Moses and memory verses in the bush

In the remotest parts of the Northern Territory, collaboration with local leaders and volunteers is invaluable

Over a decade ago, a NT church leader had an idea: a camp program for the children of her area — far from the city — to hear about God’s big story.

So began Bush Camp.

Although that leader has since passed away, her legacy lives on through SU Australia Scripture Engagement worker, Rachel Borneman, who supports remote leaders to work with their youth.

For Bush Camp this has included journeying with current church leaders from Bulman and Weemol, with the team of SU Indigenous volunteers from neighbouring communities, and in recent years, the SU Ministry Coordinator based in Darwin.

In an area where kids’ clubs are non-existent, your support is helping children and young people encounter God’s word.

“It’s a chance to have Jesus in their lives and to learn the Bible stories,” reflects Rachel.

The camp not only takes young people out of the day-to-day, but also on a Biblical journey, through the stories of God creating the world – of Adam, Noah, Abraham and Ruth – and, at the most recent camp, Moses.

Bible stories are shared in Kriol by local leaders, alongside games and memory verses.

Although the camp is led moment to moment, planning for the teaching happens ahead of time, at the Indigenous Leaders Training Weekend in Katherine in May.

Recently, Andrew Beavers, SU Australia Camping and Missions Specialist, travelled up North to help out with the delivery of the training.

“We spent all weekend in the shade of a massive tree . . . Every mention of trees and roots, especially Psalm 1, now has far more meaning,” reflects Andrew.

While planning and training under a tree has its technological challenges, relationships flourished, and these leaders were equipped to support their young people in local communities with relevant, bespoke training.

Thanks for being a part of making ministry in these most remote spaces possible by equipping and releasing local leaders and volunteers to serve.