the real australian WINTER 2015

print post approved 100001234 BCA Directory Contents The Real Australian is a registered trademark of the Bush Church Aid Society. 3 Editorial First published 1920–Edition No. 366 Circulation 32,000 All enquiries to 4 BCA’s History in the Diocese of Willochra The Editor, The Bush Church Aid Society of , Level 7, 37 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000. 6 Coober Pedy, 100 Years since the email [email protected] website www.bushchurchaid.com.au Discovery of Opal Patrons The Most Revd Dr The Rt Revd Dr Peter Jensen The Most Revd Dr Philip Freier 8 Meet the Fells President The Rt Revd Vice President To be advised 9 Putting God at the Centre of Anzac Day Vice President Emeritus The Revd Tom Morgan Chairman Mr Fred Chilton Hon. Treasurer Mr Richard Host 10 Lift up your Eyes National Director The Revd Dr Mark Short 12 Trusting God through Cyclone Olwyn National Office The Revd Dr Mark Short Level 7, 37 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9262 5017–Fax: (02) 9262 5020 14 Reaching Families on Kangaroo Island email [email protected] Administration Manager Mrs Robyn Williams email [email protected] 16 God’s Faithfulness at Northampton Media and Communications Mrs Alison Pearce, Miss Melinda Law 17 April Bottom Scholarship – Applications NSW/ACT Office The Revd Peter Adkins Level 7, 37 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Open Phone (02) 9262 5017–Fax: (02) 9262 5020 email [email protected] Victoria BCA Centre The Revd Adrian Lane 18 Serving in Moranbah PO Box 281, Heidelberg, VIC 3084 Phone (03) 9457 7556–Fax: (03) 9457 7610 20 Nomads Gather to be Sent and Serve email [email protected] SA/NT BCA Centre The Revd Steve Davis 35 Whitmore Square Adelaide SA 5000 22 Forty Years in the Desert Chasing Opal Phone (08) 8221 5444 email [email protected] 23 Councillor’s Column QLD/Nthn NSW Office The Revd David Rogers-Smith PO Box 6565, Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122 24 Post and Rails Phone (07) 3349 9081–Fax: (07) 3849 7927 email [email protected] Tasmania Office The Revd Dennis Quinn 26 From the Archives 63 Belar St Howrah TAS 7018 Phone (03) 6244 5098 email [email protected] WA BCA Centre The Revd Rob Healy Cover: Children from the Catacomb Church on the church c/-GPO Box W2067, Perth WA 6846 float in the Coober Pedy 100th Anniversary Street parade. Phone 1300 554 025 The float, built by Brian Underwood, depicts BCA’s varied email [email protected] involvement in Coober Pedy since 1946. 2 WINTER 2015 Editorial

Some changes can only be embraced of change and when you know the God who doesn’t challenge. Life change. rarely stands still for any of our Field Staff. In February I joined Rod and Christene There are always new relationships to be Oldfield for their commissioning service established and new opportunities to share in Cloncurry, Western . The Christ’s love and truth. As an organisation mercury was over 100 degrees in the old we are always looking for new ways to scale and the humidity wasn’t that short of communicate and express the mission three figures either. It was a far cry from that God has placed on our heart. In just the temperate breezes of the Oldfields’ four years, should the Lord delay, we will previous home on King Island in Bass Strait. celebrate a century of reaching Australia for The Oldfields have also served with BCA Christ. Thank God, we have an eternity to on Norfolk Island and Coober Pedy. Imagine celebrate His faithfulness to us. • all the changes they’ve experienced in those moves – everything from the weather and Mark Short the size and type of community through to National Director whether they live above or below ground! What hasn’t changed in any of those A great example of God’s faithfulness is locations is the Oldfields’ commitment to the response so far to our end of financial serving Christ and making Him known. year appeal. We have already received Even more importantly, God’s commitment almost half of the $200,000 June 30 goal. to them hasn’t wavered or faltered. So If you wish to respond, please use the it was most appropriate that at their response form at the back of this magazine commissioning we read these precious or go to: words from Jesus that conclude Matthew’s www.bushchurchaid.com.au gospel – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In this edition of The Real Australian Please note that BCA does not solicit you’ll read a number of stories that donations over the phone. highlight God’s faithfulness in seasons

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 3 BCA’s History in the Diocese of Willochra

As the Diocese of Willochra celebrates its centenary this year, it is timely to remember BCA’s involvement throughout those 100 years. BCA’s Mary Lewis has delved into this rich history to produce an article for the diocese, an edited version of which is below.

The history of BCA in South Australia and Streaky Bay, Franklin Harbour, Cummins, the history of the Diocese of Willochra Cowell, Kirton Point, Minnipa, Gladstone, have many parallels and overlaps, Leigh Creek, Orroroo, Willochra Mission, especially on the Eyre Peninsula, West Quorn, Trans-Line, Mid West Mission, Coast and Far North and West of SA. Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Olympic Dam In 1921, an invitation came from and Roxby Downs. The number of BCA Gilbert White to the three-year-old Bush supported Missioners decreased following Church Aid Society asking if a suitable the rearrangement of the boundaries clergyman could be found for Threvenard- of the Willochra Diocese in 1967. This Murat Bay region (Ceduna). He was the first rearrangement grew the number of of many. clergy from 7 (plus 9 BCA Missioners) in BCA’s work in SA grew rapidly, changing 1955 to 33 in 1967 and the number of shape to meet local needs. Records reflect communicants from 1100 to 4200. Today BCA’s care for the whole person, body and BCA has ministries in Roxby Downs and soul in parish and clinic. Coober Pedy as well as a FIFO ministry to From the first BCA Missioner placement, surrounding mines and a prison ministry. based in Ceduna, grew ministries to Penong, From the early ministry by the humble

