When I first joined my church’s prayer team a few years ago, I didn't do it because I thought I was capable of fervently and consistently praying each day for large groups of people in addition to my own concerns. I did it because I so much appreciated it when my concerns were prayed for by others, especially when I had cancer. I had such peace of mind and confidence, feeling I was just floating above a cloud of prayer - and then I was healed - abundant answers to prayer.

It is still an ongoing aim to pray each day as I would like to, but it's something I'm getting better at. It is a privilege to pray for those who request prayer via the welcome cards each week and to pray for each ministry of our church. As we do, we become increasingly appreciative of so many people serving in so many ways to make our church effective and we grow in faith and commitment to do this as we see prayers answered.

When I first knew Christ! By Pastor Roy Yaltjanki, Docker River

It was long ago, when we were just kids, hunting, and gathering, getting food from the bush. One day we were sitting at Kaltukatjara, when we saw in the distance a couple of camels coming and with them Pastor FW Albrecht and evangelist Peter Bulla from Hermannsburg.

They spent some time in the area, going to various water holes around the place talking to groups of our people.
After they had shared a bit of food with us, they talked to us about God's word, which we had not heard before, the message of God. They prayed with us and for us.

Somehow the Holy Spirit convicted us in our hearts that these stories, the story about God, was true . . . that it was the right way. We trusted these stories.

Before we heard the missionaries we were ignorant. We didn't know about this, but we believed these stories. Christ came, was killed and rose again. We believed this message. Now I am a pastor telling other people this message.

I am keen to be a good shepherd and look after the flock God has given me at Docker River. I want to do that joyfully and teach people the Word of God. I will baptise children and older people who come, and give people the Lord's Supper.

I am thinking about the role of a pastor. I realise the importance of being a good pastor and set an example to the people. I need to do the right thing. I see that as a great responsibility.

(reprinted with permission from FRM newsletter, Winter 2004)

Helen Schutz’s Story

I would like to thank my fellow church members for your prayers and blessings over the last 3 months. You are remarkable, thoughtful and caring people. Secondly, I would love to join the e-prayer group, to share some of the multitude of love blessings that my family and I have received from the community at St John’s.

Yes, I am limited in what I can do, but this injury has given me one of the most amazing times of reflection, prayer and grace with our Lord that I have ever had. I have never felt closer to him. Throughout the pain, I never felt scared, alone or worried. He nursed me, soothed me, and comforted me in ways that can only be described as love and grace. Had this happened 12 months, even 6 months ago I know I wouldn’t have been able to accept people’s offers of help and assistance.

The specialist said that it was literally unbelievable that my back had not given way sooner. I can’t help thinking that God was nursing me until my heart was healed, and I was able to love and trust for the first time in as long as I can remember. To allow people into my life, to accept their generosity, prayer and help for what it was – an offer of help with God’s love. So to each and every member of our wonderful, caring and grace-filled congregation …THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

God has changed me! by Pastor Roderick Kantamarra, Mt Liebig

I SPENT a lot of time in prison in Alice Springs. The police stopped me for driving the car after drinking. They stopped me when I was driving without a driver's licence too.

In prison I went to chapel once and the Holy Spirit grabbed me. Then I was different.

I prayed to God to help me, to show me the way. I was thinking that something was changing me. God changed me. I was going the wrong way, doing the wrong things. There I went to church and I wanted to change.

After I was released from prison, I didn't drink any more. First I learnt more about God's Word from Ken Hansen, then later from Norman Wurst and Paul Traeger. Then I came to Mt Liebig and we sang about Jesus every night and I told my sister Monica to teach my family about God’s Word. At Mt Liebig we had a Christian singalong every week, sometimes at Papunya and Haasts Bluff too.

I learnt a lot. I am a different man now.

I was telling God's Word and everyone was together following the Lord that day. Now some are not going God's way and we need to sing together and we need people to come back to the Lord.

I am happy I am still with the Lord and I need more people to come to the Lord.
May God's Spirit help me. I want to keep telling people the good news about Jesus Christ.

It's good to become a pastor and work with people. I'm glad too that I can baptise people and serve the Lord's Supper.

(From the Finke River Mission newsletter, Winter 2004 – used with permission)

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