The Presbyterian Inland Mission conduct a rally in Sydney each year during the week in which the Committees of the Presbyterian Church of Australia have their annual meetings.
This year the rally was held at the Presbyterian Theological Center in Burwood.
The format for the evening was very straightforward.
The chair of the PIM committee, Rob Duncanson led us in prayer and the singing of ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’.
Stuart Bonnington, the superintendent (pastoral supervisor and executive officer) of the PIM outlined the work taking place in the various patrols (fields of ministry).
Stuart pointed out that 2012 will be the one-hundreth anniversary of the Australian Inland Mission, of which the PIM is now the successor in the Presbyterian Church of Australia. It is hoped to mark this anniversary that all the patrols could be staffed, which is not presently the case.
Instead of relating the content of Stuart’s talk I’ll point you to the PIM website which has up-to-date information about the patrols and their staffing. A download of their most recent newsletter is also available there.
We were then addressed by three people about the PIM ministry experiences.
Stephen and Rosalie Goldsmith have commenced work in the Western Patrol of New South Wales.
Their aim for first year is to visit every property in the patrol area.
This may or may not be achieved, but it is their aim.
Every day begins in prayer.
As they visit, they record the name of property, people and coordinates so that they can plan future trips more effectively.
The work provides opportunities to share the Gospel by word and deed. Knowing the time and situation to share this truth takes time.
They’re aware of God’s timing in the places they visit. People are there at the times they visit.
As a relational ministry different standards of achievement apply.
Stephen mentioned: prayer support; a suitable vehicle and more padres and their training in necessary skills as needs.
Derek and Joan Douglas carry out the Southern Patrol in Queensland.
Derek expressed his appreciation for support from the PIM committee, and mentioned Stuart, Rob and Mark Smith (secretary).
Their background in small business provided them with some affinity for the struggles of those on the land.
Derek affirmed the need to show people the love of Jesus.
There are many other visiting church-based ministries. Other sources of help are available, but these do not point to Christ.
The practical help they can offer is often small by comparison.
They do not compete with other aid bodies.
PIM lifts up the name of Jesus.
There are some setbacks, but other times that confirm the work they are doing.
There is an openness among people about all the troubles of life. This takes a lot of sincerity and empathy to draw alongside people and not get overwhelmed.
Derek then spoke from Revelation 5 about the ministry of God’s grace.
Terry Sadler asked to speak.
Terry has recently ceased work as a padre. Ill health has curtailed his work in the past.
He looked back upon his work in these terms:
The adventure of the first two years grew into a very emotional ministry.
The people at Charleville were a great support.
It is a very isolated ministry in comparison to normal pastoral ministry.
Decisions must be made, often without counsel and consequences have to be borne.
It is not like a parish ministry.
Ministry training not enough.
Life in the country is the only training.
Sincerity is recognised. The padre does not have to be everything, but they must be honest and willing to be involved in people’s lives.
People’s prayer was felt and experienced.
The gospel works in the bush.
The Sadlers have heard the testimonies of those whom the contacted about those contacts being instrumental in people coming to Christ.
Robert Benn closed the evening, committing the work, the padres and the people of the inland to God’s grace and love.
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