4 WINTER 2015 BCA’s History in the Diocese of Willochra

bush padre grew other ministries to cater BCA has also been involved in children for the needs of those living in remote and youth ministries in Willochra including areas of Willochra. a Mail Bag Sunday School programme that BCA’s involvement in the provision of commenced in 1922, Smoky Bay camps medical and nursing services in Willochra in the 1950s held for children scattered began in Ceduna in 1925 and continued along the East West and a hostel at Port until 1998 when the Cook hospital closed. Lincoln. The Port Lincoln Girls’ Hostel was Other hospitals were located at Penong, established 1947 – 1981, recognising the Wudinna, Tarcoola, Streaky Bay and Coober need for girls to be educated. An Aged Care Pedy, with clinics at places in between and facility was also established in Port Lincoln a Flying Medical Service out of Ceduna that and opened by the Rt Hon. Robert Menzies predated the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1958. It ran until 1965. and was handed over to them in 1968. BCA extends hearty congratulations to Mission staff included nurses, midwives, the Diocese of Willochra on this milestone housekeepers, maintenance staff, doctors, celebration and looks forward to many pharmacists, flying medical mission pilots, more years serving the Lord with them. • radio operators and ground organisation. Mary Lewis Roxby Downs SA

Centres with a BCA mission work or connection in the now diocese of Willochra Ceduna 1921–1969 Penong Memorial Hospital 1931–1957 Coober Pedy 1970–Current Port Augusta and the Trans-Line and (Medical centre 1965–1977) Mid-West Mission 1977–1987 Cook, The Bishop Kirkby Memorial Port Lincoln Girls Hostel 1947–1971 Hospital 1937–1998 (Aged Care Facility 1960–1965) Cowell 1957 Quorn 1956–1966 Cummins 1923–1948 Roxby Downs 1987–Current Franklin Harbour Mission 1948–1962 (the Olympic Dam work camp was served by (included Cowell, Cleve and Kimba) the Trans-Line Missioner at Port August prior Kirton Point 1935–1947 (included Port to the Roxby Downs township being built) Lincoln, Mount Hope, Wangarry and Coulta) Streaky Bay 1941–1957 Koonibba Aboriginal Mission Hospital Tarcoola 1963–1969 1938–1944 (Hospital, education and mission 1941–1995) Leigh Creek 1961–2010 Willochra Mission 1928 (Revd TR Fleming) Minnipa 1936–1964 (in 1964, there were 17 Wudinna 1946–1969 (including The Central service centres and not one single church) Eyre Peninsula District Hospital) Orroroo 1959–1965

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 5 Coober Pedy, 100 Years Since the Discovery of Opal

The Easter weekend (April 3-6, 2015) saw Centre was established. Sisters Heather Coober Pedy celebrating 100 years since Heaver and Pat Darby were the first nurses the discovery of opal. and they had to be tactful in recording The town organised a huge weekend medical records with many miners living of festival events. The local Catacomb in Coober Pedy under assumed names. One Church, headed by BCA’s Geoff and Tracey BCA nursing sister won a medal for bravery; Piggott and members of the church, along Sister Anne Dau went down a mine shaft with a mission team to examine a miner from the Camden who had fallen over Haven (Laurieton NSW) 50 metres. She was Anglican Parish were at awarded a Certificate the forefront of events. of Merit from the The church had a float Royal Humane Society in the street parade for her bravery and (featuring BCA’s past compassion. The and present involvement Medical Centre became in Coober Pedy for a centre of local care almost 70 years), craft and assistance with activities for the children BCA Sisters Carol in the festival and Allen and Michelle organised a Combined Blondel assisted by Easter Sunrise Service local community nurse at the Big Winch and a Sister Vicki McCormack Combined Easter Sunday (a member of the Thanksgiving Service on the school oval Catacomb Church along with her mining with former BCA Missioner Kerry Medway husband, Albert). The Sisters were granted speaking on Willie’s Discovery. As well a special licence to take X-rays and were as these, Geoff and Tracey opened their often called upon to act as vets and treat underground home and the Catacomb wounded pets (outside at the back of the Church for visitors to tour and discover hospital). The Sisters also taught Sunday some of the stories of BCA’s commitment to School and reached hundreds of children Coober Pedy for over 69 years. for Christ. BCA’s first touch with the frontier opal The first BCA Missioner, who made mining community was in 1946, when frequent patrol visits to Coober Pedy and the BCA Flying Medical Service flew in for held church services, was The Revd Brian evacuations and medical clinics. In the Carter, based at Tarcoola and the Trans-Line 1960s, two BCA Nurses came and a Medical Mission. The Revd Barry and Mrs Jenny 6 WINTER 2015 Coober Pedy, 100 Years Since the Discovery of Opal

BCA’s commitment to Coober Pedy was on full view to the local community through the Catacomb Church’s float

