our aim : a monthly record of the aborigines' inland mission of … · 2015-02-10 · care....

Our Aim T o give light to them that sit in da rkness"

OCTOBER, 1959 Vol. LIII — No. 2

THE DAY BEFORE HIS COMING

Some time some ordinary day wil l come, A busy day, like this, filled to the brim With ordinary tasks — perhaps so full That we have little care or thought for Him.

And there wil l be no hint from silent skies, No sign, no clash of cymbals, roll of drums — And yet that ordinary day wil l be The very day before our Lord returns!

The day before we lay our burdens down, And learn instead the strange feel of a crown! The day before all grieving wil l be past, And all our tears be wiped away at last!

O child of God, awake and work and pray! That ordinary day might be — today! Make ready all thine house — tomorrow's sun May dawn upon the Kingdom of God's Son.

ABORIGINES INLAND MISSION OF AUSTRALIA Regd. at G.P.O. Sydney, as a Newspapei

Subscription — 5/- per year

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 17/14 - www.aiatsis.gov.au

Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia.

Founded by Mrs. R. Long, August 1st, 1905

Head Office: Kembla Building, 58 Margaret St., Sydney, Australia. Phone: BX2268.

Director: P«ev. Egerton C. Long (UMG923) General Secretary: Mr. E. A. Collings (UF2464)

Federal Advisory Council: President, The Director; Chairmen and Vice-Presidents, Mr. L. Scott and Mr. K. Beeby; Secretary, M. G. Blacket; Asst. Secretary, Miss M. Mackay; Gen. Treasurer, Mr. F. Atkinson. Hon. Medical Advisor: Dr. D. Treloar. Hon. Auditor: Mr. W. Davies.

Victorian State Council: Melbourne Office, Room 3, 46 Russell St., Melbourne. Phone 63-1500. Secretary: Mr. A. J. Bogot, 202 Spring St. Reservoir. Ph. JU4059. Treasurer: Mr. L. Stirling, 18 Lawes St., Hawthorn, Vic. Phone WM6429.

Queensland State Council: Acting Secretary: Miss R. Shaw, 567 Hamilton Rd., Chermside. Treasurer: Mrs. V. Elms, Cotton Street, Shorncliffe, N.E.7.

Tasmanian State Council: Mr. W. Wolnizer, 38 Proctor's Rd., Hobart, Tas. Treasurer: Mr. W. Wolnizer, 38 Proctor's Rd., Hobart, Tas.

South Australian Auxiliary: Secretary and reasurer: Mrs. Tate, Smith-Dorrien Street, Netherby, South Australia.

ATTEND THESE A N N U A L MEETINGS

MELBOURNE — Friday, October 23rd. Upper Scot's Hall — 6.30 p.m. Chairman — Mr. L. E. Buck Speakers: Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Long Colour Slides of the Northern Territory

HOBART — Monday, October 26th Lord Mayor's Room — Town Hall — 7.30 p.m. Speaker — Mr. Wm. Tate

COME AND SHOW YOUR INTEREST IN OUR ABORIGINES

Page Two OUR AIM


^

REBUILDING OF THE RETTA DIXON CHILDREN'S HOME

The final approval for the rehousing of our Children's Home in Darwin has come through after long negotitions. For over twelve years our workers have corried on the Home under crowded, cramped and unsuitable conditions and now, Lord willing, we are to have new quarters.

The story of the present Home is written for you on pages four and five of this issue. Now we face the future. Will you help us?

The new Home is to be built from prefabricated aluminum materials, specially designed for tropical conditions. There will be eight children's cottages each containing six bedrooms and the children will be in the care of house-parents, or house-mothers.

Workmen Needed

The tremendous task of erection is under the supervision of Mr. Lynne Allen. Several men are in Darwin also, while others are on the way.

However, several more workmen are needed almost immediately. Where are six men who for the sake of Christ would be willing to give four to six months to this work in the north? "Builder's labourers" are needed most of all — in other words, men who are willing to tackle any job for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. If you could go, would you write to us today, so that we can send you the details?

A Call to Prayer

Do we need to say this project is also a call to prayer? One need which will arise soon will be the provision of suitable workers as house-parents and house-mothers. Please be much in prayer about this and all the needs of the new Home.

Pray for an early commencement and a speedy completion of the whole project.

OUR AIM Page Three


"Take This Child & Train Him for Me" Here is the unfolding of the Lord's leading as seen in the

Beginning and early years of the Retta Dixon Home, soon to be rebuilt.

In early 1942, after Japan had entered Word War II, our A.I.M. Missionaries, Misses F . Beasley and Shankleton, were asked by the Northern Territory Administration to supervise the evacuation of 80 part-coloured women and children from Darwin to Adelaide, (he men were retained in Darwin on essential service.) They travelled overland in an Army convoy, the total distance of over 2,000 miles.

These coloured folk were housed in farm houses at Saints, S.A., in the district of Balaclava, and cared for by our Missionaries throughout the long evacuation period.

The central farm house was used for single women and children, a large dormitory being erected on the grounds also to help with accommodation.

The Northern Territory Native Affairs Branch sent further

children to our care from time to time. As the South Australian Education Department was not prepared to accept the Northern Territory part-coloured into their school, a special school was opened at Saints by the Commonwealth Department of Education.

THE RETURN NORTH

In March, 1946, Miss G. Din-ham and Miss M. Shankleton with 78 coloured folk left South Australia, travelling by train to Alice Springs and by truck from there to Darwin.

Pending our arrival, temporary accommodation had been prepared in a block of buildings on the Bagot Native Reserve.

