Pastures Filled for Pastoral Care

You’d be excused for thinking that the connection between raising steers and raising money for chaplaincy isn’t immediately obvious.

But thanks to the creative thinking of local farmer, Justin Schultz, and the collaboration of SU Australia chaplains, Andrew and Sam, the Moonie River Beef Challenge is on the way to making it possible for chaplaincy to continue providing support to five schools within the Balonne Shire.

Existing chaplain, Andrew, explains how the unique fundraiser came about:
“Justin has a feedlot… He saw chaplaincy and he thought it would be a great cause for him to support. In his opinion, chaplains are really great at keeping schools really healthy. When a school’s really healthy, a community’s really healthy’’.

The Moonie River Beef Challenge asks farmers to donate steers. Those who don’t have steers can purchase one to put into the competition. The animals are then raised up for 100 days. Profits go to chaplaincy.

“Our goal at the beginning was to get 60 steers in to fully fund two chaplains in our region. However we’ve ended up with 74 steers!” says Andrew.

Andrew compares the journey to the loaves and the fishes. “Something small started, and then God just amplified the generosity.”

In a region of 3000 people, the whole community plays a part. This is something Andrew has come to love about rural chaplaincy.
But there are unique challenges too.

“Some of these small towns don’t have churches within them, they don’t have visiting pastors. These kids might not have someone to sit down and talk with them as easily as they could in the city.”

Andrew has seen the benefits of chaplaincy firsthand. A student introduced Andrew to another student and said, “If you’re down and have something on your mind you can talk to Chappy. He cheers me up and my friends. Sometimes I don’t want to talk to anyone but then I saw Chappy, and he always tries, so finally I had someone to talk to.”

This need is what the Moonie River Beef Challenge seeks to meet with its blessing.

A Gala dinner will be hosted on the 26th of October to mark the end of the event, and will include music, guest speakers, and prizes. Tickets will be available soon via the Balonne Cluster Chaplaincy Facebook page.

To support this unique project directly please click here.