Rainsford were the first BCA Missioners to the Catacomb Church in 1977 by the live in Coober Pedy and establish a church of Sydney and Anglican in the early 1970s – the mission that still Primate of Australia, The Most Revd Sir impacts the community today through , assisted by the BCA Federal the Catacomb Church. Barry also began Secretary, The Revd Theo Hayman, and the to patrol up into the Pitjantjara lands Bishop of the Diocese of Willochra, The Rt to Ernabella and south to Andamooka, Revd Bruce Rosier. Members of the church Kingoonya, Tarcoola and west to Cook had worked for several years digging and on the Nullarbor. Other BCA Missioners gouging out the church complex from the to follow were The Revd Martin and Mrs ground and leaving their blood, sweat and Vivien Bleby (Vivien has recently retired as tears in the walls and foundations. What a BCA Regional Officer for South Australia joyful occasion the opening was for locals and the Northern Territory), The Revd Capt and visitors! Rod and Mrs Christene Oldfield (now BCA Today, The Revd Geoff and Tracey Piggott Missioners at Cloncurry Qld), The Revd Peter are still waving the BCA flag in Coober and Mrs Joy Palmer (now fly-in, fly-out BCA Pedy after 69 years and ministering in the Missioners based in Adelaide), The Revd Ian community. They are greatly appreciated by Robinson, The Revd Bill Ostling, The Revd the locals and are seeking to win many lost Bob Rothwell and The Revd Ian Bednall, to opal miners and their families and tourists mention a few who served in Coober Pedy. for Christ. • One of the highlights of BCA’s history Kerry Medway in Coober Pedy was the opening of Author and Former BCA Missioner THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 7 Meet the Fells

When David and Crystal Fell heard about the need for permanent ministry on Norfolk Island from their previous minister of Jannali Anglican, Canon Bruce Ballantine- Jones, they knew it was something they couldn’t ignore. They already felt a connection to Norfolk: Crystal’s family regularly holidayed there since her parents lived on the island in the 1970s and since spending some time as a boy in Port Moresby, David had always thought of doing ministry outside big cities like different way of doing ministry. Sydney. After hearing how keen the church David says, “They have a saying here, was to move away from locum ministry and ‘Morla el Do’ which means ‘Tomorrow will have a young, full time chaplain to reach do’. And the island culture means it’s a the families on the island, David and Crystal very relationship-based ministry. So the knew God wanted them there. difference is stark but I think I understand “When we heard about the direction of [island culture] from my New Guinea days the church,” says David, “We just couldn’t and can cross that [barrier] pretty well.” walk away from it. It felt a bit crazy, but As David and Crystal settle into their we really felt led and knew God would be new role, they have three main goals for faithful.” the church: loving and serving the existing At the start of the year, David and congregation, preaching the gospel to the Crystal, along with their three children – many tourists and reaching the young Wendell, Marigold and Ernest – made the families of Norfolk Island. move to Norfolk Island as BCA Affiliates Please pray for the Fell family as they to serve as the island’s Church of England make connections with the local community Chaplain. It is quite a change from David’s and for all the people on Norfolk Island as previous role as Youth Minister at St they adjust to the upcoming changes in Matthew’s Manly. Not only has his role governance. • broadened, but island culture means a Alison Pearce 8 WINTER 2015 Putting God at the Centre of Anzac Day

On the 100th anniversary of ANZAC Day, There’s only one Aboriginal person many of our Field Staff held dawn services referred to on the current cenotaph in and memorial services around the country. Roebourne – as it only has names from Rich Goscombe has been involved in Anzac the First World War on it and folk started Day services since arriving in Wickham moving into Roebourne in the 1920s – so six years ago and has seen the number of we’ve been doing a lot of research into attendees at the dawn service grow from Aboriginal families who have represented 150 to 600 people last year. With this year since then and will be unveiling a lot of being the centenary, he was hoping to names in the next while in the hope that reach more of the community through the eventually this will draw all ages and indeed Roebourne Dawn Service and he certainly black and white together. did: What’s been underlined to me is One of the things I really like about the significance of events like this to Anzac Day is that there are very few communities of remote areas and country opportunities to talk about the issues of towns. And to see our services grow death (until people reach a point of crisis in tenfold in six years has been fantastic. In their lives) and this is a day in our calendar a society that has increasingly removed that allows us to do that. The nature of all consciousness of God from its thinking sacrifice and laying down one’s life provides and daily life, it is so important to be able very strong parallels with the gospel and to put God at the centre of these cultural what God has done for us in Christ. And I celebrations through recognition of Him was privileged to be able to share that with and prayer to Him for the prospect of peace the 1200 people who attended the service. and for the damage that war has done to It’s a great number for a small town and the nations and those impacted by war. • we were able to get more children and local Rich Goscombe Aboriginal folk in Roebourne involved. Wickham WA THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 9 LiftLift up up your your eyes eyes

“What do you think of that, Steve?” We see the area of concern so they were all ‘in stared up at the roof together. I tried to the loop’ for the discussions to follow. work out the implications of what we saw. I did cry – after the engineer had None of them were good. completed a visual inspection of the We were looking at the ceiling of St building and declared that the building was Stephen’s Anglican Church in Emu Creek. not fit for public gatherings. I did say how It had been standing for one hundred and unfair it was – to the LORD in the quietness twenty five years. We were focussed on a of my study in the weeks and months particular section, high above the pulpit and afterward and in my heart when the Bishop the Lord’s Table. read out the notice of deconsecration, Lesley had found bits of the wood seven months later. scattered on the floor next to the table as By the time the Emu Creek site was she was setting up for Communion. Above sold, we were in the midst of complex our heads, we could see damaged timber negotiations. Our new Memorandum of and a panel of the ceiling slightly displaced. Understanding (MoU) with the Uniting and As we later discovered, the ceiling was Anglican Churches had to be completed, affected by termites and shifting timbers including new governance and identity for within the roof space. our partnership. A new life was beginning, I knew even then that we were facing an but we still grieved for the loss of St abrupt season of change. I wanted to cry. Stephen’s. I wanted to say how unfair this was. But I The Strathfieldsaye Ministry has had a service to lead in fifteen minutes and experienced dramatic changes since the end we needed the members of St Stephen’s to of 2013. Some changes had been planned 10 WINTER 2015 Lift up your eyes

