the real australian - The Bush Church Aid Society

SPRING 2013
the real australian
Understanding with BCA for Kids, page 22 and
Soul Food for Sydney Survivors page 20
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BCA Directory
The Real Australian is a registered
trademark of the Bush Church Aid Society.
First published 1920–Edition No. 359
Circulation 32,000
All enquiries to
The Editor, The Bush Church Aid Society of Australia,
Level 7, 37 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
email ra@bushchurchaid.com.au
website www.bushchurchaid.com.au
Patrons Most Revd Dr Peter Jensen
Most Revd Dr Phillip Aspinall
President Rt Revd Stuart Robinson
Vice President Revd Canon John Butler
Vice President Emeritus Revd Tom Morgan
Chairman Mr Fred Chilton
Hon. Treasurer Mr Richard Host
National Director
Revd Dr Mark Short
National Office Revd Dr Mark Short
Level 7, 37 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9262 5017–Fax: (02) 9262 5020
email Mark.Short@bushchurchaid.com.au
Administration Manager Mrs Robyn Williams
email robyn@bushchurchaid.com.au
Media and Communications Officer
Mr Timothy Adkins email timothy@bushchurchaid.com.au
NSW/ACT Office Revd Chris Baxter
Level 7, 37 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9262 5017–Fax: (02) 9262 5020
email chris@bushchurchaid.com.au
Victoria BCA Centre Revd Adrian Lane
PO Box 281, Heidelberg, VIC 3084
Phone (03) 9457 7556–Fax: (03) 9457 7610
email victoria@bushchurchaid.com.au
SA/NT BCA Centre Mrs Vivien Bleby
35 Whitmore Square Adelaide SA 5000
Phone (08) 8221 5444
email vivien@bushchurchaid.com.au
QLD/Nthn NSW Office Revd Ian McGrath
PO Box 6565, Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122
Phone (07) 3349 9081–Fax: (07) 3849 7927
email ian@bushchurchaid.com.au
Tasmania Office Revd Dennis Quinn
63 Belar St Howrah TAS 7018
Phone (03) 6244 5098
email tas@bushhurchaid.com.au
WA BCA Centre
Revd Rob Healy
c/-GPO Box W2067, Perth WA 6846
Phone 1300 554 025
email rob.healy@bushchurchaid.com.au
2
SPRING 2013
Contents
3 Editorial
Revd Dr Mark Short, National Director
4 Partnership with the Coats
Holbrook
6 Nungalinya 40th Anniversary
7 Christian Care and Advocacy in Action
BCA Disaster Relief Research and Resource
Development
8 The Miners Bible
10 Proclaiming with the Henleys
Kangaroo Island
13 Open Gate and MHFA
14 Richard Lanham Ordination and
Nurturing
16 Strengthening with the Nixons
Winton
19 Tracks of Grace
20 Soul Food for Sydney Survivors
Soul Survivor
21 April Bottom Scholarship
22 Understanding with BCA for Kids
Locations around Australia
24 Post & Rails
26 Councillor’s Column
David O’ Mara
27 From the Archives
Cover: BCA for Kids gather at a picnic at Appin and this
group of girls are writing down BCA locations they would
pray for.

Editorial
During a recent visit to King Island I
enjoyed some warm soup and warmer
fellowship with the congregation at All
Saints’ Anglican Church.
I found myself chatting to Kathleen,
who has been part of church life there for
all of her nine and a bit decades. Over that
time she’s seen plenty of changes in church
and community – new arrivals and new
industries, new patterns of ministry and
opportunities for mission. But what hasn’t
changed is God’s commitment to her in
Jesus and her commitment to serving Him.
In the months to come the Council
of BCA will be engaging in a process of
reviewing the particular contribution we
make to Christ’s mission and how we
communicate it to current and potential
supporters. No doubt that review will result
in some new initiatives.
But what will not change is every bit
as important as what may. BCA remains
committed under God to carrying out its
sixfold statement of purpose, namely
• to proclaim Christ so that people may
respond to Him;
• to nurture Christians in their faith and
mission
• to strengthen local Christian communities
in their mission
• to provide services of Christian care and
advocacy
• to develop an understanding of Christ’s
mission and
• to promote active partnership throughout
the church.
In this edition of the Real Australian you
will read examples of how we are seeking
to live out this purpose. Maybe you might
use it to review your own priorities in
mission.
By the way, please pray for the people
at All Saints’ as they prepare for their
centenary later this year and give thanks
for Kathleen, who already has some ideas
for marking her own centenary, God willing.
Mark Short
National Director
the real australian 3

Partnership in Holbrook with the Coats
Some of the kids in a group discussing a topic from the bible
God always has a way of surprising us in
one way or another and in this instance he
did that by blessing a partnership between
a country and city church from NSW and
ACT.
Never quite knowing how a certain
event will turn out is always something
that plays on the minds of leaders when
endeavouring to organise a programme
or mission. That was initially how James
Coats, who serves with BCA at St Paul’s
Holbrook, felt. However, that feeling was
soon overcome with joy by the end of the
programme and he was thoroughly thrilled
by the outcome. Recently Holbrook Anglican
Church hosted a holiday programme for
children and young people and had a team
from St Matthew’s Anglican Church, ACT
come along and help them run it. It was a
week where many witnessed Jesus for the
first time, through the love and authenticity
4 SPRING 2013
these young Christians showed, and it gave
others the chance to grow and build upon
their faith.
One of the exciting aspects of the week
was the kids’ programme that took place
every morning and it was fantastic. They
got involved, were well engaged and looked
like they loved every minute of it. The way
each team member put in their “all” and
served was wonderful and you could see
their enthusiasm was driving that and each
one got really involved. You could see the
preparation was excellent and the props
they used really added to the feel of it. On
top of all that there was a jumping castle,
which was a great drawcard, and lots of
fun for the kids. One of the mothers told
another mum that her child at home was
going through family members saying
“Jesus loves you” and then finishing with
“And Jesus loves you too, mummy.” Isn’t

Many games and fun were also had during the week of camp
that wonderful? Tim McGhie, who helped
with the kids’ programme, said “I was
delighted to see the excitement and interest
within the young children in our group,
as they learnt more about what Jesus has
done for them. It also was great to see the
smiling faces of the families when they
arrived each morning and left St Paul’s at
the end of each session.”
The other thrilling outcome of the weekend
was having activities for the older youth as
well. A number of fantastic Bible studies took
place and it was a real opportunity for the
teenagers in Holbrook to meet with Christian
teenagers who were fun to be with and
took their faith seriously. That is definitely
something to rejoice in. One of the young
people commented “You guys are so cool,
you’re so into God and you’re so relatable.” It
was great that the Holbrook teens were able
to hang out with the team members at the
pizza night and later have so much fun at
the bush dance. Although in one sense they
encroached on team time, I think allowing
them to hang out with the team was quite a
valuable ministry in itself. Dave Abraham was
one of the youth leaders and he said “I was
really encouraged by seeing our teenagers
sharing Jesus, and their lives, with the teens in
Holbrook. They did so in a very real way which
showed they cared about people and that
following Jesus was really good news.” Norm
Barker (now 62), who also helped out with
the leaders of the trip, said “I was an honorary
young bloke for the week. It was exciting
and a great privilege to serve with a fantastic
group of young leaders. They had Jesus at the
centre of all they did and that made a huge
impact on the children.”
•
James Coats
Holbrook Affiliate
the real australian 5

