"One hundred years on and still going strong", is how one of the weekend’s speakers put it. More than 300 people gathered in Kempsey, on the mid-north coast of NSW, to remember and celebrate 100 years of Aboriginal ministry.
This year marks the centenary of Pr Phillip Rudge’s appointment to Kempsey in 1910. Shortly after his arrival, Pr Rudge began to minister to the local Aboriginal people. Many descendants of the original converts remain faithful to the Gospel.
This weekend was not merely a reflection on the past; it was strongly focused on the present and the future. God’s guidance and help was acknowledged again and again over the weekend with perhaps the most poignant moment being the presentation of a book about the life of the late Pr George Quinlin to Esther, the woman who shared his ministry for 44 years, and Vincent, their son. The book was commissioned by ATSIM and written by Nathan Brown.
Sydney ATSIM director, Pr Johnny Murison, opened proceedings on Friday night with an appeal to total commitment. "We’re not here to make a living, we’re here to make a difference," he said. He challenged the congregation to reject the excuses that stand in the way of living 100 per cent for God.
The mood amongst all those present was a sustained confidence that if God can see his people through 100 years, he has the future firmly in hand.