Steve at the deconsecration service for St Stephen’s with Marg Davis playing the organ

due to the upcoming combined Church conclusion of our initial Council. At the same MoU on December time, we remain in 31st, 2014. Others, like relationship with the loss of St Stephen’s local Anglican and as a venue for worship, Uniting Churches. were definitely We are focussed on unplanned. the future, but we will never forget our Through all of these changes, our eyes heritage. have been lifted up beyond church ceilings, In the mid-nineteenth century, there beyond denominational negotiations, was one Protestant Christian community beyond the daily and seasonal rhythms in our district. In the 1870s this separated of worship, to the One who has remained into the Church of England (Emu Creek) steadfastly faithful throughout. The and Methodist Church (Sheep Wash Creek, LORD’s promises have been an anchor now called Strathfieldsaye). God in His to us especially when it felt like we were faithfulness has kept His Church alive in the in troubled waters. Whatever happened, district and, as tough as the last year has we were God’s people still and His love is been, He has continued to work through His constant. Buildings, and ministers, come people here to this day. We are excited to and go. see what He has in store for us in the next We now have a new name and logo, one hundred and twenty five years. • a new autonomous identity with a new Steve Weickhardt Strathfieldsaye Vic

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 11 Trusting God through Cyclone Olwyn

Lydia and Eli Nicol exploring the damage from Cyclone Olwyn

After eight years of living in a cyclone pumping and there was a lot of excitement. prone area as an adult and many cyclone At around 6 o’clock, it started to get alerts, Frank Nicol shares what it was very, very windy, even though the cyclone like to experience severe tropical cyclone was still five hours away. Outside our house, Olwyn, which hit Exmouth and the coastal we realised some things weren’t going to Pilbara in mid-March: cope so made a few last-minute changes. I used to look forward to these massive Then the SES rocked up and I thought weather events coming because it’s a they were going to ask us to evacuate, but different way of living – you have to fortunately they just needed some bedding pack up your house, you get phenomenal supplies for their staff, so we were able to amounts of rain and a day off work because loan them a whole bunch of sheets and you’re not allowed to leave the house and pillows. After that, we put the kids to bed usually nothing happens. Out of about ten and just got ready. The kids basically slept red alerts that I’ve been through, this is the whole night, but we stayed up due to the first cyclone that has actually hit us on the noise. We lost power at about 9 o’clock the head and I’m not sure I’ll be excited for at night and it didn’t come on for another cyclones anymore because it was a scary 48 hours. The wind kept getting stronger experience. and stronger and at about 11 o’clock, our The morning was spent packing up house was really getting pounded. Water our house and the houses of people from was being pushed in through the windows church who were away. Then we planned and doors. what supplies to collect and what we might It’s very much an event that is out of cook over the next few days. When we your control and you need to just sit and checked the surf at about 4 o’clock in the wait, and trust God that whatever happens, afternoon, it was raining but the surf was happens. At about midnight, we prayed 12 WINTER 2015 Trusting God through Cyclone Olwyn

again because I didn’t know if the house four hours. It definitely is a moment where would stand up or not. The windows were you realise that you are not in control; you flexing and one of our cyclone-rated fence can strap everything down, but you just panels got punched out and was flapping have to sit and wait and see what happens. and looking like it might hit the house near We are thankful that we can say God our daughter’s room, so we moved her and was faithful in protection in the cyclone, then just had to trust God while it passed. but I think He was also faithful in that It was a great joy when at around 2 He can use a scary moment of your life o’clock in the morning, the wind changed to grow you and provide opportunities direction and the house was less stressed. for you to serve Him. There were lots of We no longer had a water feature in our opportunities for our church to come bedroom through the window and we could together and serve, at the church and finally get a couple of hours sleep before in other people’s houses – chopping up we woke in the morning to see all the trees, lending chain saws, cleaning up and damage. trying to fix things where they could. Once In the end, there wasn’t a whole lot the power came back on, there were also of damage to our house, but it certainly opportunities for the people with power to made us realise that these things are a be hospitable to those without. lot more serious than we’d thought in So it’s not as though God says ‘I’ve left the past – the difference between getting you and here is a cyclone.’ He provides glanced by a cyclone and getting hit by one amazing opportunities to serve and show is dramatic. One of our church members Christian love in your community and I had their sliding door pop out and smash, think He is faithful, even in the midst of so it brought the 190km/h winds into their adversity. • house and they had to sit in the toilet for Frank Nicol Exmouth WA THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 13 Reaching Families on Kangaroo Island

The Henley family (top right) have launched a Mainly Music programme and a Family Church service on Kangaroo Island

In the time that Brad and Joh Henley, and service and parents struggled in those their girls, Jemima and Gabriella, have services when they did occasionally visit.” been on Kangaroo Island, there has been And so under God’s guidance, Brad encouraging growth in the church, but not and his team launched Family Church among the population of young families on February 1, 2015. Calling it a “family- and single people. friendly and seeker-sensitive” service, Brad In 2013, Brad and Joh launched a Mainly says it’s a different church service that Music programme from KI Anglican in has brought people together across all Kingscote, the largest town on Kangaroo generations. “We made it clear a number of Island, but God showed them that there times in the lead up that it’s not a service was a need to provide a church service for families, but at the service we are family, more tailored to families. Brad explains, “The so everybody is welcome,” Brad says. “But current services by any church in Kingscote also, people are aware that it’s different weren’t providing a friendly or suitable to the traditional services so I think that’s environment for families and children. Most broken down one of the barriers and people are accustomed to a more reflective enabled some more people to check it out.”

