Mat and Shannon share about the contribution of short-term volunteers to their long-term ministry in Outback Australia.

Mat and Shannon write, “This dry season has been a time of connection and collaboration. We have been blessed to interact with a range of volunteers from all over Australia. We were so thrilled to work with the team from Lismore Baptist church to bring the Sunday School room here in Kalkarindji back into working order. The group of volunteers drove thousands of kilometres to offer their skilled hands in getting the room up and running again.

The Sunday School room has suffered significant damage in recent years, due to white ants and flood damage, so it was great to see volunteers coming together with a group of local men, to strip the room, and work on everything from electrical and steelwork to painting walls and sealing floors!

The efforts of our incredible volunteers mean that the room will be in full swing use when the wet season arrives, providing a cool and fresh space to hold Sunday school and Bible study meetings.

We were also very excited to connect with a group from Drouin Baptist Church who made their way to Kalkarindji and Lajamanu to help out with some much-needed vehicle repairs.

God had been working in the heart of Graham, who is a diesel mechanic, about using his skills for God’s kingdom. When Graham heard about the opportunity to lend a hand he headed up to the Northern Territory with friends Rod and Ann.

These three worked wonders while they were here and managed to get an incredible amount of repairs done on three buses and two trailers. So much was achieved and we are delighted to know that the buses, which often have a hard life, are up to speed and safe for many more years of service.

We are so thankful that God gives a variety of gifts to His people and for the blessing we have had of watching those gifts build His Kingdom this dry season!’

Want to use your gifts for God’s Kingdom?

The Outback Team are looking to recruit a part-time team member skilled in building maintenance. This role will suit someone who has:

• A love of God, a love of Indigenous people and a love of the bush
• General hands-on building maintenance experience, including carpentry, painting etc.
• The ability to manage contractors and or volunteer teams (or individuals)

If you think this could be you, then please contact us so we can start a conversation!