Within a month, most of the families had moved out to their homes, but we still had over 30 children, besides a number of young women, who had no rela-

REBUILDING TO BEGIN This is what you have been expecting for so long. We may

i now commence building operations on the New Home for the '• ' Retta Dixon Children.

There are eight, six-bedroom cottages for the children,' Superintendent's residence, Nurses' Quarters with Dispensary and j three-bed ward, Community Hall, two Labourer's cottages be-1 sides stores, garage, workshop and laundry to be built.

Even a glance at this programme will bring to you the need; for earnest prayer, prayer for continual guidance and wisdom, for; more workers, for necessary finance, transport of materials and! the preparing of the children and missionaries for this entirely j new set-up.

Then, too, there is the need for additional staff members for! the transfer to the cottage system home as house-parents and; house-mothers.

Page Four OUR AIM


tives or homes to go to. It seemed a children's home had evolved in our hands.

CHILDREN'S HOME OPENED At this juncture, when our

Mission was faced with the need of these children, we had to make the important decision as to whether we were prepared to accept this responsibility and carry on a children's home or not.

After much prayer, thought and discussion our Councils were assured that it was the will of God and it was decided that we accept the responsibility and open a Childrens home.

We immediately began looking for a suitable site and building for our A.I.M. Children's Home. Two main factors were considered: Firstly, that the home be established within easy distance of the town of Darwin, to allow the children to attend the public school and mix with those among whom later they will work and establish their own homes in the general community. Secondly, that the property be on the main water and electricity supply.

LOCATION There were a number of

vacated Army Camps up for disposal which seemed suitable, but in our negotiations, we found a strong colour-bar existed in the district, making it difficult to

secure suitable property. It was at this stage that the

Director of Native Affairs for the Northern Territory approached us about remaining in the buildings we then occupied on the Bagot Reserve. We accepted this suggestion and began to rehabilitate the four permanent buildings and the four Sidney William Huts that had been recently evacuated by the Army. Mr. Dick Stretton was with us at this time and put a good deal of hard work into repairing and painting the interior of the buildings.

In these beginnings our furni ture and furnishings were sparse, mostly acquired from the Army and R.A.A.F. Stores, and, perhaps, not so comfortable. Over the years this has been remedied. Our dormitories are now comfortably furnished. They have lso been made to look as attractive as possible and pretty with colourful walls, spreads and curtains.

NUMBERS INCREASING The following year 16 children

from the Phillip Creek Native Compound were added to our number. Other needy children from cattle stations and the town area were admitted to the Home from time to time, until we had over a hundred children in our care. Continued on page 7

Miss Shankelton Miss Spohn Miss Dinham

Three of the lady workers who have served faithfully at the Retta Dixon Home for many years. There is an urgent need of lady workers

at the Home at the present time.

OUR AIM Page Five Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 17/14 - www.aiatsis.gov.au

MEMORIAL TO THE FOUNDER A Building Fund for t h e Retta Long Memorial Hall, at the

Singleton Bible Institute, has been opened by the Federal Advisory Council of the A.I.M.

Almost twelve months ago, the Federal Council resolved that a Memorial to the Founder of t h e Mission, the late Mrs. R. J. Long, should take the form, first of all, of a plaque in the main hallway of the Institute Buildings setting out the main facts of Mrs. Long's life, but that the erection of a Hall as a more permanent memorial be undertaken as soon as possible.

The plaque was beautifully made by Mr. W. Hufton, a member of the F.A.C., and lettered by Mr. L. Curtis, of Bankstown. It was placed in position at the States' Conference, at Singleton, last January. Singleton was the birthplace of the A.I.M.

A meeting hall has been a long felt need at the Singleton Institute, for Bible school meetings and Graduation nights, as well as the regular Sunday services of the school.

Tentative plans for the Hall include living quarters for either the men students or one or two

staff members. These also are urgent and definite needs.

The Council feels that friends of t h e late founder of the Mission will want to have a part in such a memorial, and prayer is sought that the Lord will lay this on many hearts.

HALL IS URGENT NEED AT SINGLETON

For our graduation service last year, we rented a marquee, and let it be known that there would be room for all who could come. Friends from Newcastle rented a bus and came for the service, while others came from all around the Hunter Valley in cars.

As large as the marquee was, we still had folks on the lawn. It made us realise how many would come were space available for them. There were over two hundred present at this service. We feel

Page Six OUR AIM


that often folk have stayed away because they knew what limited space we have. This would be remedied with the addition of a hall.

We hold our various mission conferences here because of our present facilities, and these would be greatly improved by the addition of a suitable hall.

Every Bible school impresses upon us anew, the need for a larger meeting place. We have wondered how we could enlarge our present lecture room, but the only answer would seem to be a large hall separate from the main building. This would certainly fill the need for these and other similar occasions.

Accommodation for staff and students, and for Bible Schools and Conferences also is severely crowded.

J. M. LLOYD, Principal.

RETTA DIXON HOME Continued from Page 5.

About 1953 the Government decided to re-open the Bagot Reserve as a Native Compound. The full-blooded aborigines were transferred from Berrimah again and established at Bagot. The Native school was opened and a permanent work commenced by the Welfare Department, which by then had replaced the Native Affairs Branch.

NEW LOCATION NEEDED

Our Mission soon realized the inadvisability of continuing our Home in such close proximity to the Native Reserve.

As we prayed and thought over the matter, the Lord guided our thoughts into changing from the dormitory system to the cottage system of housing. We realized the ultimate benefit this would be to the children through the closer contact and training possible in family groups in self-contained cottages.

Thus we have prayed and planned toward the re-building of our Retta Dixon Home. Now the

Welfare Department is also very anxious for us to move as they want the buildings we occupy.

