Amid the vast landscapes of Central Australia, thousands of kilometres of dusty red roads draw travellers towards distant hazy horizons. Along the way, there’s time to think. To wonder. To be. People who come out here feel a deep connection with God or with creation, often for the first time in their lives. For many, a trip to the Centre is an awakening of their spirit. For the people who have lived here in the Centre for thousands of years, the spirit world has been as real as the red earth and the scorching sun. Long before white people ventured out here, the Aboriginal people were passing down their sacred stories from generation to generation. They have always known there is more to life than what they can see and touch. So, when Lutheran missionaries arrived at Finke River in 1877, the Aboriginal people were ready to hear the new stories about God the Creator, and his Son, Jesus Christ. They had always seen God in nature, but now, at last, they could know him in person. Today, there are around 7000 Aboriginal Lutherans in the heart of Australia. Christ is in the Centre.
Kwatja Etatha – Living Waters School
Since Alice Springs Lutheran Church founded Living Waters School over 30 years ago, the school has seen a steady increase in Aboriginal student numbers, now at 16% of the school’s total enrolment.
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Areyonga celebrates CASLAU confirmations
For a week in October, staff and students from Unity College in Murray Bridge, South Australia, visited the Utju (Areyonga) community in the Northern Territory. The service trip was eye-opening, humbling, challenging and rewarding for the students and staff involved.
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The cross of Engawala
Engawala? Have you heard this name before? In Aboriginal language, Engawala is also known as Intiarntwa. It is a small community of about 150 people located 200 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs.
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Mission board recognises late pastor’s service
The Board for the LCA’s Finke River Mission (FRM) has paid tribute to the ministry of the late Pastor Max Stollznow.
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In memoriam Pastor Hezekiel Jingoona
Pastor Hezekiel Jingoona was born in 1938 at Pitarulu, south-east of Docker River. His father was Maanma (born 1916) and his mother was Yuminiya (born 1927). His sisters were Ruby Wheeler and Maureen Bob.
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A sacred gift
After six years away from Central Australia working with the Uniting Church in Darwin, I have recently begun working as the chaplain at Yirara College. Beginning again in Central Australia brings new questions and new ways of seeing things.
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In memoriam Pastor Charlie Chirrup
Pastor Charlie Cornelius Chirrup was born in 1948 at Pitarulu, south of Docker River. His father was Munbungar (Joseph Kunia, born 1916) and his mother was Mitjina (Lucy Punkala, born 1931). His brothers were Paul, Prossie, Ted and Frank, and he had one sister, Jean.
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German pastor joins Central Australia team
In an echo of its beginnings 140 years ago, the LCA’s Finke River Mission (FRM) has again welcomed a German pastor to serve in Central Australia.
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Choir wins national music award
The Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir has received a Special Achievement Award at the recent National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs).
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Photo of Beryl Bell wins prize
A portrait of Docker River Lutheran Beryl Bell entitled ‘Beryl and Jesus’ has won this year’s $10,000 Australian Life photography prize. Amy Jean Harding took the photo of Beryl in April 2016.
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