Nungalinya College
Celebrates 40th
Anniversary
2013 marks a major milestone for
Nungalinya College, which is celebrating
forty years of ‘Empowering Indigenous
Christians.’
Many have been blessed through
the ministry the college has provided
throughout the years, having been trained
and equipped in areas of Foundational
Studies, Theology and Ministry, and Cultural
Awareness Studies. Nungalinya College
is a Combined Churches Training College
for Indigenous Australians, situated in
Casuarina, a northern suburb of Darwin, NT,
and was founded back in 1973. Jude Long,
who is the Principal of the college, says
“Nungalinya is an immensely significant
College. Most of the Indigenous church
leaders have at one time studied at the
College or had an association with it.”
Joy Sandefur, who is the National
Researcher and Advisor on Indigenous
Matters at BCA says, “we have been
involved with Nungalinya for many of the
forty years of the College’s existence. Our
provision of staff in various capacities,
such as literacy worker, librarian, teacher
and the Dean of Anglican students has
contributed to the development and
empowerment of Indigenous Christians and
the churches they come from. It is exciting
to see students come to the College and
over a number of visits grow in confidence,
learning and skills. Nungalinya is strongly
endorsed by Aboriginal Christians who
6 SPRING 2013
One of the students with an iPad that the
college has been blessed with this year
Studying the Bible
appreciate this unique opportunity for
learning the Bible and ministry skills.”
Recently BCA Nomads Barry and Pat
(Gold Coast), Frank and Pauline (Tamworth),
Lorraine and Brandt (NZ), and Penny and
Trevor (Toowoomba) visited and helped out
at the College. Property Manager Neil Black
said, “Our volunteer labour force has been
nothing short of magnificent. So I wish to
give our heartfelt thanks to BCA for your
strong support of the College.”
The men have been renovating an
accommodation unit which looks spick and
span with a new coat of paint, ready for
another lot of students who are coming

A number of Nomads recently visited Nungalinya to help do some work on the grounds
next week. The women, under instruction
from an archivist, have been sorting
through and organising the College’s
historical records. This has helped us
appreciate some of the achievements and
challenges of the College, over 40 years of
“Empowering Indigenous Christians”. They
have also been privileged to get to know
some of the wonderful staff, students and
local church congregation.
Nungalinya staff and students have
numerous good reasons for looking
ahead. The College has been blessed with
iPads being made available for students,
as well as a new Media Centre, used for
daily chapel services. This has helped the
students gain valuable experience in using
microphones and speaking in public. The
growth that can be seen in the students is
wonderful. There is also a new course that
has just started which is a Certificate II in
Media and Discipleship. In 2014 a Certificate
II in Music will also be offered as many
Aboriginal Christians are writing music in
their own language and this certificate will
assist them greatly.•
Timothy Adkins
Media and Communications Officer
the real australian 7

‘The Miners Bible’ and ‘Out Of the Pit’
Two of BCA’s ministry partners, the Bible
Society and the ‘Out Of the Pit’ mining
ministry have launched ‘The Miners Bible’
for people working in and around the
resource sector and it is being used by
BCA Field Staff to reach Aussie miners.
‘Out of the Pit’ is a Christian
organisation connecting those in the
resources industry with Christian fellowship.
Mining often happens in remote locations
meaning time away from home, where it’s
easy to get disconnected and isolated. That’s
where ‘Out Of the Pit’ comes in, looking to
help miners cope. Former mining engineer
Richard Fortune experienced this lack of
support miners had working in such remote
areas. He decided to form an organisation
to tackle that problem by bringing
together a community of Christians who
would support each other. Today there
is a community of over 500 miners and
churches involved seeking to help mining
communities and their immediate circle.
BCA Field Staff Chaplain Peter
Palmer works in a Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO)
environment in and out of mining sites,
spending 2- 3 days onsite with miners.
Recently he spoke at the 2013 Mine Rescue
Challenge, giving away over 100 Miners
A group of miners relaxing with the Miners’ bible in hand
8 SPRING 2013

Bibles featuring an article by him called
‘How to Stay in the Vine While Digging
in the Dirt.’ Upon receiving it, the miners
asked Peter his favourite verse. He replied
with John 15:13,
saying “every time
the rescue team
gets called to an
emergency, each
team member
puts their life on
the line for those
they rescue”. One
miner told Peter
that what he said
was very profound
and they would
treasure the
passage. They were
not Christian.
The Miners
Bible has a
fluoro orange
cover allowing
miners to take it
underground. It
issues that miners are struggling with like
loneliness, fear of safety and anxiety. So we
provide Bible based pastoral prayers, they
can use. It has wonderful testimonies of
people who have
been impacted by
the gospel in the
mining industry.
“It is our desire
to see the word
of God spread
throughout
the mining
community in
Australia.”
Since the Bible
launched it’s
gained overseas
recognition and is
being considered
by ‘International
Miners Mission,’
for use around
the world. “It’s
a friendly and
useful tool for
features twenty
Christians to use
Peter in the rescue stretcher
colour pages of
to reach out to
miner-specific
content including testimonies, prayers,
guidance and information about ‘Out of the
Pit’. Its purpose is to provide support and
encouragement for those in the resource
sector, mainly working on remote sites,” said
others in the
industry, is pocket sized and easy to hand
out to people,” said Mark Hemans. Please
pray for the work that the Bible Society and
‘Out Of the Pit’ do as they work to reach
different communities, tailoring to each
Mark Hemans, Network Pastor from ‘Out Of specific need.
•
the Pit’. “One of the unique aspects about
the Bible is that it’s for those dealing with
Timothy Adkins
Media and Communications Officer
the real australian 9

