Thanks and prayer requests from North West Australia
Posted on September 6, 2011
Filed under Australia
In the latest issue of Northwest Network, Bishop David Mulready begins to say farewell to the diocese where he and Maureen have served for the last eight years –
“This is in some sense a ‘farewell letter’. As Maureen and I prepare to leave the Diocese next month and move to Gerringong, near Wollongong, I write to thank you all for your encouragement and support over nearly eight years.
We regard our time here as a huge privilege, working with a terrific team of Ministry couples and some very fine Church members in this extraordinary patch of Australia.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of many of you who have prayed, given and come as partners in bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people who live in our region and others who holiday here, often for months at a time.
The challenges facing the Anglican Church in the North West are immense. To mention a few:
- Many of our communities have a high population turn-over every year which means that Congregations turn-over as well, some as many as 50%.
- A large Indigenous population, many of whom, like white Australians, are without hope unless they find new life in Christ.
- Thousands of fly-in-fly-out workers who work, drink and play hard with little time for the things of God.
- Huge distances and isolation: Our team in Kununurra for example are 1200km from their nearest neighbouring Anglican Church in Broome and then it’s another 600km to Port Hedland.
- Meagre financial resources: we only have four self-supporting Parishes. We depend on the partnership of Dioceses, Churches and individuals to provide ministry in many locations. BCA supports ministry in six of our towns.
- The constant challenge of encouraging Ministry couples and families to come to the North West, often far from their families and friends. What a sacrificial bunch we are leaving behind.
An election Synod has been called for February 10 and 11. Dean Jeremy Rice will take responsibility for the Diocese from October 14, at the conclusion of our fellow Workers ‘ Family Conference. Your prayers for him and Virginia and the election of a new Bishop would be much appreciated.
I could not have served here without Maureen, my loyal and faithful partner in life and ministry, who has had a valuable ministry herself.
We shall miss the dedicated team in the Diocesan office and throughout the Diocese. Thanks again for your fellowship and friendship. We leave richer for having been part of this amazing Diocese.
The words of Psalm 115:1 sum up my thanks to God for this ministry opportunity:
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Sincerely in Christ,
David Mulready.”
Reprinted with permission, emphasis added.
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