You get to chat to those who have lost family, a partner or dear friends,” Steph said. “We are able to comfort them and offer support.”
Vincy has seen that care expressed in practical ways.
“There was a lady who lost something very special that belonged to her late mother,” she said.
“We helped her find a replacement and one of the volunteers became close with her and supported her through her grief. That’s a really nice relationship that came out of the shop.”
The shop has also become a place where people grow and find belonging.
“There was a high school student who started helping at the op shop to get some experience,” Vincy said. “Now he’s finished school, looking for work and he comes to Church as well. He loves the volunteers. That’s been really encouraging to see.”
One of the displays at the shop.
What sets Mission Op Shop Asquith apart is not just that it is volunteer run, but the purpose that drives it. Every item donated, every conversation shared and every sale made becomes part of something larger.
“It is a great atmosphere knowing that the Lord is running the whole shop,” Steph said.
From the outside, it may look like an ordinary op shop. Inside, it is a place where local service and global mission meet, shaping lives both within the community and far beyond it.