Proclaiming in Kangaroo Island
with The Henleys
On a little island off the coast of Adelaide,
there is a small community working to
make a difference through the gospel. In
a place whose livelihood depends largely
on tourism, it is having a significant
impact on people.
BCA Field
Staff the Revd
Brad and Dr Joh
Henley, who
serve with the
Island’s Kingscote
Anglican Church,
are starting a
new ministry
Recently the Henleys were interviewed
on the Island by the local newspaper ‘The
Islander’. Here is some of what they had to
say about life on Kangaroo Island…
How have you settled in here?
Everyone has been very warm and
welcoming and
it hasn’t taken
long to become
part of this
community.
People are
very generous
and they pull
together to make
called ‘Mainly
Music.’ The idea
A wonderful portrait of the Henley family in Kangaroo
Island
things happen
as volunteers for
is for parents
CFS and SES, or
and carers to bring along their children for
a thirty minute session of music, rhyme,
movement, listening and more. Adults
must participate in it, for that encourages
the children to join in. This is followed by
a morning tea, which gives children the
opportunity to enjoy the company of one
another and the adults to do the same.
The programme has now officially started
and invitations have gone out to families
in the area. This is only just the beginning
however. Brad says, “We’re excited for
many reasons. One reason is because it is
a team ministry that enables all ages of
parishioners to contribute in significant
ways to help in serving young families and
proclaiming Christ in word and deed.”
the way our local Churches come together.
What do you love most about KI?
It would have to be the people and it’s
wonderful to be invited to take part in
community events and feel that we fit in
already.
Your favourite spot on KI?
Stokes Bay because I first visited the
island when I was eight years old. My
brothers and I and our cousins went there
with our parents. We were poking around
the rocks looking for crabs and wondering
why the adults had brought us here when
one of us saw the sign to the beach. We
went through the rocks to this untouched
beach and I felt like I was the first person
on earth to go there.
10 SPRING 2013

A gathering of one of the early Mainly Music sessions
How are you involved with the
community?
The service of the Church is central and
there’s always different things going on.
Being part of ANZAC Day commemorations
this year was fantastic. I wouldn’t get that
opportunity in Adelaide. I’ve started a Lunch
Time Club on the Kingscote School campus
and the church is talking about establishing
a music-based play group.
•
http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/1554345/my-island-home-brad-henley-a-placeto-see-the-stars/?cs=1273#
https://sites.google.com/site/kangarooislandchurch/what-s-happening/mainlymusicquietstarttobefollowedwithabang
Support BCA in your WilL
Make your money work for the Gospel when you have entered the Kingdom.
Many lives continue to grow towards Jesus through the faithful departed friends of BCA
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAKING A BCA BEQUEST CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL
OFFICE OR COMPLETE THE FORM INSIDE THE BACK COVER
the real australian 11

Christian Care and Advocacy in Action
BCA Disaster Relief Research and Resource Development
Rowena Miers, a social work student at
Charles Sturt University, is currently doing
a placement with BCA and exploring
how we might better support churches
in disaster affected communities. Here
Rowena explains
how her project
fits together with
the aims of BCA.
“And what does
the Lord require of
you? To act justly
and to love mercy
and to walk humbly
with your God.”
Micah 6:8
The provision
of care for the
Rowena Miers
needs of others has
always been central to God’s purposes for
his people. In the Old Testament, Micah 6:8
outlines that God’s people are to: “act justly,
to love mercy and to walk humbly with
God.” In times of sudden and unexpected
hardship, the needs and vulnerabilities
of people, can be such that they find
themselves powerless to act on their own
behalf in order to see their needs met.
‘Advocacy’ is the activity of recommending
action on another’s behalf in order to see
change for their welfare and betterment.
One of the key purposes of BCA is to
“provide services of Christian care and
advocacy.” In the life of BCA, Christian
advocacy involves the provision of support
to people in need, and recommending
action to meet these needs when people
are themselves unable to act on their own
behalf. The experiences of individuals in the
midst of natural disasters, where people
are thrust into
situations outside
of their control,
presents occasions
where Christian
care and advocacy
are crucial.
In response to
the needs of people
in times of such
dire need, BCA is
seeking to research
the needs of those
communities
in-the-midst of and recovering from natural
disasters. It is hoped that through this work,
a resource can be developed to aid BCA
partner churches and Field Staff in their
role of caring for and advocating for the
needs of their communities in the event of
a natural disaster.
Christian care and advocacy is an
opportunity to live out the reality of our
Christian faith; faith that has its basis in
the work of Jesus dying on the cross for our
sins, where Jesus acted on our behalf when
we were helpless to act for ourselves. •
12 SPRING 2013

Open Gate and the
Mental Health First
Aid Course
how to provide initial support to those
possibly struggling with a mental health
problem or related crisis, until they can
At BCA we are always looking at how
to further reach different communities
throughout Australia to share the love of
Jesus Christ with them and to support
those who are in need.
One way BCA does that, is through the
Mental Health First
Aid Training course
that numerous BCA
staff facilitate within
their community. They
can be asked to run
be cared for professionally. BCA Regional
Officer Ian McGrath who runs these courses
in Queensland and Northern NSW says it’s
a “direct help to a parish and a good way
for them to meet other people in their
community who have concerns for similar
problems arising in
their area. By running
these courses, it means
that locals say, here’s
a church that cares
in practical ways.” Ian
this course across the Flinders Island MHFA group
has run this course
country through a
many times and says
programme called Open Gate. The idea is to
go into these respective communities and
help them to become aware of basic mental
health issues and to open their gates to
help others in their own area. Churches
need to do the same and not rely on people
to come to them.
Mental health services for people
living in rural and remote locations can
be hundreds of kilometres away. Having
people trained locally, means they find
support locally. Royce Thompson, a member
on the BCA Council and Strategic Mission
Consultant, says “it’s a way that bonds
communities, by bringing health and
the church together. It’s profound, yet
professional and allows clergy and pastoral
they’ve been well received.
Terry Bowers, minister of St Marks
Anglican in Freshwater, Sydney, thanks
God for the time and commitment Royce
Thompson made to bring the Mental
Health First Aid Course to St Marks. “All
the attendees learnt a lot and when they
are faced with mental health issues they
will be able to act appropriately and
with compassion. It was valuable for all
attendees, including myself. We’ll be better
equipped to serve those struggling, inside
and outside of St Marks” Terry said. Royce
pitched the course with an understanding
of how it related to pastoral care and we
plan to approach participants as an initial
group to help us better structure our Caring
carers to deliver skilled mental health first ministries.”
•
aid.”
The aim of the course is to teach people
Royce Thompson
the real australian 13