14 WINTER 2015 Reaching Families on Kangaroo Island

And check it out they did. The first smaller, often family-based, groups within service had 55 people in attendance, the congregation. The children then head including approximately 20 people who over to the church halls to hear their talk, did not have a current connection with a while the adults hear a sermon. After the church on the island. “Praise God for that!” service ends, everyone is encouraged to Brad exclaims. “There were a good number stay for dinner. “Having a meal together has who might have had a Sunday School been really great for continuing to go a bit connection way in the past or they might deeper with people after each service,” Brad have had parents or grandparents praying reflects. for them for a long time, but they’ve finally And the feedback so far has been very started to explore Jesus.” positive. “People have expressed a desire Family Church begins with everyone – to continue on at Family Church and some including kids – in the service together to have made it back to subsequent services,” sing and pray together as a community. “We Brad says. give the kids some instruments and some Please join us in praying for Kangaroo of the songs have actions. Everyone gets Island’s Family Church as it continues to involved!” Brad says with a smile. Singing grow. • time is followed up by a time of prayer in Melinda Law

Once a Jolly Bilby…

BCA for Kids new mascot Banjo Bilby has braved sweltering summer weather to visit Combo Waterhole near Winton, the location where his famous namesake wrote the words to Waltzing Matilda. Wearing his trademark BCA hat and carrying his musical instrument, Banjo was accompanied by BCA’s Regional Officer for Queensland, The Reverend David Rogers- Smith. Members of the BCA family will be glad to know that unlike a certain swagman, Banjo and David both returned safely from their journey. •

ORDER YOUR BILBY ON PAGE 30! BCA CODE 018

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 15 God’s Faithfulness at Northampton

Trudy and David, pictured at their final service in Northampton, have seen God powerfully at work around them, even through times of change and challenge.

As many BCA supporters would know, Our change of lifestyle made it possible we volunteered as BCA Co-Workers to spend time each morning reading God’s in February 2013 to assist in Christian Word and praying together; something that ministry at the Anglican Church in we had been unable to do consistently ever Northampton, 500 km north of Perth. before! And the preparation of sermons, David had just completed a Diploma in Bible studies, services, Sunday School Bible and Mission at Moore College, Sydney lessons and music activities, enabled us to after a career in engineering and Trudy, who spend time studying and reflecting on God’s before motherhood had been a nurse, had Word - a great privilege! always wanted to live in Western Australia. The outcome was that our faith was It seemed that the Lord was calling us to greatly strengthened. use our gifts in Northampton, which was in Amazingly, it was when David was quite need of a minister. Although David suffers sick that God seemed to be at work most from arthritis, we knew that God was powerfully! We were reminded of Jesus’ faithful in times of change and challenge words to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My and we committed our mission to Him. is sufficient for you, for my power is God was indeed faithful in this time made perfect in weakness.” of change and challenge. We were able to We had to return to Sydney last January spend two years in Northampton, rather and the Holy Trinity congregation, together than the anticipated one year, enjoying the with visitors, gave us a wonderful send-off. friendship of the community and being We really miss them all, but we praise God blessed in many ways. for His faithfulness. He is our rock and we David had rarely preached or led a pray that we will wait faithfully for Him to church service before and Trudy had never reveal His plans for us and to equip us for led Sunday School, a Bible Study nor a the next challenges. •. children’s music group, but through God’s grace, that’s just what happened! Trudy and David Robinson 16 WINTER 2015 April Bottom Scholarship

Applications are now being invited for memberships, etc.) to support your the 2016 April Bottom Scholarship, worth application. $10,500. The winner for the 2016 Scholarship will April Bottom and her husband, David, be notified in mid-October this year and the were committed Christians who ran amount of $10,500 will go towards their Wirryilka Station for many years and tuition fees/boarding fees/text books, etc. experienced first-hand the difficulties as they commence their studies in 2016. of having their children Applications close on 15th educated. Before her death September, 2015. from cancer in 2003, April The 2015 recipient, expressed a desire to set Maddie Hoysted, up a fund to assist families from Broken Hill has from the West Darling commenced her Bachelor Parish region (now the of Clinical Practice Parish of the Far West (Paramedic) at Charles and Broken Hill) with the Sturt University in Port education of their children, Macquarie. The scholarship particularly where they is going towards Maddie’s Previous winner Maddie Hoysted needed to leave the region tuition and boarding. in order to achieve their “I’m really enjoying my education potential. course so far,” says Maddie. “Even though it In previous years, winners of the is very hard work, it’s also very interesting Scholarship have moved from their homes and involved. I’m really thankful I got to or properties surrounding Broken Hill and come to Port Macquarie…as the Uni here Menindee to study in Adelaide, Bathurst, is much smaller with less people per class, Sydney and Darwin. which means more personal interaction To be eligible, you must: with lecturers and much more hands- • Be a resident of the Parish of Broken Hill on learning. Also, the town itself is just and the Far West. beautiful! I’m really happy here.” • Undertake study outside the Parish in If you know someone who would 2016. benefit from the April Bottom Scholarship • Submit your completed application by or you are interested in obtaining further the closing date and have it verified by information please contact Robyn at: parents/carers. [email protected] or phone • Provide your last year’s academic 02 9262 5017. records and any other information (e.g. Applications can be downloaded from sporting, academic achievements, club our website: www.bushchurchaid.com.au • THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 17 Serving in Moranbah

