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Shepparton Church Camp
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Over the Australia Day weekend, Raymond Seow (our Missions Director) and Min Leong Ong (heading our aboriginal community ministry within Missions) took a group of sixteen church members to join our Shepparton sister church in their annual camp.
It was held in the bush by the Goulburn river in Moira Park, a short distance from Shepparton. For us it was indeed an experience to live among our Shepparton brothers and sisters in their environment as we learnt from them the practical day to day survival know-how. They are a simple and joyful lot of people, full of zest for the Lord. Each night they would gather around the camp fire to sing and worship the Lord, usually into the early hours of the morning.
Services were held outdoor under the eucalyptus trees and the setting was really peaceful; one can feel the awesome presence of the Lord as He healed and ministered to His children.
On Saturday 27 January, an official presentation of bursaries for our Shepparton church students was conducted at the camp. The Member of Parliament for Shepparton, the honorable Mrs Jeanette Powell came to do the honor. She had been very encouraged by FGA’s contribution to the aboriginal community in Shepparton and showed her support for this worthwhile cause. Ten children received our bursaries which are funded by our Mission Fund and generous donations from some community minded church members.
For many in our group from FGA, this was the first time they lived in the bush. Accommodation was simple and the more adventurous pitched tents by the river. In the first night they had to contend with the relentless beating by the wind throughout the night robbing them of a well desired sleep. Some chose the more comfortable communal bunks.
For end of the day cleaning up, some preferred bathing in the refreshing river to standing under the shower with water drawn from the same source.
Much of our free time was spent fishing. We managed to catch a few Murray cods and Murray perch, only after receiving tips from our hosts such as using cheese for bait! Murray cod … really yummy!!
By and large everyone enjoyed the weekend with our Shepparton church family. More importantly, this trip provided the opportunity for bonding between members of our two churches. It gave us the precious opportunity of learning a little more of each other’s culture, encouraging each other, and above all, sharing the love of our Lord Jesus with one another.
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