Richard Lanham Ordained – Congratulations!
It is a very significant time in the life of
someone in the church when they go
on that journey of being a lay person
to becoming an ordained minister. This
recently took place for Richard Lanham,
who is the Bush Church Aid supported
Youth Minister in Sale.
Rich was ordained deacon in Sale
Cathedral by
the Bishop of
Gippsland, Rt Rev
John McIntyre,
on the 22nd June
2013. Bishop John
had originally
encouraged Richard
into ministry when
he invited him to
join the ministry
team at Redfern,
a tough inner city
Sydney parish, way
back in the early
1990’s. Bishop
It’s about God’s grace. A deacon is called to
leadership in the ministry of serving that we
are, in fact, all called into. Richard’s model
of ministry shows the way to all of us, by
encouraging us to look to Jesus and see
the amazing grace of God. Ministry in your
strength alone will limit what God can do.”
At the celebration afterwards, we learnt
just how much
Richard’s ministry
was indeed a
testament to God’s
grace. Richard grew
up in the parish
of Greensborough,
where he had been
a rather wild larrikin,
(which Rich can tell
you all about). As
Rector of Redfern,
Bishop John had
taken a huge faith
risk employing
Richard, who claims
John had first met
Richard as a youth
The Revd Richard Lanham and the Rt Revd
John McIntyre
he had no skills or
ability at the time.
ministry student
Nonetheless, just as
while teaching at Ridley Melbourne. The
Bishop’s text, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 had
been carefully chosen. It was read by
Richard’s father Russell, who you could see
was visibly moved, with tears welling up in
his eyes. The Bishop commented, “God will
use you, not for your strengths, and not
impeded by your weaknesses. Rather, focus
on His love and He will set you free to
serve. It’s not about you, it’s not about Rich.
Bishop John had seen “the gold that others
couldn’t see”, Richard’s current ministry is
characterised by seeing the gold in people
that others cannot see. In a wonderful
way, Richard turned the celebration into an
evangelistic meeting, saying that everyone
had gold in them because they were created
in God’s image. “God will develop us if we
will let him.” With a big smile on his face
Richard closed by saying he would love to
14 SPRING 2013

BCA Staff also joined Rich to support him at his ordination
help us find the gold in our lives if we so
desired. And that’s exactly what Richard is
doing – helping
young people
in Gippsland
find God’s gold
in their lives.
Helen
Stokoe, a
parishioner,
thanked God
wife Julie were BCA Field Staff there for
6 years prior to God’s call to Sale. It was
obvious that
the Lanhams’
ministry in
Gilgandra,
including their
friendships
with Aboriginal
people,
was deeply
for BCA,
saying that,
Rich was supported by his family on this very special day respected.
Moreover, the
“without BCA we wouldn’t have Rich. He
is a fantastic youth minister, just what
we needed. He develops other leaders and
we are all enriched by having Rich and
Julie here.” Richard was well supported
and encouraged by a large representative
turnout of family, friends and parishioners.
Rev Michael Birch brought greetings from
respect for Richard’s ministry, whether in
Melbourne, Redfern, Gilgandra or Sale was
plainly evident to the BCA representatives,
who included Ms Robyn Williams, the
National Administration Manager, Bob and
Veronica Barclay, Kelvin and Annette Hill
and Rev Adrian Lane, Victorian Regional
Officer. There was gold in this ministry, and
St Ambrose’s, Gilgandra. Michael had been it was plainly worth supporting. •
rector in Gilgandra when Richard and his Adrian Lane
the real australian 15

From Little Things Big Things Grow
A Trip to Winton
Leonie Burgess has been the Mission
Contact for Figtree Anglican Church and
her branch church, The Soldiers and
Miners Memorial Church at Mount Kembla
for many years.
It was during a
recent trip to Winton
to visit BCA Field
Staff, the Revd Anne
and Noel Winton,
she got to see some
of the amazing work
they are doing there
and share that with
her congregation in
Mount Kembla.
At the Annual
Council Meeting
for BCA in May, I
was privileged to
the community is essential if ministry is to
be effective. I came away from the meeting
greatly encouraged by what God was doing
through prayer, financial giving and a group
of very special people.
Some weeks later I was sitting with
several friends finalising our trip to
Queensland, which
included a day trip
to Winton. I recalled
the field report from
the Nixon’s and the
breakfast programme
run each school
morning to provide
healthy nourishment
(and sometimes a
sandwich for lunch)
for the children
attending St Patrick’s
convent and Winton
State School who
hear reports from
each of the ministry
Anne with a Winton local
would otherwise
go to class hungry.
fields during the preceding twelve months,
giving me a glimpse of the huge need for
a Christian presence in the lives of people
living beyond our coastal fringe. It was
uplifting to hear answers to prayer in
moments of need and challenging to hear
what Field Staff may face during the course
of their day.
What struck me most was that
missionary work in the field stretches far
beyond what makes up the life of a city
church with more people, resources and
welfare services. Participation in the life of
Funds for the programme were running low.
In response to mentioning that Winton was
a BCA parish and being Mission Contacts,
we decided to try and visit the church.
On 9th June I spoke to our small
congregation at Mount Kembla reminding
them that nearly half the congregation
including the three church wardens would
be missing for the next two Sundays and
gave them information on the breakfast
program at Winton. They were enthused
by this work and keen to give financially
as well. Early on the 18th June, eight of
16

A group from Mount Kembla in Winton
us were collected by the tour bus from
Longreach for our trip to Winton, 178km
further west. We met Anne at the Winton
State School and were given a warm
welcome by the administration staff.
Anne’s ministry includes monthly
services at Richmond, Hughenden, Boulia
and weather permitting quarterly at
Bedourie and visits in between. Anne is
chaplain at the State School 2 days a week,
a member of the Lions Club, CWA and local
choir Voices of Winton. Noel works with the
Winton Shire Council in Parks and Gardens
and is able to travel with Anne when
visiting other centres.
It was lovely to have this brief but
rewarding meeting with Anne in one of
her work locations and to give a financial
gift that benefits her ministry and the
community. We were able to go across
the road to the church and enjoy a time
of quiet as we viewed the quite large
weatherboard church and its solid timber
furniture of a bygone era and appreciate
the vastness of Anne’s parish where she
shepherds her flock over hundreds of
kilometres in Christ’s name.
Grey – yes. Nomads – No. The privilege
of meeting Anne and her friends and being
a small part of winning Australia for Christ
in such a short visit is something too
precious not to share with others beyond
our own congregation.
•
Leonie Burgess
BCA Councillor
the real australian 17

“Bible in the Bush is a weekend
away to provide a focus on strong,
sound biblical teaching
BCA Field Staff the Rev. Mary Lewis will
also be sharing about her work in Roxby Downs.
The Rev. Trevor Bell will also be running two
workshops.
All are welcome to come for the whole
time, or attend single sessions. A children’s
programme will be running during the weekend.”
Please send your
Stamps to BCA
Thank you to those who have
been sending us stamps and
continue to do so. Those stamps
raise a large amount of funds for
the Society.
We are able to raise funds to
support those who are out in the
field spreading the good news of
Jesus Christ and without your help
we would not be able to do that.
However we are always in need of
more.
Please feel free to donate any of
your old stamps or stamp albums
to us and if you have any further
inquiries, you can contact your
Regional Office
Thank you again for the way that you
support the Society and may God
bless you in your giving.
For further information contact the Revd
Dale Barclay – BCA Field Staff Sunraysia
South on 03 5024 2521 or
www.bibleinthebush.org.au
18 SPRING 2013