The project has been accepted by the Commonwealth Government and final plans, specifications and estimates are before them.

Within three months we hope to commence this tremendous task, a building program of nine, large, six-bedroom cottages, two small cottages, hospital clinic, recreation hall and out-houses.

It is almost an overwhelming project to us, humanly speaking, but not too big for Our God. "Our God is able." We need workers both skilled and unskilled for the building project. Would you be willing to help?

When the New Home is established, it will mean, of course, a far greater financial responsibility and we will need approximately double the staff we have at present, especially more mar-for the immediate rebuilding of this Home.

CUR AIM Page Seven


ON THE TREK AROUND THE CATTLE STATIONS

I want to share with you these few minutes of eventide. Everything is ready for tonight's supper, the packing for tomorrow's move, and for the meeting tonight.

We could not hold one last night as the people were all away on cattle trucking at Adelaide River, so an extra day had to be spent on the banks of the Douglas River. It is a beautiful spot, with shade all day long and many things have been done in the time spent here, even to the completing of Income Tax Returns, washing of clothes, a well-cooked dinner and quiet waiting upon God as He calls us aside to hear His voice and know His Word for those we are to meet.

Continuing the story of what has taken place, brings me to the meeting we held just after the completion of the last report when no less than about 100 people attended at a farm on the Daly River which adjoins the Settlement there. The Superintendent sent along a truck load of folk to swell the number of 40 already gathered. We praise God for this mark of His favour and in all things we see His hand guiding us.

At the last meeting on the Daly River there were five people present who remembered our two former visits to this area, though six years had elapsed since the last time we were there.

At the Douglas Station meeting we had both the station folk and a road camp and felt that there was a real acceptance of the message given.

After the meeting at Ooloo Station we shall return to the bitumen and make for Pine Creek, where there may be mail awaiting us.

I t is a good time of the year to be travelling on the road, neither

MR. MAIN WITH GROUP MET ON ONE CATTLE STATION

Page Eight OUR AIM


too hot nor too cold and as we move south we get out of the heavy dews around Darwin. We each of us realize the blessing it is to be engaged on such a needy work, for it is the only way by which our people can ever be reached and there are many others, too, who thus come to hear the Word.

C. A. MAIN.

Mr. STRETTON CONTINUES THE STORY

We have been well received and praise God for so many openings on this short itinerary. At one place, we met a man who had been at the East Arm Leprosarium and had helped build the church there. Now he is cured and home again. He is very bright. We had a lovely meeting at that place. There were those, too, who really believed.

Car Trouble

The next day when we were about 23 miles from the bitumen road, I felt there was something wrong with the Landrover. I got out two or three times and looked at the engine, then I discovered that it was the bearing in a back wheel. We found a good clear spot and I took it all to pieces! What a mess! We were hoping and praying that a truck might come along, but nothing came. Finally Mr. Main and Walter Fejo decided to walk in to the highway. From there they could get a lift into Katherine and get parts. Praise the Lord, we had plenty of water and food.

They arrived at the main road about 2 a.m., having made the 23 miles in about eleven hours. The next day Mr. Stan Matthews arrived with a new bearing and we were on our way again. Mr. Albert Foreman, of the Works Dept., was able to help us get the needed parts. Usually these bearings are put on with a thirty ton press. Well Our God is able and we put them on with a four pound hammer, a piece of 1 ] " water pipe and a log! Finally we got back to Katherine that night and rejoiced in the fellowship with Mr. and Mrs. Matthews and family.

We had thought of going out to Hooker's Creek via Wave Hill, but more car trouble made us turn back. It is 175 miles between stations that way and we felt we ought not to attempt it. Lord willing, I hope to take Mr. Matthews out to Beswick, and Mainoru, then I will go on to Darwin for the wet season. I hope to have a part in the moving of the Delissaville Church if we can possibly do it. We will just go as the Lord opens the way.

DICK STRETTON.

DID THIS PAPER COME IN A COLOURED WRAPPER?

IF SO — YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE

OUR AIM Page Nine


WARM WELCOME AT KOOLPINYAH STATION

Since the last time I wrote a report I have visited Koolpinyah Station three times. I visit there now on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the late afternoon and evening. We are made most wel come by the owners of the Station and also the native people.

Hospital Visitation Most of the natives a t Koolpinyah have spent some time in hos

pital and this has been my first contact with them. One old man who didn't seem particularly interested when I visited him in hospital said to me the last time I visited Koolpinyah, "You are good to us, you come and see us in hospital," and so one realises once again how worthwhile the hospital visitation is.

Just recently I was speaking to a woman from Cape Don in hospital and she said she believed in the Saviour so I questioned her as to how she came to know Him and asked her if someone had been to Cape Don and she said, "No, you told me about Him." Some time ago I had spoken to a group of Cape Don people on the Reserve here a few times and had also played Gospel Recording Records in their language.

Meetings at Koolpinyah

We get to Koolpinyah in time to go around and visit each one which we feel is well worthwhile. At night they all gather for the meeting. We generally show some slides of other places first and then follow with Bible pictures and so give the Gospel message.

Last time we were not able to show slides so gave a message using the pictures in my Bible and how intently they listened.

"You'll come again?" are some of the remarks passed as we say good-bye.

I do praise God for this opportunity and pray that they all may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour.

MISS A. CLARK.

SYDNEY ANNUAL MEETING FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 6th — 3.30 p.m., 6.30 p.m., and 7.30 p.m.

C.E.N.E.F. Hall, Castlereagh St.

