Northern Territory Discipleship Track update

July 2017

The following update was provided by Rev Kate Beer, the Ministry Development Officer for the Diocese of the Northern Territory.

Participants at the Northern Territory Pre-Synod Workshop in May 2017. © Rev Kate Beer/Diocese of  Northern Territory. Used with permission.

 

Pre-Synod Workshop

Twenty Five Indigenous church leaders gathered from nine remote communities around the Northern Territory in May to join in this Territory Discipleship Track event. Each day commenced with studies from the book of Ephesians, with participants from each community able to read the Bible and talk in their own language. Flowing out of the studies, the group were able to pray together, discuss common concerns in church leadership and encourage one another.

Rev Carol Robertson and participants from St Matthew’s Ngukurr leading discussions. © Rev Kate Beer/Diocese of  Northern Territory.  Used with permission.

 

These leaders minister in isolated settings, often with little support, which makes gatherings like these very special.

The Diocese is so thankful to God for the support of ABM and others which enables gatherings like this. At the request of participants, the studies from the workshop were developed into posters and short bible studies that will assist leaders to share what was discussed at the workshop with those in their communities. Please continue to pray for God’s enabling for these churches, and these servants who minister in leadership of them.

 

Healing Groups

Following the ‘riot’ in Nov 2015*, church leaders on Groote Eylandt island expressed deep concern at the unresolved and growing tensions in the lives of many in the community who were struggling to deal with the impact of hurt, grief and witnessing violence and other troubles. Following their request for help, with ABM’s support, the Diocese were able to train two workers in the Healing groups program.

Rev Colleen Mamarika and Rev Gayangwa Lalara, leaders in the churches at Umbakumba and Angugurugu who asked for help to run the Healing Groups.  © Rev Kate Beer/Diocese of  Northern Territory. Used with permission.

 

The first two of eight planned group sessions were held in late May. Women gathered in two communities to join the groups. Participants were very engaged with the material, which was both visual and oral in style and it is hoped that if the groups are helpful to those who complete the sessions, local people can be trained to lead groups in future.

Please pray for the loving kindness of our compassionate God to heal those who are in such grief and distress.

 

* http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-07/groote-eylandt-deaths-machetes-spears-used-in-riot/6921182

 

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