Tracks Of Grace
BCA supported ministry is helping a dairy
farming family make a difference for
Jesus on one of Australia’s most beautiful
islands. One look at Philip and Kelly
Lancaster’s dairy-themed mailbox and you
can tell what gets them up early in the
morning.
They operate
one of fourteen
farms which supply
the milk that
makes King Island’s
famous cheese.
Together with
their four schoolaged
children they Philip and Kelly Lancaster
are also active
members of All Saints’ Anglican Church,
where Rod and Christene Oldfield serve
as BCA Field Staff. Dairy farming runs in
Philip’s family and he was born on the
Island. Kelly moved to the island when she
was ten and the couple first met at a dairy
farmers’ discussion group. They were the
second last couple to be married in the old
All Saints’ church building before it burnt
down just over a decade ago. A key turning
point in their spiritual journey came when
they had their first child, Kara, baptised and
decided to move from being Christmas and
Easter churchgoers to regular attenders.
“But I didn’t take anything in until I started
going to Bible study,” recalls Kelly. “The first
two books we studied were Romans and
Acts.”
Another milestone that they consider
helped them immensely was an Alpha
Course and the encouragement of other
congregation members. The Lancasters have
been a key part of the group that started a
Friday evening fellowship for people looking
for a more informal experience than Sunday
morning church. Kelly continues to be part
of the Women’s Bible study and Philip is
part of a small group
doing the Certificate
in Theology and
Ministry (the distance
course administered
by BCA’s David
Rogers-Smith).
Philip and Kelly are
encouraged that their
children enjoy being
part of church and are willing to identify as
Christians even when they get some ribbing
from schoolmates. They recognise that
they don’t get the same opportunities to
meet with other Christians their age as do
teenagers in larger centres. “We’re praying
for growth in the church and for people to
be converted, says Philip. “We’d also love
new Christian families to move here so our
kids can have Christian friends their age.”
King Island’s school only takes students
up to Year Ten so like other parents on the
island the Lancasters will have to make
some important decisions about the future
education of their children. No matter what
the future holds, they are confident in God’s
care and are actively looking for ways to
bless others as God has blessed them in
Christ.•
Mark Short National Director
the real australian 19

Soul food for Sydney Survivors
BCA continued in its fruitful partnership
this year with Soul Survivor NSW/ACT
by assisting at this year’s conference
#every1gets2play in Kellyville during the
April school holidays.
The wet conditions had no chance of
deterring the 350-strong youth crowd from
camping on a school oval for over four
days! National Director Mark Short ran a
BCA seminar, and over 100 youth signed
up to pray for a town in Australia at the
BCA interactive stall. Cooking pancakes for
the hordes each morning provided next
generation student worker Jen Schabel,
These young people were happy to write
down who they’d pray for
volunteers Ian and Judy Neal and friends
from churches in Parkes and Forbes, with a
number of opportunities to share with the
young people. In 2014, the Soul Survivor
conference will go to the bush again and
we all look forward to seeing how Christ’s
love will continue to be shared in many
country towns across NSW.
Jen Schabel, who is BCA’s Student
Worker (NSW/ACT) said, “This conference
gave me a chance to try out interactive
20 SPRING 2013
A kind group of people making pancakes at the
Soul Survivor conference
prayer maps of Australia. I’ve now been
using them for visits to youth groups,
church services and schools. The focus is on
the importance of prayer for mission. People
who sign up get a BCA prayer wristband
and bookmark. This is proving a great
way to grow awareness and encourage
involvement in our younger generations.
Since June, over 300 youth are praying for
towns across Australia and the work of
BCA. My prayer is that this work will play
a part in growing active, mission-minded
Christians of the future!”
Jen has been visiting churches in Sydney
and Canberra since the start of 2013. One
of her highlights was speaking with 800
students at chapels at Macarthur Anglican
School. She is available for engagements in
the Sydney-Canberra corridor during 2013.
Feel free to contact her via:
j.schabel@bushchurchaid.com.au
If you would like more information on
what Soul Survivor does, head to
www.soulsurvivornsw.org.au•
Jen Schabel
Student Worker

April Bottom Scholarship 2014
Hayley Lawrence, who was awarded the
scholarship in 2012, said that she “wishes
the future scholarship holders all the best
with their chosen pathways and hope they
appreciate the opportunity as much as I
have.”
The April Bottom Scholarship for
2014, worth $9500, will be awarded to
one student from the Anglican Parish of
Broken Hill and the Far West to undertake
secondary or tertiary
education outside the
parish.
Scholarship funds can
be used towards tuition
fees, text books, boarding
fees, or associated expenses.
Previous applicants
are invited to apply.
of Australia.
April and her husband David ran
Wirryilka Station for many years and
experienced first-hand the difficulties of
having their children educated.
April died in 2003 after a long and
courageous battle with cancer. Before her
death, she expressed a desire to set up
a fund to assist families from the West
Darling Parish region with the education
of their children, especially
where they needed to leave
the region to achieve their
educational potential.
This year, marks the
10th anniversary of April’s
death. April’s family went
back to Menindee to speak
to students of Menindee
Applications close on 6th
Central School about
Previous winner Emma Camilleri
September, 2013.
what April wanted for the
April was a committed
Christian who was full of life and fun. She
was born in Broken Hill. Her family home,
Allison House, was to become a Hostel
for children from surrounding areas who
would come to Broken Hill for education.
April served on the Allison House Managing
Committee until the time of her death.
She was a regular member of Holy
Trinity Anglican Church, Menindee, NSW,
which is now incorporated into the
Anglican Parish of Broken Hill and the
Far West. April had a deep respect for the
work of The Bush Church Aid Society and
particularly its commitment to provide
children and youth of the
Far West and how the scholarship came
about through BCA.
The 2013 recipient, Emma Camilleri, from
Broken Hill has commenced her Bachelor of
Health Science at the University of South
Australia. The scholarship is paying for
Emma’s accommodation fees, enabling her
to stay on campus and focus on her studies.
If you know someone who would
benefit from the April Bottom Scholarship
or you are interested in obtaining further
information, please phone 02 9262 5017
or email robyn@bushchurchaid.com.au
Applications and entry criteria can be found
Anglican Ministry to people in remote parts at www.bushchurchaid.com.au •
the real australian 21

