“We really want to communicate hope.” That’s the heart of Challenge: The Good News Paper editor Harriet Coombe summed it up when she joined Doug on Table Talk. From the Perth office to prisons in South Africa, the paper spreads stories that inspire, encourage, and transform lives.
From Journalist to Editor
Harriet started as a journalist before stepping into the editor role two years ago. “I’m still finding and writing stories, but now I also lay out the paper, edit, and guide our journos.”
Her job includes preparing the print layout, editing submissions, and overseeing a team passionate about sharing good news.
A Different Kind of Newspaper
Unlike mainstream media, Challenge focuses on uplifting content. “There’s a lot of bad news out there. We want people to feel happier after they’ve read our paper not more depressed.”
Every edition features personal testimonies of transformation through faith in Jesus. Harriet says these stories often show “what life looked like before, how someone met Jesus, and how that changed everything.”
Stories That Stay With You
One upcoming feature tells Sarah’s powerful journey. After losing her mother and discovering painful family secrets, Sarah endured an abusive marriage. In church, she heard about Christ’s love for the first time and chose to follow Him. Later, she even led her father to faith during a Zoom call after his heart attack.
Harriet has her own special favourite, interviewing her mother. After losing a child, her mum found hope in Jesus. “It was so cool to print her story in Australia, South Africa, and even in Spanish.”
Reaching Around the Globe
From its Perth base, Challenge produces editions for Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, the Philippines, Cuba, and more. Special versions reach prisons and military communities.
The paper is mainly distributed in print through churches, volunteers, and public stands. It’s also available online.
On the Ground in South Africa
Recently, Harriet travelled with a team to Johannesburg, visiting prisons, aged care facilities, and rehab centres. “The joy on prisoners’ faces when they talk about their Saviour is just beautiful.”
She recalls a man in rehab from Malawi, tricked by his family into going there. “He told us, ‘This is why I’m here I needed to hear this today.’”
Looking Ahead
Harriet hopes to keep growing the paper’s reach, especially in Africa. “As long as God provides, we’ll keep sharing the love of Jesus.”
If you have a story to share, Harriet says it doesn’t need to be dramatic. “It could seem boring to you, but people can be inspired by anything.”
You can submit your testimony via the paper’s website. Who knows? Your story might be the one that changes a life.
Listen to the full conversation below.