Cultural Awareness

Greetings friends. I am writing this newsletter from Perth, part way through a week long series of conferences given by Dr. Don Carson. Many may be aware of Dr Carson's theological books which have been a real inspiration for me over the years. To now be able to meet him and sit under his teaching has been a once in a life time opportunity! His messages have been very clear and challenging. It is imperative that we keep the main thing the main thing – that is to be certain to proclaim Jesus Christ as the solution to the problem of autonomy. It is through Jesus alone that we are able to be restored into a right relationship with our creator, because he has taken the punishment as atoning sacrifice that we all deserve. There is no other way that we can be made right with God: not through our own good works or efforts; not by being a nice person; not even by attending Church regularly! And God desires nothing more than to have a relationship with us. He is always reaching down to us, all we need to do is take hold of his offer. The week in Perth has also allowed me to catch up with many of our supporters, and to speak at a couple of locations on what is happening in Broome.

We have just begun a preaching series at Broome Anglican Church on 1 Samuel. How great it is to be reminded of how God has acted through out history to bring his people back to him by sending a saviour. How spectacular it is to know that we can know the ultimate saviour - Jesus! He is not only Lord over all things but a friend.

Broome is going well. We have just enjoyed the annual Shinju Festival. The kids took part in the float parade, dancing with their dance classes on or in front of a double-decker bus. It was a celebration of Broome's multiculturalism, and of the town's heritage. It prompted some good discussion in our Bible-Study group as we looked at 1 Corinthians 8, and recognised that while we know that pagan festivals and sacrifices to idols mean nothing, we must not allow our freedom in taking part in such festivals to be a stumbling block to others. We need use the opportunity to teach ofulfillmentilment available to all in Christ.

Part of Broome's present day multiculturalism comes from the 40% of our population who are Aboriginal or Torres Islanders. We have a great opportunity to reach out to these people with the good news of Jesus; however I am at a loss as to how to do this effectively. I am slowly coming to understand their culture. Many of the indigenous population relies on government hand-outs and welfare, but this is only resolving a small part of the issues that the Indigenous communities face. How can we, as a church, become part of the solution? Do our food handouts help in any really useful way? How can we be really effective with the precious words of life that we have in "Jars of Clay"? What would be great is if we had a dedicated Anglican Aboriginal worker in the area to effectively address their needs, and evangelise them in an appropriate way. Please be praying for the Indigenous peoplKimberlyKimberley.

Other points of interest are the progress of the Anglican School in Broome. The Anglican School's Commission (ASC) has submitted a proposal to the State Minister for Education. It is currently undergoing pre-approval assessment by an independent committee who will assess the viability of the school and present their findings to the Minister. Please be praying for this process. We should have a determination by the end of the year. When all is approved the ASC will role out its building program on the land that is in the process of being purchased in Broome. We plan to open the school in 2009 with year 8, and add a year group each year from there. The school provides a wonderful opportunity for Broome, as we hope that many families will choose to stay in Broome to educate their high school kids, rather than sending their kids to Boarding School or moving the whole family to another city. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for the gospel as we reach out to the kids and families involved in the school.

As a family we are doing well. We have enjoyed the cooler months, and are preparing ourselves for the heat and humidity that will come in November / December. Tim and Emily are doing well. They were both awarded ribbons for their efforts in the School sports carnival. Emily also recently received an award for her reading out a few pages from a book on Meteors to the whole school at an assembly. We and her teacher were very proud of her! Both the kids are enjoying Church and are learning many things from the bible at Sunday school and the JAFFA kids club, as well as our daily bible reading and prayer times. Bec is enjoying leading her bible study, and is progressing well at her piano lessons. She is also busy getting our church building maintenance and development program up and running, as well as being my number one ministry consultant. As a family we will be heading to Geraldton shortly for our diocesan Synod followed by 3 weeks annual holiday. Lachlan will be priested during the Synod Commencement Service.


Give praise:

. That we have settled in well in Broome
· For Colin and Judy finding a house to rent (we'll miss them dearly)
· For Don Carson and his ministry to us
· For friends and churches who have been supporting us.

Please pray:

· For the Anglican School in Broome
· For the current plight of Aboriginals across the Kimberley
· For boldness to proclaim the gospel in the town
· For continued support of the ministry.
· For Judy and Colin's baby due in late October

. For Lachlan's priesting on 6th October in Gerladton

Thank you for your continued support.