Chairmen: 3.30 p.m. — Rev. Neville Horn of Stanmore Baptist Church. 7.30 p.m. Rev. Arthur Deane of the Missionary and Bible College.

Speakers will include:— Mr. M. Pattemore, Rev. E. C. Long, and Mr. W. Fejo.

Music by Student Ensemble from the A.I.M., B.T.I. Singleton. 5.30-6.30 Buffet Tea provided by the Ladies' Auxiliary.

6.30 p.m. Slides of the Northern Territory.

Page Ten OUR AIM


.<p;

Miss RUTH DIXSAN has arrived in Sydney for furlough. Prior to leaving Darwin she had been troubled with rheumatism, and will obtain further treatment while in Sydney. Her address is 36 Morgan Street, Merrylands.

Mrs. E. C. LONG still has her right arm in plaster and is greatly handicapped by it in many ways, although otherwise very well.

Miss M. ACLAND is now living in Mosman and her address is 17 Ourimbah Road, Mosman. She is continuing her faithful work in Redfern area.

FIELD COUNCIL MEETINGS were held in Sydney recently and those who attended were Mr. R. M. Living, of Brisbane, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Collins, Miss M. Acland, Mr. W. Caddy, of Melbourne, Mr. H. Kleinschmidt, of Moree, Rev. J. M. Lloyd, of Singleton, and the Director.

Mr. and Mrs. E. WALKER and their baby daughter were at the Brisbane annual meeting. They returned to Cherbourg immediately after the meeting and have with them Mr. REYNOLD KETCHUP, a probationary missionary.

Mr. C. A. MAIN is planning to travel with Mr. Eldridge from Newcastle Waters to Borroloola and will relieve Mr. and Mrs. Pat-temore for furlough. Mr. MAX FIELD will also work with Mr. Main at Borroloola.

*q...

7

Mr. STAN ELDRIDGE, of Darwin, planned to leave there on September 21st with a truck load of stores for our workers at Katherine, Newcastle Waters and Borroloola. Freight to these places is an enormous item and it is hoped to make this trip twice a year, thus saving a big percentage of the freight costs.

Mr. and Mrs. PATTEMORE hope to leave Borroloola on furlough about the first week in October and will undertake deputation work after furlough before returning north.

Mr. and Mrs. C. BUTLER and Mr. RON PEARCE, of Melbourne, passed through Sydney recently on their way to help with the rebuilding of the Retta Dixon Home.

Mr. WALTER FEJO and Miss PHYLLIS NADEN, newly accepted native missionaries, are at the Singleton B.T.I, undertaking their Candidates' Course, "Straight paths for your feet."

Sister RUTH CLUTTERBUCK returned to the Retta Dixon Home on September 1st and has taken charge of the medical work there again.

Miss ELAINE WEBB, who has been at Palm Island while Mr. Trezise was on the survey of Nth. Qld., has now gone on to the Retta Dixon Home.

\ * K

»*-"

>

MISS R. DIXSAN Sister R. Clutterbuck

OUR AIM Page Eleven


HAPPY TIMES WITH EAST ARM PATIENTS

Recently the folk of East Arm had their annual holidays, "out bush" for three weeks. One Saturday we went to see them — they were in a lovely spot 62 miles away. They had built bush shelters among tall trees with a billabong one side and a salt water river the other.

We had a meeting and over 70 gathered around to join in singing and listening to the message from God's Word. As soon as darkness fell, we showed slides and a Jungle Dr. Fable film, using car battery for projector.

I t was a very happy time, and worth the hot, dusty and in places, rough trip. We also went out one Wednesday taking Miss Clark, Miss Dinham, Mr. Main and Mr. Treloar. It was interesting to watch one man making a boomerang, and another making a damper for his supper. Others were having a grand time swimming in the river and all were really enjoying their holiday. They were so appreciative of our visits, and we were so glad to be able to go and see them. Now they are settled back at East Arm, and we are having the usual meetings. Paul, a fine Christian, and deacon of the Church, is at present in hospital suffering with blood pressure and unable to walk, yet it is good to visit him and see his face beaming with the joy of our Lord.

Stuart Park

It was with regret that we farewelled from the Sunday School Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, who left Darwin last week to live in Perth. They had been of great help, also in the open air meetings. They will be missed here, but we pray that God will use them in their new sphere of service.

We praise God that Mr. Greigson has offered to teach in Sunday School. Last Sunday 51 scholars attended, and it is a joy and privilege to teach them from the Word. Once again it is time to practise for our Anniversary, which we hope to hold next month.

Other Meetings

The Open Air meetings continue each Tuesday night, when 10 or 12 of us go to various places around Parap Camp, and occasionally to Winnellie. Usually a number of children gather around, and sometimes a few adults, but as the Gospel in word and song goes out over the amplifier, it is heard in many places and will not return void.

At the A.A.M.M. meeting yesterday 11 women, 9 babies and toddlers were present. At the close of the meeting a jumble sale was held and we were happy to have £7 to send to assist our native missionaries.

Two weeks ago, Stan and a friend went to a timber camp 270 miles away and brought back a load of timber for the Bagot Mission House. Permission having been granted, the foundations are now being

Page Twelve OUR ATM


laid, and we pray that the house will soon be completed and used in the Master's service.

Several weeks ago we commenced a "Happy Hour" for the children held on Thursday nights, and so far, about 12 have been attending. We sing, pray, have stories and quizzes, sometimes film strip or games. May these meetings be a help and blessing, also we trust that more will come.

Next Saturday night in the Town Hall is a rally of D.C.Y.F. when Festo Kevingere, of Uganda, will be the speaker — it is our prayer that many will attend and be led to our Saviour.

