You’re reaching remote communities with the gospel

Earlier this year SU was invited to run a children’s program at the annual Easter Rivers Convention, a rolling two-week Christian convention that has been having a great impact in remote and isolated Indigenous communities in New South Wales for many years. 

SU Australia Group Manager Cross-Cultural Innovations, Tim Fawssett attended the Convention with his family for the second time this year, and supported our children’s ministry teams.

“The convention is run by Isaac Gordon, or Uncle Ike as he’s known. He’s the leader of the church in Brewarrina, which is the main town connected with the remote Indigenous communities that the convention passes through,” says Tim.  

Conventions are a popular way for Christians to gather in Indigenous communities, explains Tim. 

“It’s about being with mob, having a yarn, gathering for a meal, singing worship together and preaching the gospel.” 

But there’s also another key reason why conventions like Easter Rivers are vital. 

These are remote, small and often forgotten communities, where services are few and there is no local church. This is why Uncle Ike and his church are needed to run funerals and provide love and care for the elders and those with health conditions. 

“The convention gives Uncle Ike an opportunity to bring something positive to the communities in the form of Christian fellowship. He’s very passionate about the Gospel, and says the only thing that will help his people is Jesus. It’s why he’s doing all he can to create opportunities for those transforming encounters to take place,” says Tim. 

In the town of Brewarrina itself, where the church is actively and regularly engaging with the local community, there’s been a dramatic change in recent years. 

“There has been no suicides for two years, which for a town like that is sadly not normal nowadays. Uncle Ike gives all credit to Jesus,” says Tim. 

It’s this same impact that Uncle Ike is praying and believing for in the remote and isolated communities of Enngonia, Bourke, Weilmoringle, Goodooga, Lightning Ridge and Walgatt, all of which are included in the rolling convention each year. 

At the heart of SU’s mission in Australia is a passion for serving alongside Christians, who have been called by God to reach their local community. At Uncle Ike’s invitation, it was a blessing to send two teams to help facilitate the children’s program this year, says Tim.   

“With us being able to come and help run the children’s program it meant more adults and families were able to come and hear the Gospel. I know Uncle Ike was really happy because they were able to reach more people this year. 

“We’re very excited to continue this partnership going forward and play a small, supporting role in what God is doing through Indigenous Christian leaders like Uncle Ike.” 

Through your prayers and financial support, more children, young people and families are being reached with the good news of God’s love. To help keep this vital work going, visit su.org.au/donate.