Brianna at the Carols by Candlelight stall in 2014

I have been a member of the St Francis stock and polished the silver. It was an easy Anglican Church Moranbah since my step for a young mother. christening in the early 1980s. When the church was without a However it wasn’t until my father passed permanent minister for a rather long time, I away and I received such wonderful support became involved in helping our then current from our then minister, Father Rod Gooden, lay minister, Sonia Widderick, in conducting that I became a regular member in 2004. I informal services. I later became secretary also felt the importance of growing the love of the Parish Council when Father John of God in my children’s lives. Coleman took up ministry and I remained I have seen this little church through in that position for about four years. I now many changes – from being a mostly older sit on the Council as a Councillor. I have congregation, to an almost non-existent found it amazing how God has grown me one and then to the thriving and growing as a leader and allowed me to meet such church family that it is now. When there enriching people on my journey. were only 6-7 regular attendees, I saw St Francis Anglican Church is part of the need to help out and became involved such a transient environment. But I have with leadership. At first I used to help by been lucky enough to have learnt from and ordering candles and making sure the ones grown with some amazing people who have on display were acceptable. I also changed shown me the path to God and dragged me the liturgical colours, maintained the wine back when I fell off. God Himself has such 18 WINTER 2015 Serving in Moranbah

an inspiring presence here, increasingly drawing His loving family to Him every Sunday and throughout the many outreach programmes during the week. BCA workers, Captains Stuart and Katherine Brianna with Stuart Haynes have brought a fresh outlook and great leader by always knowing when it was enthusiasm to the congregation, which time for me to step up. Even when I am has grown significantly in the time that completely unsure of myself, He is always they have been here. We now have an confident in me. No job is too little or too established kids’ club, a youth ministry, big in God’s house, as long as all you work two Bible study programmes and prayer for, is for God. • dedication. Brianna Baggow Personally, God has grown me as a St Francis Anglican, Moranbah

BCA VICTORIA BCA WA UPCOMING EVENTS Bush Church Aid 2015 Spring Lunches PRAYER AND NEWS Hear Revd Dr Greg Anderson, missiologist, Indigenous MEETING specialist and Bishop of the Northern Territory: “What is God doing in Australia’s TH fast growing North?” SATURDAY 6 JUNE MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Holy Trinity, 106 Church Street, Doncaster ST PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER CRISAFULLI AVE, WANNEROO Christ Church, 6 Palmerston Street, Berwick WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER Christ Church, Cnr Ely Court and Keilor Park Drive, Brimbank. 9:30-11:00 AM Noon start. Finish by 2.00pm. Children welcome. $20.00 per person (for lunch) For more information, contact Rob Healy at plus Sunset Snacks and Chat [email protected] MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER or phone 1300 554 025 (freecall) St Michael’s, 14 McIlwraith St, North Carlton From 5.30pm for 6pm start, finish by 7pm. $20.00 per person RSVP Thursday 17 September 2015 Phone: 03 9457 7556 Email: [email protected]

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 19 Nomads Gather to be Sent and Serve

BCA Nomads visiting All Saints’ Anglican Church in Nundle

Over 60 BCA Nomads gathered in February experiences on the road. for six days of teaching and fellowship as Brian and Margaret Rose from Kellyville they explored how they might continue spoke about their six-month trip around to use their gifts to serve churches and Australia in 2013. As well as plenty of communities in the bush. sightseeing, they took time to serve – The gathering, the first of its kind, was helping with an Easter outreach and held in the village of Nundle, south-east of maintenance work in Lightning Ridge and Tamworth. It included times of studying the cooking for a church camp in Kununurra. Bible in small groups, joining together in Margaret said they had learnt a lot praise and hearing from each other about about God’s faithfulness on the way.

Discussions at the Nomads’ gathering were encouraging and fruitful as they considered how to best use their gifts to serve bush churches and communities

20 WINTER 2015 “I think that even if you’re unsure of the job, God gives the ability that is sufficient for the job THE BCA JOURNEY Wherever we are on the highways and byways you’re there to do.” enjoying our task of helping with chores, The theme of God’s enabling is also present in the BCA Nomads BCA Nomads joining together song, which was written for the all with a skill, advancing the cause. occasion by Nomad Robert Joice. Whatever is right, whatever is noble, The chorus says “Whatever is whatever is pure, I can do all things right, whatever is noble, whatever through Christ who strengthens me. is pure, I can do all things through Nomads are thought of as those without homes Christ who strengthens me” and restlessly moving, unable to roost. the final verse ends “Our lives on But houses of God are our family homes also His journey, taken with others, spiralling costs, our role to reduce. coming together, now sending us Chorus out.” Out in the bush most life isn’t easy, On Sunday the Nomads the people of God could do with a hand. swelled the numbers at All Saints’ Not always the hammer, painting and weeding, Anglican Church, which was also more often hearing words, softly spoken, unplanned. hosting a Scottish clan gathering. They also enjoyed some Nundle Chorus attractions, including a gold mine Some stories are told that lead us to and trout farm. laughter, BCA Nomads are Christians others we hear simply stir our self who use a trip around Australia doubt. as an opportunity to serve at Our lives on His journey, taken with BCA centres and other locations. others, If you want to find out more coming together, now sending us about joining up please go out. to www.bushchurchaid. Chorus com.au/servinginmission/ nomad or contact Nomads Philippians 4:8, 13 Co-ordinators Doug and ©Robert Joice 2015 Frances Orr at nomads@ bushchurchaid.com.au. • Mark Short BCA National Director THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 21 Forty Years in the Desert Chasing Opal