So by various means we seek to win souls into the Kingdom of God, as Paul said, "I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some."

C. ELDRIDGE.

NATIVE PASTOR WRITES FROM WOORABINDA

I am very pleased to report that all the Christians are helping in the work here. There have been very good attendances a t the night meetings.

We have been very pleased indeed to have Miss Jean Phillips and her mother here with us on a short visit. We enjoyed their fellowship very much.

As you know, we are working for a new church here, and we already have in hand some money given by Christian friends for this purpose. The women are helping, too, and are working hard at their plastic bags and flowers. The proceeds from these will go towards our church also.

We do need your prayers as we go among the unsaved people here. We do praise God that there are Christians who will open their homes for cottage meetings. This is a wonderful thing as so many of the homes are open for gambling purposes, and we do praise God for it. Do pray with us that many will come to know the Saviour.

PASTOR W. TOBANE.

BETHESDA MISSION Pastor J. Plummer and I recently made our regular visit to the

Aboriginal men in the prison. There were six men there, some of whom were very young. One was in my "day" kindergarten at the Mission 11 years ago and another is only 17 years of age. I was sorry to find there one who had been in our Sunday School some years ago and who had been given a beautiful Bible by Miss Esther Schenk (now Mrs. D. Milne, of Gnowangerup Mission) for learning his lessons.

In the prison chapel the man who is serving a sentence for murder, said to me, "I have made a gift for you." It is a little piano, complete with piano stool, sheet of music on the piano, all made of castile soap. Where the name of the make of the piano usually is, he has the word "Sister" printed.

Some of our people are in hospital at the moment and I would ask you to pray for them that they may find spiritual healing as well as physical. SISTER MAUDE ELLIS

OUR AIM Page Thirteen


VISITORS AT BORROLOOLA "O come let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the

rock of our Salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods." Psalm 95:1-3.

For some time now we have hoped and prayed that it would be possible for our Director, Mr. Long, to come to Borroloola and meet the people here.

God has answered our prayer and we praise Him for it. It was a real joy for us to have, for a few days, happy fellowship with Mr. Long and with Mr. and Mrs. Bridges, who brought Mr. Long from Newcastle Waters over the long, dusty roads to Borroloola. It was great, too, to have Mervyn back with us again after his trip to Darwin.

Mr. Long brought to us the message at both Sunday Services when almost everyone in camp met to worship God.

On Monday night we were privileged to see many interesting slides depicting many phases of the work. These were of real interest to us and to the people.

As Tiny said, when welcoming Mr. Long and Mr. and Mrs. Bridges, "We are very happy that you came."

New Worker Arrives

Later a telegram from Mr. Long brought more rejoicing, "Mr. Max Field had left Sydney for Borroloola and so we followed him with our prayers trying to guess each day where he would be and when he would arrive.

On Saturday morning our children were down watching the road for a landrover, which eventually arrived at about 1.30 on Saturday.

We praise the Lord for Max's coming and pray that the Lord will richly bless his ministry here at Borroloola.

We would ask prayer for two of our school children who are very sick in Darwin Hospital—May, our eldest school girl, a baptised believer, who went away two weeks ago, and Fred Mulholland.

MERVYN and LELEAN PATTEMORE.

f-^-^^?s^<?j* j»si9^^*^si> ,>^^^tf^.rf^l?^*"^^i^^S-^^4?v?'#^^^#-#s#N*^4?^r^^

BLESSINGS AT FINGAL We are rejoicing in the blessings which the Lord has bestowed

upon us in His Service here. We praise the Lord for the wonderful opportunity that we have of ministering among our own people here.

Fingal is not a big place. There are about five stores, a Post Office and a Public School, where both dark and white children attend. Our people live about a mile from the post office and we live there amongst them. There are about 17 homes in which the people live and they mostly do seasonal work, although some of them have permanent jobs.

Our meetings for the week are C.E. on Sunday morning as well as the Morning Service, Sunday School in the afternoon and the Service at night. Week-night meetings are Bible Study and Prayer on Tuesday night, adult C.E. Wednesday night, and Thursday night is Teenagers' Night when they have games and a time of devotions. Friday night is set aside for the tiny ones.

We go to Yelgun, which is 34 miles away, regularly, and hold a

Page Fourteen OUR AIM


service for both the dark and white people. We have been once to Cudgen, where we had fellowship with the World-wide Evangelisation Crusade. At one stage Greenbank Island was visited, but this visit has been discontinued as the people have moved from there.

On September 3rd, a bus load of our people went to Brisbane to the Annual Meeting. Everyone enjoyed the meeting, especially the film and slides shown by Mr. Long. Many were moved as they saw the great need of our people.

It is our prayer that one day when we all gather around our Saviour's Throne, many of our people will be there as we sing praises to Him who hath made us Kings and Priests. Brethren, pray for us here that the Word of God may have free course here.

BILL and JOAN BIRD and DAWN DATES.

DAVID KIRK writes . . . After a very fruitful six weeks at Griffith, I took a flying trip with

a friend up into Central Queensland, going as far as Woorabinda. We covered 3,000 miles in nine days.

Although very brief, it was an enjoyable trip, giving me the opportunity of seeing my relatives and other Christians on the various stations.

The places visited were Condobolin, Wellington, Dubbo, Singleton, Moree, Woorabinda, Cherbourg, Fingal, Boggabilla.

New Appointment

On the return journey my friend, Mr. Bob Irvine, left me off here at my new appointment, Armidale, to work in the New England area for Christ.

Making Armidale my centre, out stations will include Tinga, Guyra, Walcha and Woolbrook.

