Outback
Mission (Northern Territory) 22 June to 4 July
Four Pacific
Coast staff members and students joined with 23 teachers and students from
Pacific Hills Christian School for a 13 day mission trip to visit aboriginal
communities in the Northern Territory. Catherine and Katie-Anne from Year 10 and Mr Peck and Mrs Vandersteen spent 4 days at the Amata Aboriginal Community
painting a house and working with the children doing crafts and sport. We
provided a sausage sizzle on Sunday night for the community and attended their
evening church service. The service went for approximately 3 hours and was
conducted in the Pitinjarra language. This was a truly amazing experience
despite the freezing temperature and the need to stand around small fires to
keep warm.
We also spent
time exploring Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Juta (The Olgas) and King’s Canyon
before heading to Glen Helen. Walking around the base of Uluru, a 12km walk,
was a fantastic opportunity to soak in the spirituality that this land exudes.
King's Canyon at dawn, waiting for the sun to come up and soaking in the
amazing views was also worth the sore muscles and demanding levels of energy.
We
celebrated Territory Day (with fireworks) and visited two more aboriginal
communities where we engaged the children in those communities; Hermansberg and
Haasts Bluff. On the last day we celebrated Communion together at Red Bank
Canyon in the Fink River and witnessed the baptism of four of our students.
What a memorable way to commit their life to God.
It is a
fascinating part of our country and I felt very close to our Lord whilst there.
I encourage all students to take the step to go on mission as it is a life
changing experience.
Mrs Debbie
Vandersteen