We came to the “Opal Capital of The second visit to the Catacomb Church the World” in 1975 leaving behind a was, I feel, a great turning point in my life successful but demanding business. and our family life. Holding and reading Coober Pedy was booming: fortunes the Bible that day made me realise my own being made daily, opal ideas and theories were was in great demand worthless and that worldwide and prices there was more to life were high. than opal. Coober Pedy then Judy and I have been a town of 5,000 part of this wonderful hopeful young men ministry since 1978. We seeking quick money, have seen a number of had a culture of ministers pass through, drinking, gambling and each bringing their recklessness that made Dodge City of the spiritual gifts, each shaping our lives in Wild West fame look tame. Behind us, we some way. left comfort and a guaranteed income to Our little church is forever grateful for start a life isolated from civilisation in the the prayers and support of BCA supporters. hot dry desert. With hard work and a jack The ministry here continues to change and hammer, we built a small but comfortable touch lives daily. underground home. I don’t think we ever Our walk with God has been influenced looked back as we always had the feeling in many different ways, including through that with every stick of gelignite, our a connection our church formed with a fortune too would be uncovered. As time young Indian pastor. In 2013, Judy and I went by, however, our finances dwindled travelled to Kakinada, India to see firsthand until we were basically broke. the needs of this pastor’s people. We found Judy had been raised with a Catholic that God works miracles when we step background and saw the need to make out in faith to do His work. He has led our sure our children, Darren and Lisa, learnt church into supporting this pastor through Christian values. Against my will, Judy an orphanage and now the building of a thought we should take them to the BCA school. Catacomb Church as they had an active Where and how God will lead us from Sunday School. My first impression was here we don’t know, but life in His service of a healthy church with the preacher has and never will be anything but exciting (Kerry Medway) promoting his beliefs very and rewarding. • enthusiastically, however I really didn’t want Brian Underwood to hear any convincing messages. Catacomb Church, Coober Pedy 22 WINTER 2015 Councillor’s Column

I grew up in a Christian family in a Sydney Australia to have access to Christian suburb. I attended Sunday School, Girls teaching and community, and to like- Friendly Society, Heralds of the King, minded mentors and peers that were so Youth Fellowship, did Sunday School important in my life. exams and went on ISCF (Inter-School I have been aware of God’s faithfulness Christian Fellowship) weekends and lots in the changes and challenges that present of Youth Group activities including dances to me often in my work as a general and hikes. medical practitioner; the After studying at a girls’ changing and remarkable selective high school, I did progress in medicine Medicine at University on a through the years with its Commonwealth Scholarship moral and ethical sequelae, and worked as a doctor here, the challenges that the in the United Kingdom, and management of chronic as a short term locum for the disease presents to us all, the Flying Doctor Service at Broken burdens and chaos of life, the Hill. I am married and have three children distress and anguish of mental illness and and five grandchildren, and have the loneliness and isolation in loss. worshipped with my husband in the same God is faithful. He is a very present help Anglican church for the past 42 years. in trouble, a Rock, a Fortress and Friend, I joined BCA committees a few years ago even through the Valley of the Shadow of and am hopeful that we can help young Death. • people in remote, regional and rural Roslyn Symons BCA Councillor

NORTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA TOUR JULY 2016 – 28 DAYS Come on a BCA CFT holiday for a fantastic time of sightseeing and fellowship. This particular holiday lets you explore the North Western coast of Australia, including the Kakadu National Park, The Kimberleys and Broome, as you experience a taste of outback life and BCA ministries.. Darwin – Kakadu National Park – Katherine – Kununurra – Fitzroy Crossing – Broome – Port Hedland – Newman – Tom Price – Karratha – Exmouth – Carnarvon – Denham – Kalbarri – Geraldton – Perth

Packages are available departing from Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

For more information contact your Regional Office or email [email protected] TOURS OPERATED BY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP TOURS THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 23 Post & Rails

CONGRATULATIONS The Rt Revd David Robinson (Bishop of the Diocese of Rockhampton, consecrated 2nd September 2014); The Rt Revd Dr Greg Anderson (Bishop of the Diocese of the Northern Territory, consecrated David and Priya Morgan 29th November 2014); The Rt Revd Kay with them and their families and friends Goldsworthy (Bishop of the Diocese of and the many pray-ers. Please continue to Gippsland, installed on 21st March 2015); pray for David and Priya as they settle into The Rt Revd Chris McLeod, a Gurindji man, being new parents. was consecrated as Assistant Bishop of the WELCOME Diocese of Adelaide on 11th April 2015 (the Craig Buchanan to the Queensland/N.NSW Gurindji people come from the Northern Regional Office as Office Manager. Craig is a member of St Johns Wishart and is well known to members of our Regional Committee. His experience encompasses administration, IT and working with missionary organisations in the past. Heather Jamir will be working in the National Office on her Social Work practicum, under the direction of Mark Vika and Grant Webb’s wedding Short. She will research our Field locations and how we can best support those on the Territory and their land is south-west of front line of ministry. Katherine). BCA was represented on each Banjo Bilby, our BCA for occasion and looks forward to working in Kids mascot. “Banjo” has partnership with our newest . been trademarked and on To Vika and Grant Webb who married on the drawing board over the April 18th in Lawson, NSW. Vika has worked past 12 months. We are in the NSW/ACT Office for the past 7½ excited to introduce him and offer him for years and is well known by many of our sale. Please use the order form on the last supporters. Members of the National and page to secure your own “Banjo” Bilby. NSW office were privileged to share with VALE Vika on this very special occasion. Ken Langshaw, OAM 21/3/1939 – 27/2/15 David and Priya Morgan announced the Ken was an ardent supporter of BCA. He safe arrival of Evangeli Anna Morgan into was the son of The Revd Reg and Mrs Iris the world on Sunday, 19th April. We rejoice Langshaw (BCA Missioners in Wilcannia 24 WINTER 2015 Post & Rails