A goodly number of our people are scattered over this district and here in Armidale the people have doubled their number since my last visit twelve months ago. There is one major limitation, that is I am not mobile. A vehicle is a necessity and your prayers will be valued for this request. According to His will the Lord will answer.

Church Hall Needed

Permission has been granted for us to build a t the Depot which is the permanent Reserve for our people at Armidale. Pray with us for guidance concerning this project.

All Associate Workers here are one with us in the work, in unity we face the foe! Will you join us in prayer and support that we may have many new converts, here in this New England District.

DAVID KIRK.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Gifts for our Christmas Trees are already beginning to arrive. Can you help us this year? Over 10,000 gifts will be needed. Contact A.I.M. Headquarters for information and advice.

OUR AIM Page Fifteen


CONDOBOLIN DISTRICT MURRIN BRIDGE AND EUBALONG

Praiose the Lord for an open door at Murrin Bridge, where there is approximately 300 people! The Manager of the Settlement is very cooperative and with the Head Teacher has assisted me in many ways. The work here consists mainly of personal visisation and the distribution of Gospel literature on the day of visitation followed by an evening meeting. One dear old lady has asked for a meeting to be held in her home; she approached the manager's wife and asked her to try and talk me into it! There is a definite hunger for spiritual things despite, or perhaps because of the dreadful hold drink and gambling has over them. We have been seeking out native families in and around Eubalong and have so far contacted seven homes. We are seeking to maintain a regular fortnightly visit to these people, with idea of making the visit a two-day one in the near future. DO PRAY CONCERNING THIS!

"The Murie" — Condoblin.

A regular weekly service is now under way; our associate worker Mr. Ross Jones takes it one week and I the next, thus one of us is at the Murie while the other is at the Mission each Sunday. An open-air Sunday School is also held every Sunday.

The power of the Holy Spirit has been manifest at our weekly cottage meeting. Last Tuesday night a visitor from Peak Hill came out for the Lord, praise His Name! his place is a real strong hold of Satan, with drink, gambling, and Sunday sport predominant in the life of the people. Only much effort combined with MUCH PERSISTENT, BELIEVING PRAYER will enable the Holy Spirit's power to break through.

"The Mission"

Four children expressed the desire to give themselves to the Lord Jesus after Sunday School one morning. One of these, a little girl about nine, came to me some days later and gave me two pence to go to the Lords work! During the recent visit of Mr. Wes. Caddy, after an evening meeting, ten children desired tc come to the Lord, and two men stayed behind for prayer and re-dedication. Please pray that these may become STRONG on the LORD. We have commenced a Junior Endeavour each Friday after school. Pray that this will be used of the Lord to strengthen the young Christians and to win others for Him.

A prayer meeting held in our home each Friday night, is proving a means of real blessing to us and those who gather with us, namely, our associate workers, the two lical Salvation Army Lieutenants, three native Christians, and several others.

HOSPITAL VISITATION

This has been a source of joy and praise to our Lord for His leading. One woman who because of persecution had lost her first love for the Lord, has been restored Pray for Faye Sloan who is in hospital with an injured back. Faye really loves the Lord and desires to go to the Singleton Training Institute next year.

We praise the Lord for the continued supply of our material needs, and in particular for the supply of sufficient finance to keep the Holden on the roads, thus enabling us to reach many lonely souls for whom Christ died.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Page Sixteen OUR AIM


HOW GOOD IS THE GOD WE ADORE? Read this thrilling testimony from a new worker,

Mr. Max Field

Truly the Lord has been gracious to me, setting His seal to my every step. The Lord is able and willing to provide far above that which we ask or think.

Upon leaving home for my first appointment, I asked myself the question, "What do I lack?" My answer was, "I lack nothing." The Lord has provided my every need even to the supply of a four-wheel drive Landrover.

After having travelled quite some distance on the long road north, I asked the Lord to provide company for me, which He did. I came across a young fellow who required transport for some considerable distance and I was able to witness to him and present the claims of Christ.

I was struck by the number of isolated stock camps in the section of the Northern Territory without any Christian witness at all. This was a real challenge to me.

After many days on the road I was very happy to arrive at Borro-loola, the place where I am to serve our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Looking back over the last few weeks I am very conscious of the guiding and over-ruling Hand of our Master and I would ask you to pray for me as I settle in the work of my first appointment.

MAX FIELD.

GENERAL NEWS

Two candidates were accepted at the September meeting of the Federal Advisory Council. They are Miss D. Doherty, of Thorn-leigh Baptist Church, Sydney, and Miss M. Stevenson, of the New Lambton Baptist Church, in the Newcastle area.

Miss Doherty is at present a second year student at the Missionary and Bible College, Croydon, and Miss Stevenson is studying at the Tahlee Bible College.

* * *

Owing to the increase in postal charges it will not be possible to send out a separate prayer circular in the future. Instead we plan to include a supplement in Our Aim giving daily prayer requests and notes for our many prayer partners. The prayer letter will be mailed separately in October, but

commencing with the November issue, the two publications will be combined.

* * #

A Youth Fellowship has been started by Mr. Caddy, in Melbourne. It meets on the 4th Monday night of each month in the A.I.M. office, 46 Russell Street, Melbourne.

* * *

A "Full Time Fellowship" meets in the Director's home on the second Tuesday of each month. It is for all young people who feel led to consider training and full time service for the Lord, not necessarily in the A.I.M.

* * *

Friends will be glad to know that Miss Olive Long is greatly improved in health and at present is living with friends at 22 Raw-son Street, Epping.

OUR AIM Page Seventeen


OUR AUXILIARIES NEWCASTLE LADIES'

AUXILIARY Over 150 gathered with us on

August 4th to celebrate our 2nd Annual Luncheon held in Mait-land Road Baptist Church, Islington.

