Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

Weekly Blurb

Moore College Mission

Sunday 13 April, 2008 · Posted by Paul Brigden

Every year, all students studying at Moore College visit another church within Sydney or further afield for the purpose of declaring the good news about Jesus Christ. This year, Luke Woodhouse and Paul Brigden visited Darwin where they were hosted by two churches, St Peter’s, Nightcliff and St James, Sanderson.

It was very encouraging to see the power of God at work in the city. This was demonstrated as Paul participated in high school seminars and watched unsettled audiences become quiet and attentive as soon as the speaker stated that Jesus is God. It was also demonstrated when Luke witnessed an indigenous bible study led in Creole (the dominant aboriginal language spoken in Darwin). It was profoundly clear in this bible study that the word of God is powerful to cross what can seem to be uncrossable cultural boundaries.

Other activities included dialogue meetings, where many fruitful discussions and who God is and what he has done took place. A women’s dinner and a men’s breakfast were other highlights. Luke also enjoyed jumping crocodiles and getting lost around Darwin. Paul also enjoyed Litchfield National Park and coming home.

Some aspects of ministry in Darwin present challenges. Ministry to the indigenous population presents the churches in Darwin with large and complex issues and consensus regarding these issues has not been reached. Christians in Darwin disagree on a number of important theological issues. Dealing with these disagreements in a gracious, yet clear manner is therefore very important. The weather, the isolation and the transient population are place additional strains on the population up there.

Overall, it is clear that Darwin, and the Diocese of the Northern Territory is rich with opportunities for ministry and this Diocese, and its bishop, Greg Thompson, need continued prayer.

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