BCA for Kids Picnic – Understanding
One of the purposes at the heart of BCA is,
“to develop an understanding of Christ’s
mission.”
One way that happens is through BCA
for Kids. Events are held around Australia
to encourage families and friends, to show
them what BCA
does and to thank
God for the work
that BCA is doing.
Our last event, the
BCA for Kids Picnic,
was held in over
17 locations on
Sunday school lesson was also about BCA.
We found sunny areas in our grounds to
talk and eat and play. Forty five people
came along and had great fun with games,
Devonshire Teas, sausage sizzle and Anzac
biscuits. The Rector and a couple of others
wore Stockman
style hats,
everyone sang
Happy Birthday
to BCA and the
Rector Stephen
and BCA
Mission Contact
the 26th of May, By the waterhole in Newman
Gloria cut the
the birthday of
BCA. There were
a number of kids
and their families
who hosted events
and it was a good
opportunity for
them to find out
more about what
BCA does and to
Enjoying some snacks during their picnic
sparkler adorned
chocolate cake.”
A group
from St Marks
Anglican Church
at Appin NSW
also joined in
the celebration
and rallied a
group of about
fellowship and connect with each other and
some of our BCA family.
One of those people is Roslyn Simons,
who attends Oatley West Church and is a
faithful supporter of BCA. They had a picnic
there and she said that one of our BCA kids,
Bronte invited other children to the Picnic
with invitations she photocopied from BCA.
The Church was invited to stay straight
after 10am church. Roslyn said, “We
decorated with the church with balloons
and picnic table cloths in BCA colour. The
30 people made up of parishioners and
children from the community to celebrate
BCA that day. A great time of games, fun,
food and fellowship was had by all. Helen
Rodman who is the Parish BCA Coordinator
kindly organised this birthday bash and
she said, “Several friends of parish children
came along, many who never go to church
and all had the opportunity to share in
celebrating such a valuable and worthwhile
Christian organisation. Our parish has
embraced BCA for many years now and
22 SPRING 2013

Celebrating BCA’s birthday in Appin
we are proud to be associated with and
supportive of an organisation that brings
the message of Jesus Christ to the vast
interior and outback regions of our nation”.
It was great to have a group from St
Paul’s Anglican Church at Naracoorte, South
Australia, involved, as they held their BCA
for Kids Picnic on Friday, 21st June. Cathy
Cobbledick, one of the mothers helping
out, said, “There were 7 kids in total and
Mitchell Cobbledick who is a BCA kid,
hosted the picnic. The event included games
like musical statues, the egg and spoon
race, rob the nest, musical chairs and a
treasure hunt. The kids made fruit kebabs,
along with cupcakes, sausage rolls, quiches,
fairy bread and doughnuts. Each child took
home a goodie bag which included BCA kids
information. Everyone had a great time.”
Amanda McArtney from Newman said,
“It was a wonderful event. We had a convoy
of thirteen 4WDs travel out to picturesque
“Weeli Wollie” (about 90kms north-east
of Newman). The afternoon started with
a treasure hunt through the Pilbara bush
to find the “Bilby”, while lunches were
being cooked on an open fire. We had a
baptism, followed by a swim and lots more
“Sunday School games”. The kids at church
were wonderful for inviting their friends
to the BCA kids’ picnic. It was a fantastic
opportunity to show those who normally
wouldn’t come to church, what it means
to be part of the body of Christ. About 40
attended in all.
It is great to hear that so many had
such a wonderful day and that the life of
BCA could be celebrated in such a variety
of locations. BCA is planning to repeat the
event in 2014.
•
the real australian 23

Post and Rails
Mark and Sandy Evans
David and Joanne Piper
WELCOME
David and Joanne Piper have been
appointed BCA Field Staff in Lightning
Ridge. Since moving there in 2010, David
worked as assistant minister under former
BCA Field Staff, Mike and Chantalle Keith.
David and Joanne have two young sons
- Daniel, 2½ and Luke, 7 months. David’s
commissioning will take place in the Ridge
on September 10th.
Please pray for the Pipers as they
minister amongst the community in
Lightning Ridge and for the church as they
start to make longer-term plans.
We welcome back Mark and Sandy Evans
for a four month locum at Blackwater from
the end of July. Mark and Sandy were BCA
Field Staff in Leigh Creek, SA and then
Kangaroo Island, before retiring to their
home in Sarina, Queensland, just south of
Mackay. Since then they have undertaken
a locum in Coober Pedy for BCA in 2011
and will now spend three weeks out of four
in Blackwater, the other week ministering
24 SPRING 2013
in their own parish. Mark and Sandy will
replace Bob and Sue Witten who have
travelled to and from Blackwater over the
past 12 months for monthly services.
Noel and Margo Clarke
Noel and Margo Clarke will serve in
Cloncurry from mid-July until the end of
November in a partnership arrangement
between the Diocese of North Queensland
and BCA. Noel and Margo have worked in
parish ministry and with CMS in Indonesia
and Kenya. Over the coming months they
will be assessing the needs for ministry
training and mission opportunities in
Cloncurry and the surrounding districts,
with a view to the Diocese and BCA making
a permanent appointment in 2014.
Barry and Avril Luke who have spent
the last 25 years in Roxby Downs have
been appointed BCA Affiliates there. Barry

Avril and Barry Luke
works at the Olympic Dam Mine site in
various roles, and became Site Chaplain
in January 2012. He is studying theology
through Saint Barnabas Theological College
in Adelaide and just completed the Clinical
Pastoral Education course. Avril is the
Parish Administrator with the Roxby Downs
Christian Community Church.
CONGRATULATIONS
Richard Lanham, BCA Youthworker in
Sale, Victoria was ordained deacon at St
Paul’s Cathedral, Sale on 22nd June. He
was ordained by The Right Reverend John
The Lanham Ordination
McIntyre, Bishop of Gippsland, who had
encouraged Rich into ministry when he
(John) was rector at Redfern, an inner
Sydney suburb in the 1990’s. Rich was
well supported and encouraged by family
members, friends, parishioners, BCA folk
and the Revd Michael Birch who brought
greetings from folk in Gilgandra. Michael
had been the Rector in the parish of
Gilgandra whilst Rich and Julie were BCA
Field Staff there for 6 years prior to Rich
responding to God’s call in Sale.
Alfrene Wright (Gulargambone) and Kathy
Haynes (Moranbah) have completed the
units of competency required by the Federal
Government under the current School
Chaplaincy Programme. Congratulations
ladies on your achievement!
The Coats Family
To James and Skye Coats, BCA
Holbrook on the arrival of their fourth
daughter, Amy Elizabeth who was born on
16th May; a little sister for Eleanor, Miriam
and Hannah.
Alison (National
Office and on
maternity leave)
and John Pearce
are thrilled to
announce the
arrival of their
first child, a
daughter, Zoe
Maree on 1st July.
We give thanks for
God’s gift of these
two little girls and John and Alison Pearce
with Zoe
we pray for James,
Skye and the girls and for John and Alison
as the inevitable adjustments are made in
their homes and lives.
•
the real australian 25