I t was a very happy function with Mrs. Winton presiding and our Guest Speaker, Miss Kathryn Davis, of Singleton College.

We were also privileged in having with us Miss Evelyn Walker, from Caroona, who was in Newcastle on holidays.

Three ladies from the Sydney Auxiliary journeyed up for the occasion and brought a greeting from their Auxiliary.

One of the babies from the Retta Dixon Home, who has recently been adopted into a Newcastle home, proved a great attraction.

G. FRASER, Sec. VICTORIAN LADIES'

AUXILIARY The Victorian Ladies' Auxiliary

held their Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, 25th August, in Kurra-jong House, when 75 ladies were present. Mrs. Long very graciously spoke of the work of the auxiliaries, followed by Mr. Long, who challenged us to more prayer for the work in the North. A sum of £27 was donated in the "Refrigerator" boxes on the tables. There was a display of work prepared for the Christmas parcel, and Mr. Caddy had a literature table. We praise God for the wonderful attendance to this our first Luncheon, and look to Him for guidance in the following twelve months.

Mrs. M. C. JONES EAST CESSNOCK LADIES'

AUXILIARY A most enjoyable time was

spent on the 12th August, when the Auxiliary members entertained 92 friends, including members from Newcastle Auxiliary, and the local churches at its Annual Luncheon.

The Guest Speaker was Mr.

Collins, General Secretary of the Aborigines' Inland Mission.

Items by the Cessnock Ladies' Choir and a duet by Mesdames Walters and Maughan were greatly appreciated.

SYDNEY LADIES' AUXILIARY

Twenty-two ladies were present at our August meeting. Mrs. M. G. White read some interesting letters from our Missionaries.

We were happy to welcome Mrs. D. Griffiths from the Newcastle Ladies' Auxiliary, who gave us a splendid report on the Annual Meetings at Cessnock and Newcastle.

Mrs. E. A. Collins brought us a large number of prayer requests, which we in turn took to the Lord in intercession.

E. A. McWILLIAMS SOUTH AUSTRALIAN

AUXILIARY We praise our Heavenly Father

for blessing, inspiration and challenge during August and September.

Firstly, the coming to our State again of the Director, Rev. E. C. Long. Our ladies had prayed much that God would prepare him and then use him in challenge for the Mission Fields, especially to young people.

The Auxiliary met a week later than usual to give us an opportunity of hearing up-to-date information. We met at the Secretary's home and had a fine attendance.

A number of the Auxiliary members remained on to attend the Mitcham Convention that night, at which Mr. Long was speaking. It was good to have fellowship together.

In September we held our meeting in the home of an aged member, Miss Geater. Her sight is failing and was so happy to have us. Prayer occupied most of our time.

We were happy to send a gift from this meeting to Mr. and Mrs. Pattemore for furlough needs.

Mrs. M. TATE

Page Eighteen OUR AIM Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 17/14 - www.aiatsis.gov.au

Our Aim Annual Subscription 5/- per year

Business Manager: Miss V. MORGAN

58 Margaret Street, Sydney

STATE AGENTS: Victoria: Mr. J. Baxter, 10 Byron

Street, North Brighton, Vic.

South Australia: Miss E. Tyler, 157 Beulah Road, Norwood,

Queensland: Mrs. Elms, Cotton St., Shorncliffe, N.E.7, Qld.

Tasmania: Mr. Ken Morey, Valley Rd., Collinsvale, Tas.

U.S.A.: Mrs. D. W. Miles, Sixth Street

Michigan Centre, Mich., U.S A..-

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED

IN JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST Misses. 5/6 PA: 5 / - EF: GRW:

EMB: EML: ME: AJ: IK: VMS: KB: MH: AG: AJW: FJE: EB: RB: EC: VF: NW: DB: MER: MP: SR: MD: ML.

10/- EMT: AMcL. £1. -B. Mesdames. 5 / - TC: MP: NB:

AW: EON: JSH: EF: AS: JLaP: MM: EJ: RB: EPS: ET: AG: LRP: EAH: MP: ELM: EF: EW: ED: CMA: DC: CM: MEP: EMS: J J : -R: AM: LHB: MS: ES: SW: RLM: HH: AL: EK: MH: LMM: AA: TD: JVW: EM.

4 / - FWD: 6/- SO: JJL. 10/- -L: DH: EC: EW: RC: ECS: 11 / - LD.

Messrs. 4/6 EEW: 5 / - EHP: JW: WSC: EG: WN: AJL: AML: WHG: EH: AL: TD: CEB: HDW: £1. BR; £1 /1 / - JAJ. 10/- GB: GER: FEE: CC.

Agents. Mrs. J. G. Bell £1/10/6; Miss E. Tyler £1/11/- and 18/-; Mrs. V. Elms £3 and £2; Mr. J. Murray Baxter £4/15/-.

Anonymous Donations: Mr. and Mrs. W. Caddy acknowledge £5 received, Sydney Post Mark.

OUR AIM

The beginning of the Victorious life is to be conquered by Christ.

* * * In God's Service, the doorkeeper

is never blamed because he is not the high priest.

* * * We may claim to be so jealous for

God that we utterly misrepresent His spirit.

* * * Christian, while you let your

light shine, remember your speech. * * *

There are two seasons for preaching the Word of God — in season and out of season.

* * * God never gives us discernment so

that we can criticise, but that we may decide, instruct and intercede.

* * * To me has been given some

tokens of His love that no one else has ever proved, so then I can make some note of music without which the great chorus of God's praise is incomplete.

