Gospel ministry with Australian Indigenous Ministries Cross-Cultural Mission in remote regions 1
A history of: Dispossession and relocation Discouragement from retaining language and culture Disregard, oppression & abuse 2
Resulting in: Lack of good role models Poor education & health Few job opportunities Low self-worth Leading to: 3
Crime, Sexual abuse & Suicide rates are much higher than national averages 4
Among a people polarized between political protest and proud participation within their nation
ABORIGINAL POPULATION 517, 200 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE LIVING IN AUSTRALIA 2.5% of Australia s 22.5 million 463, 900 aboriginal people 33,100 Torres Strait Islanders 20, 200 mixed Aboriginal and TI descent
Life Expectancy General Population Indigenous Female Male 0 20 40 60 80 100 7
On a national average: Alcohol related disease or violence results in the death of an Aboriginal person every 38 hours, and before they get to middle age. 8
Indigenous people remain the least healthy sub-population in Australia higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, glaucoma One in four is born with foetal alcohol syndrome Many children live with relatives other than parents or in fatherless homes Suicide among young aboriginal males under 18 is epidemic Those that are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick
Where is there hope? The only real answer lies in the renewing and life-changing work of the Spirit of God through the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ 10
The Spirit of God at work in the lives of His people changes things and rebuilds broken lives 11
AIM Northern Territory Darwin Katherine/Borroloola Barkly/Tennant Creek Alice Springs Mount Isa/Camooweal 12
AIM Queensland Palm Island Townsville Rockhampton Woorabinda Cherbourg Inala Woodridge 13
AIM Western NSW Brewarrina Collarenabri Walgett Moree Gilgandra Dubbo 14
AIM National Strategy To address the urgent and present need for Leadership Training, Member Care and Church Development Taking the Gospel, Bible teaching and leadership training to the communities where the people live AIM field workers NSW 15
Using Theological Education by Extension A servant model of Church leadership training A field-based approach does not interrupt the learner s productive relationship to their community 16
The aim: To enable local believers and leaders to develop their gifts and ministries without leaving their homes, jobs, communities and local congregations 17
Teaching Gospel truth in a culturally appropriate way, in an appropriate cultural setting. 18
Flexibility: Can be adjusted to the needs and abilities of the students Can be developed and adapted to the local situation and to meet particular needs 19
Helping Aboriginal people to find a rightful place in the Body of Christ 20
Outcomes Sought: Mature Christians Strong Leadership Growing Churches Effective Outreach 21
The Bignalls are part of the local aboriginal church in Gilgandra The church is led by Bro, Henry Louie as the teaching and ruling elder Stephen assists Henry and works on pastoral ministry training with him 22
Stephen s wider responsibilities Pastoral care of Mission staff in Queensland and New South Wales Church support and development in New South Wales (60 000 km in 14 mths) Weekly Scripture teaching in the schools of 4 small towns (a 140km radius) Hospital visits, conducting aboriginal funerals 24
Fiona s ministry Children s work School visits, Sunday school, holiday club, aboriginal cultural centre Visitation - indigenous homes, mothers, the ill and elderly Hospitality - opening our home as well bringing practical community care 25
Your Prayerful Partnership is Priceless Pray for Aboriginal conversions Pray for Aboriginal churches Pray for Aboriginal leaders Pray for our missionaries Pray for our ministries brothers pray for us 26
Financial Support is Partnership in the Gospel Give of what the Lord has given you, to assist this Gospel mission At the present time your plenty will supply what they need 2 Corinthians 8:14 In the UK - the GAIUS Trust receives and regularly sends support to the Bignalls in Gilgandra 27
28