Councillors Column
Dear BCA Friends,
One of the
challenges facing
ministry in the
Diocese of Sydney
(where I work) is
the need to reach
people from a
variety of cultural
backgrounds.
This phenomena
of cross-cultural
ministry is also
affecting BCA Field Staff working in remote
areas of Australia. For example Gary and
Nikki Alexander working in the Diocese
of North West Australia in Kununurra at
the Anglican Church have found that the
church is finding new opportunities to
reach people from a variety of cultural
backgrounds as they move to town to find
work.
Nikki is running 2 English as a Second
Language class. There have been people
from South Korea, Estonia and Thai, as well
as other countries attend these groups.
She has been able to teach English using
the Bible and share about Jesus. How
exciting! Another ministry couple is Dale
and Rachel Barclay from Sunraysia South
Anglican Parish in the Diocese of Bendigo in
Victoria. They are seeing the parish become
increasingly multi-cultural as people from
Tonga and South Sudan have joined the
church.
The vision of BCA is Australia for Christ
and as the context of Australian society
26 SPRING 2013
changes BCA is
seeking the Lord for
Gospel workers who
will be willing to
work in increasingly
multi-cultural
contexts. This
means that we are
praying that God
will raise up people
from a variety of
cultural groups
who will be well
trained theologically and have experience
and skills in reaching people in the bush
who increasingly come from diverse and
different ethnic groups. Not only has
the world come to urban Australia it has
also come to remote, regional and rural
Australia.
The Gospel message of Jesus’ death on
the Cross for our sin doesn’t change and
BCA is always seeking to understand the
context in which the Gospel is lived and
preached so that our mission strategy is
appropriate to reach the variety of people
we encounter. This is missionary work on
home soil. It is exciting as we seek to work
towards the vision of Revelation 7 where
heaven will be full of people from every
tribe, language and nation group as they
respond to the Gospel of Jesus. BCA has
embraced this vision and I would ask that
you continue to pray for us and support us
financially.
David O’Mara
BCA Councillor

From the Archives
For all the marks of mission
penned over the years, the
lines of mission statements
formulated by councils and
committees, the motto of the
Society, “Australia for Christ”
encompasses them all.
For nearly 100 years the
motto has given those who
went forth and those who
supported the focus, the reason,
and the goal of what the
Society was on about. I don’t think there
was much time spent in coming up with
those three words. The corresponding NSW
committee of the Colonial and Continental
Church Society (affectionately known as
Col & Con) seemed to just accept the motto
without much discussion back in the early
1900’s. It seemed logical to them that if
the Col & Con was seeking to bring Christ
to the British Empire and that they had
reached a point when the Australian sector
of that work should go it alone as a new
entity, then their motto should be just like
Col & Con’s which was “ Empire for Christ”.
‘Australia for Christ’ is clear, straight
forward, hardly ever challenged. It gives
a base line for the work of mission. Back
in 1929 Noel Rook, writing about the BCA
work at Penong and outlying districts,
reminded the Real Australian readers that
to the folk in that far flung dusty place
on the Great Australian Bight, “the BCA
representative comes with a message of
comfort and cheer, bidding them wipe
from their brow the sweat and dust of toil,
and in Christ’s quiet strength
again be made strong.” In
those days Rook described a
mission outreach journey in
these terms, “The road that
has no end now terminates at
some homely cottage, or your
journey is punctuated by a
crude school-house, a queer old
battered landmark that belongs
to past years, where a band of
faithful Christians congregate
to pay homage to their King, …the divine
companion.” RA No 34 June 1929 p5
‘Australia for Christ’ happens as
individual people come to Jesus and
acknowledge him as Lord, it always has and
always will.
•
Brian Roberts
Hon Archivist
VALE
Clem Kirkby
We give thanks and
praise for the life
of Clem Kirkby who
passed away on 7 th
August, aged 94. The son of BCA founding
missioner, Bishop Sydney James Kirkby,
Clem was BCA’s honorary archivist for more
than 20 years and faithfully organised the
historical records on his weekly visits to the
National Office. Clem was a gentle, godly
man – himself part of the BCA story. A great
encouragement to everyone, Clem was
honoured at a BCA Farewell just 12 months
ago.•
the real australian 27

order early for christmas
CHRISTMAS CARDS
BCA 016
Cards
BCA 009 Real Australia Greeting Cards Pack 6 $7.70
BCA 011 Bygone Days Greeting Cards Pack 6 $7.70
Music
BCA 229 Bring on the Day Garage Hymnal $24.95
BCA 233 Super Saviour - Double CD Colin Buchanan $24.95
BCA 223 A Very Very Very Big God Emu $16.95
BCA 219 Meet the King Emu $16.95
BCA 205 Outrageous Praise 2 CD set $33.00
BCA 206 Outrageous Praise Songbook $16.50
BCA 210 10,9,8 God is Great Buchanan $24.95
BCA 221 Jesus Rocks the World Buchanan $24.95
BCA 226 Moving Devotions with Buspa Dreamswork $25.00
BCA 227 Colin’s Favourites DVD Plus Live in Sydney 2000 Buchanan $19.95
BCA 231 J is for Jesus Karen Pang $19.95
BCA 232 Living On The Inside Greg Jones $30.00
BCA 234 Take My Life Garage Hymnal $19.95
BCA 235 Seventy Times Seven by Steve Morrison Steve Morrison $24.95
Books
Pack of 10 assorted Christmas cards (an assortment of some or all of those pictured but
not including BCA 015 cards)
$6.50 per pack
BCA 108 Bush Preacher Bites the Dust Kerry Medway $8.00
BCA 117 Desperate Kerry Medway $8.00
BCA 101 The Meaning of Life Jeanette Fogarty $12.00
BCA 111 Fox Tales from Far Flung Places Barbara Fox $16.50
BCA 107 After the Desert Audrey Aspeling $15.00
BCA 112 The Last Lessons Audrey Aspeling $15.00
28 SPRING 2013

