This is the story of Jacob's Ladder in the City of Adelaide, South Australia, in the 1970s. Beginning as a Coffee Lounge, it grew into a missional Church. Many of those who came to faith were previously involved in drugs, outlaw Bike gangs and crime. The Holy Spirit worked through ordinary, awed young people, doing extraordinary things in their lives, and through them blessing many others. Their focus was not on feeding the poor and hungry, but people were fed and given a place to stay. Their focus was not on justice, but the oppressed were set free. Their focus was not on human rights, but God-given dignity and freedom were proclaimed. They joined Jesus in the Father's mission to his world, and the Spirit brought forgiveness, faith and life to many.

Steen Olsen is a retired Lutheran pastor, who after his time with Jacob's Ladder served three parishes in Australia and New Zealand and then as bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand and nally as director for the mission for the Lutheran Church in South Australia and the Northern Territory. He was a co-founder of the Kogudus Retreat Ministry in Australia and New Zealand. A post-war Danish migrant, Steen has a special interest in helping the church to be more missional in its culture, theology and practice. He can be contacted at steen.olsen@lca.org.au