1937-38, and his father was BCA State to serve Christ in remote parts of Australia. Secretary, NSW from 1974-77). Ken served She met and married John Argall, the BCA on the SA State Committee of BCA in the Pharmacist at Ceduna before they moved late 1970’s and from 1981 as Chairman to Port Augusta and finally Adelaide. of the SA/NT Regional Committee. He was Her daughter Judith, was able to share the regional representative on the National memories of BCA days with her mother Council and Executive from May 1983 to through letters and photographs only weeks May 1999 and the Box Secretary/Mission before she died. Contact at Holy Trinity Church, Adelaide for Sr. Marjorie Dixon (nee Tarr) BCA Nurse many, many years. from 1954–1965 at the hospitals in Ceduna, The Revd Gordon Hargreaves – 3rd April Penong and as Sister in Charge at Cook 2015, at home after a long illness. Hospital and finally Tarcoola. Whilst training Gordon was an ex BCA Missioner at Paraburdoo from 1983 to 1989 in WA. He and his wife Ann were faithful supporters of BCA and served on the Victorian Regional Committee for some years. From Paraburdoo Sr. Marjorie Dixon he returned to Melbourne as Vicar at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, of St Andrew’s Glen she heard David Livingstone (BCA Missioner, Waverley. NSW State Secretary and Asst Organising Gordon was Area Missioner 1938-1952) speak and knew God Dean for Waverley/Knox 1994-2000 and was calling her to serve Him in the bush. 2003-2006. His parish was one of three In 1966 she resigned from BCA and that amalgamated to become Glen Waverley married the Principal of Tarcoola Primary Anglican Church in 1997. He was the Senior School, Ken Dixon. Associate Priest under the The Revd John FAREWELL Harrower (now Bishop of Tasmania and BCA The National Office farewelled Alison President) until he retired in 2007. Pearce (Print Media and Communications Sr. Colleen Ennever (Argall) BCA Nurse Officer) as she left on maternity leave to at Ceduna and Penong from 1959-1960, await the birth of her second child. Alison passed away peacefully on 21st March. and her husband, John, have one daughter, Colleen trained at Wollongong Hospital Zoe, born in 2013. • and was challenged by God at a BCA rally THE REAL AUSTRALIAN 25 From The Archives

The Nation has risen to greet the 100th a powerful catalyst for change, especially anniversary of the ANZAC campaign with as the traditional Christian culture of enthusiasm; Australia’s desire for national acceptance of death was in decline,” identity. Jalland quotes from the Manchester One hundred years ago, the case for an Guardian of 27th Dec 1915, “in the graves Australian identity was also forming in the of Gallipoli lie the seeds of Australia’s Anglican Church. In 1913 the Archbishop immortality”. Jalland’s essay introduction of Sydney was in discussion with a London closes with, “The soldiers who sacrificed based mission society working in Australia’s their lives became national heroes who back blocks about forming an Australian provided Australia with a powerful image of evangelical organisation similar to the the formation of national identity through Bush Brotherhoods. However the Great war. However, this public model of military War intervened and delayed the plan; in heroism created strains for some grieving spite of climatic years of deprivation and soldiers and families during and after the restrictions the committees in London and war.” Australia pressed on. Soon after peace was These ‘strains’ in families who lost loved declared, the BCA we know came to be. ones or who took up soldier settlement Those responsible realised the need for blocks in the bush without appropriate mission was never more pressing: declines debriefing were not addressed by the in Christian faith in Australia in the late growing secular society nor by the church, 1800’s were well known and ministry in which was failing to provide ministry in far ‘the bush’ was becoming tougher; the flung places. A spiritual witness to Christ Brotherhoods were finding it increasingly was needed and it was this need which the difficult to make spiritual progress with newly formed BCA of 1919 grasped under those on their rounds; the methods the motto of ‘Australia for Christ’. employed by the church and clergy A few BCA missioners in the early years presence in bush Australia were regularly had seen war service. One who gained his lampooned by the press and literary wings in the RAF as peace was declared, establishment of the day; a different model took to the air in western NSW, using a was needed to meet the growing secular Cirrus moth bi-plane to reach those who society of Australia. had been flung far and wide across the Pat Jalland in ‘Australians and the First country by the war. His message was simply World War’ (2015) says that “During and to bring Christ into their lives; something he after the First World War emotional and did successfully with the creative genius of expressive grieving became less common… his plane. Others followed Leonard Daniels’ mourning ritual was minimised and sorrow (1923-1931) and his example but in their became a private matter. The war itself was own way: Charles Kemmis (‘32-‘33), Laurie 26 WINTER 2015 From The Archives

An interesting Archival discovery Luders was one for margin notes in registers marking local and national events. One outstanding example, dated March 1945 and written in red ink reads: “No other services possible because of bad condition of Hospital mortuary a corpse was allowed to rest in the church during Saturday afternoon & night. In consequence no early service possible + after removal of corpse Church was untenable for about a week in spite of liberal use of deodorants etc.. SUCCESSORS ARE WARNED”

Lambert (‘34-‘37), Reg Langshaw (‘37-‘38), St James’ Church Wilcannia for prayers David Livingstone (‘38-‘41), and Karl Luders and thanksgivings to mark ‘the official (‘42-‘46) covered the vast patch known announcement of the capitulation by as the Parish of Wilcannia, regardless of Japan’, as he noted in the service register. presenting situation, depression, drought, Subsequent gatherings at White Cliffs floods, economic hardship, rabbit plagues, and Tibooburra also thanked God for the and again a World War. The task was cessation of WWII, with the margin note in the same – to bring the comfort and the register for the Tibooburra service on 2 consolation of Christ the King and Great September reading, “Japan’s representatives Shepherd into the lives of those who for signed surrender terms on this date”. Peace whatever reason found themselves in that meant so much to these folk, more than remote corner facing the hardship and loss enough to thank God wholeheartedly for which war brings. the comfort of Christ during the war years.• On Wednesday 15 May 1945, we note Brian Roberts that Karl Luders gathered 29 locals in the Hon. Archivist

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