* * * There are not three stages in

spiritual life — worship, waiting and work. God's plan is that they should go together, as they were in the life of our Lord.

* * * The communion of the Holy Spirit

means the partnership of the Holy Spirit with us. James and John were partners with Simon. 'Luke 5:10. The same word used there is used also in 2. Cor. 13. 14. The Holy Spirit is our Divine Partner.

Faith is unutterable trust in God and never dreams that He will not stand by us.

* * * The law was given that every

mouth may be shut. The High Priest is given that every mouth may be open.

Page Nineteen


F I E L D D I R E C T O R Y (for mailing: address—add the initials "A.l.M." to address shown.)

NEW SOUTH WALES: Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Long, 5 Carrington St., Concord. (UM6923). Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Collins. 19 Castlereagh St.. Nth. Strathfleld. (Phone UF2404).

Redfern, Sydney: Miss M. Acland, 17 Ourimbah Rd., Mooman.

Bible Training: Institute, Singleton: Rev. & Mrs. J. Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. K. Bowen, Miss B. Clough Miss K. Davis. Miss I. Argerakis

Fingal, Tweed River: Mr. & Mrs. W. Bird

Miss D. Dates. Moree:

Mr. & Mrs. H. Klelnschmldt. Miss R. Birkett Warialda St., East Moree. (C/- P.O. East Moree.)

Dubbo: Miss M. E. McAulay, Miss D. Evans (Edwin St.)

Condobolin & Murrin Bridge: Mr. & Mrs. B. Clarke: Cunningham St., Condobolin.

Griffith: Miss M. Campbell 7 Cutler Ave., Griffith.

Narrandera: Mr. G. Sawyer Caroona: Miss E. Walker

Miss M. Fairfax. Balranald: Miss W. Ayling Guyra « Armidale: Mr. D. Kirk Karuah: Mrs. C. Knox ASSOCIATE WORKERS IN N.S.W. West Katoomba: Miss Knaggs Guyra: Mr. F. Stace. Walcha: Mr. F. Stace, Armidale: Mrs. N. Bell, Mrs. D.

Campbell. Walgett: Mr. & Mrs. Whitehouse Boggabllla: Mr. & Mrs. R. Palmer Dubbo: Mr. & Mrs. Warren

Mr. & Mrs. J. Davidson Wellington: Mr. & Mrs. L. Way Singleton: Mr. & Mrs. W. Griffiths Leeton: Mr. M. Amey Echuca (Vic.) Miss E. McKindlay Wallaga Lake: Cowra: Mrs. N. Goodacre, Mrs. D.

Goodacre, Mr. R. Gallagher. Moonah Cullah: Mr. & Mrs. V. Page Condobolin: Mr. R. A. Sharp, Mr. H.

Martin, Mr. & Mrs. R. Jones. Redfern: Mr. M. Schenk QUEENSLAND: Cherbourg:

Mr. & Mrs. E. Walker Mr. R. Ketchup. 12 Lamb St., Murgon.

Woorabinda: A.l.M. Perch Creek, via Duaringa.

Palm Island: Mr. & Mrs. E. Trezise A.I.M. Mailbag, via Townsville.

Brisbane: Mr. & Mrs. R. M. Living Beaudesert: Mr. & Mrs. F. Pickett ASSOCIATE WORKERS IN QUEENSLAND: Brisbane: Mrs. Budge, Mr. & Mrs.

F. Clissold. Cairns: Pastor G. Dunshore. Cherbourg: Mr. & Mrs. C. Mollenhaur Normanton: Mrs. D. Hindmarsh

Mrs. L. Smith Palm Is.: Mr. & Mrs. F. Krause. VICTORIA: Melbourne: Bethesda Mission of the

A.l.M. Sister M. Ellis, 371 Moreland Rd., Coburg West., Tel. FM3518. Mr. & Mrs. W. Caddy, (65 Mountalnview Rd., Montmorency, Vict. Tel. JF2548

Assoc. Workers: Miss B. Pinches.

Mr. J. Collins, Mildura. NORTHERN TERRITORY: Darwin: Box 38

Retta Dixon Home Supt.: Miss M. Shankleton.

Miss M. Spohn, Sister R. Clutter-buck, Miss G. Dinham, Miss R. Dixsan, Miss E. Williams, Miss C. South. Miss E. Webb

Staff Workers: Mr. M. Morcom Mr. D. Wheatley

Mr. & Mrs. L. Allen Darwin Area: Mr. & Mrs. S. Eldrldge Bagot: Miss A. Clark. Borroloola: Mr. & Mrs. M. Pattemore

Mr. M. Field Mr. C. Main Borroloola, N.T. via Alice Springs

Newcastle Waters: Mr. & Mrs. J. Bridges.

Katherine: Mr. & Mrs. Stan Matthew Assoc. Worker: Miss M. Helder.

ITINERARY: Mr. D. StrettonC/- Box 38, Darwin

N.T.

ACCEPTED FOR SERVICE: Mr. W. Fejo Miss P. Naden Miss D. Doherty Miss M. Stevenson

ON FURLOUGH OR LEAVE: Address C/- A.I.M., 58 Margaret St.. Sydney. Miss F. Ginger

Mr. A. C. Goulter. Miss A. Cavanagh.

Mr. & Mrs. H. Miles Mrs. N. Wilson, Warrimoo Rd..

St. Ives, N.S.W.

Gowans & Son. Print. 17 Rosedale Ave.. Greenacre, N.S.W. UT6408 Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 17/14 - www.aiatsis.gov.au

our aim : a monthly record of the aborigines' inland mission of … · 2015-02-10 · care....

Documents