2 new Christmas Cards
Aboriginal design by artist
Kate from the Wiradjuri Tribe
BCA 015 5 cards of each $7.50
per pack OR $7.00 per pack for 3 or
more
CAKES & PUDDINGS
– at 2012 Prices!
BCA 312 500gm Traditional pudding in calico cloth $28.00
BCA 313 1kg Traditional pudding in calico cloth $43.00
BCA 314 Gluten Free, no added sugar & no dairy.
500gm Pudding log Suitable for coeliacs and
diabetics in controlled portions $31.00
BCA 315 700gm Christmas Cake gift boxed $37.00
Books
BCA 127 Teenage Bushranger Kerry Medway $19.95
BCA 128 Amazing Grace Peter Rahme $7.95
BCA 129 Dying To Be Heard David Hart $44.95
BCA 131 Party Cakes – Cookbook Julie Lanham $17.99
BCA 137 Hip Hip Hooray – Cookbook Julie Lanham $24.95
BCA 132 Free Too Chris Thiele ON SPECIAL $24.00
BCA 135 Losing my Religion Tom Frame $34.95
Childrens Books
BCA 133 Francy The Fearful Firefly Jen Anderson $14.95
BCA 134 Lenny the Lying Lemur Jen Anderson $14.95
Set of hardcovers ON SPECIAL $25.00
BCA 236 Quiz Worx pack (CD and Comic) $19.95
Self Help and Educational
BCA 125 Tibby Briar–Her Story Phyllis Collie $4.00
BCA 123 Good Grief–Bad Time Terrence C.T. Tung-Yep $18.00
BCA 116 Faith & New Frontiers Brian Underwood $22.00
BCA 122 Aboriginal Stereotypes Alan Rogers $8.00
BCA 121 White Fella Culture A must for Nomads $12.00
Gift Ideas
BCA 010 BCA Tie $25.00
BCA 013 BCA Teatowel $8.00
BCA 014 BCA Goldtone Pen (refillable) $7.50
BCA 018 The BCA Bilby – BCA for Kids Mascot $15.00
the real australian 29

Real Australian Gift Order Form
Please complete this merchandise order form
Your purchase helps gospel work across Australia
BCA CODE DESCRIPTION QUANTITY $ TOTAL
SUB-TOTAL
PLUS Postage and handling charges–$8.50 per order
TOTAL
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expires on
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We will be pleased to deliver your order to any number of destinations but ask that you include $8.50 per
delivery address. We can also include a gift card should you wish.
*supporter no. (can be found above your name on the back cover of this magazine)
Orders can be made online at our website www.bushchurchaid.com.au
30 SPRING 2013

Response Form
Personal details
Revd/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (initials)
address
email
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surname
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support BCA through my Will
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donate shares to BCA
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1. My donation of $
to BCA’s ministry–General Funds
Please tick here if you need your donation to be placed in a DGR fund
(Tax deductible–Kirkby Trust; Medical; Outback Education; where most needed)
My merchandise Order Form is attached
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you for completion
3. Donations can be made directly to our bank account. PLEASE use your Supporter
number as a reference (or for anonymous donations–the reference ANON followed by the
first letter of your State). Our Bank details are: Westpac BSB 032 008 Account 000706
the real australian 31

The Bush Church Aid Society
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SYDNEY, NSW 2000
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! God bless all of you who are
born in SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER!!
PULL -OUT SECTION!
North Mason
Charlie Watt
Toby Nunn
Michael Berry
William Hoffman
Chloe Oates
Laura Chapman
Brianna Sanders
Brittony Hartnett
Micah Kemister
Talitha Barclay
Eliza Blomfield
Ashleigh Dedini
Brianna Harris
Brydie Berlin
Myles Riley
Lachlan Brophey
Thomas Corcoran
Nathan Brain
Jasmine Kember
Brielle Pritchard
Aaron Dixon
Sharon Towers
Nicholas Clark
Liam Riley
Kara Lancaster
Harvey Langford
Jacob Bulmer
Rebekah Kemister
Lewis Binns
Luke Lancaster
Dylan Smith
Martin Astell
Joel Hodges
Jacoba McKellar
Alexander Windsor
Chloe Christoforidis
Emily Brain
Malcolm Kember
Alexandria Routh
Jazmine Carroll
Emily Cronshaw
Madeline Van Den Berg
Abigail Clements
Bradley Pritchard
Diego Bovey Mendez
Kaasha Zerna
Quinn Routh
Amelie Day
Kirra-Lee Pritchard
Kristie Evans
Anina Hinchcliffe
Sharna Birt
Samantha Groves
Mariam Kemister
Hugh Brophey
Biola Abbas
Liam Day
Alyssa Cabrera
Olivia Christoforidis
Felicity Chapman
Emmagen Cronshaw
Lila Ritchie
Elliott Stuart
Amber Kent
Zachary Zerna
Talitha Kemister
Zoe Lamplough
Karis Brain
Riley McClenaghan
Gracie Lancaster
Lwendyl Anderson
Lachlan Burger
Eden Barclay

What is a Shepherd?
how many sheeP? Can you count?
A Shepherd is someone who tends to sheep.
The shepherd protects the sheep from danger,
makes sure they have something to eat and
drink and finds somewhere safe for them to What does this shepherd do?
sleep. Psalm 23 talks about a shepherd too. Read Psalm 23 and write down all the
things he does as a shepherd and talk to
your friends and family about this wonderful
shepherd!
help the shepherd find the sheep!
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and
the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
Sheep are interesting animals. They follow each other even if it’s dangerous. If one of the
sheep at the front of the flock jumps into a lake, it is very likely that the rest will follow too!
Sheep also tend to wander and if they are
not careful can end up lost and not remember
how to get back with the flock!
We can be just like sheep. Sometimes we
follow people and do things that are can hurt
us. We often wander away from what God
wants us to do and we can get lost too.
But like sheep we have a shepherd and his
name is Jesus. His is there to help us find our
way when we get lost. BCA wants everyone
to follow the shepherd – Jesus - and trust in Him. BCA sends people all around rural, remote
and regional towns of Australia telling everyone about Jesus!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being our Shepherd. We are sorry for going our own
way. Please help us to focus on following you. Amen.

I WANT TO BE A MEMBER OF BCA FOR KIDS
To become a member of BCA for Kids, simply fill out the slip below and return to:
BCA FOR KIDS Level 7/37 York St Sydney NSW 2000 OR
You could email your info to: BCA4Kids@bushchurchaid.com.au
Every member receives a welcome letter, a welcome certificate and a T-Shirt.
Please send $8.50 for postage.
Name___________________________________________________________
Parent/Caregiver___________________________________________________
Age:________________________ Birthday:_____________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
Phone Number:________________ Boy or Girl:____________________________
Email:___________________________________________________________
What church do you go to?___________________________________________
What T-Shirt size are you?
Toddler Sizes n 2 n 3 n 4 Youth Sizes n S n M n L n XL
Would you like to receive a BCA money box? n YES n NO
BCA MONEY BOXES
Kids give great support to BCA, and every dollar you put in the box is a dollar
across Australia telling about Jesus! Thanks to you wonderful young supporters
Darwin
Nightcliff
Kununurra
Cloncurry
Wickham
Karratha
Paraburdoo
Port Hedland
Newman
Winton
Moranbah
Blackwater
Brisbane
Northampton
Coober Pedy
Gulargambone
Broken Hill
Lightning Ridge
South Tamworth
Perth
Roxby Downs
Sunraysia Sth
Adelaide
Yass
Hillston
Hay Adelong/Tarcutta
Holbrook
Central Mallee
Sydney
Kangaroo Island
Melbourne
Strathfieldsaye
Sale
King Island
Launceston
Burnie
Hobart
Furneaux Islands