“Bulurrum det Trubala Wei”
“Learning to Follow the True Way” at Weemol-Bulman Bush camp
When the Kriol Bible was first launched in 2007 at Katherine Christian convention, it opened up the amazing opportunities for Indigenous communities to read God’s word together.
Just like any translation of the Bible, God’s word needs to be shared and lived out through embodied examples of God’s love.
With your help, the name of Jesus is being proclaimed across the nation, and the love of Jesus shared with children, young people and families via volunteers and leaders willing to “follow the true way” even to out of the way, remote locations.
“Follow the true way” or “Bulurrum det Trubala Wei” (in Kriol) was the theme of the most recent Weemol-Bulman Bush camp, a camp held annually to serve the remote communities of Weemol and Bullman, located approximately four hours from Katherine.
This year’s camp included five children from these remote communities, and six volunteers (including new and valuable volunteer Victoria), as well as SU Australia’s Jayden Ilett, alongside Rachel Borneman.
While the camp was not without its challenges —Rachel’s car at one point got bogged just outside the camp —the spirit of loving community continually rose to the surface, with the children eagerly brainstorming solutions to help.
Indigenous leaders took the teaching lead, as well as joining in games with the kids. A memorable moment took place when Indigenous leader Janet played modified ‘capture the flag’.
Evenings were also particularly encouraging as Janet and local leader Jenny (?) shared testimonies of how God had walked beside them, and how they had ‘followed the true way,’ even through seasons of great hardship.
John 3 was read in Kriol, and an action dance helped the message sink in.
On one occasion, one of the children asked to help Jayden as he organised the trailer. Jayden was able to talk with him as they worked, praising him for his servant-hearted attitude.
The boy then told Jayden, with a cheeky smile, that he was a “good man.”
Jayden asked how he had learned about being a good man and he said that it was from following Jesus, who his mum had told him about.
Jayden then asked him why it was that he loved God, and the boy replied simply but surely, “because God loves me.”
Jayden can’t emphasise enough the value of programs like Weemol-Bulman:
“The program is remote and runs at no cost to the participants or leaders. Most of these kids have limited opportunities to be in a safe environment, have fun with other kids and hear the good news of Jesus. It’s also a valuable opportunity to train and empower local First Nations Christians to lead in their context.”
If you’d like to volunteer to serve at a camp like Weemol-Bulman in the Territory, we’d definitely love to hear from you (Jayden adds, especially if you have access to a four wheel drive!). To find out how you can help please visit: su.org.au/nt