It was a joy to celebrate NAIDOC Week at Saltbush Evangelical Church earlier this year. A special NAIDOC Week Celebration Service was held in July as a way of acknowledging the First Nations People in our church, the wider Broken Hill community,and throughout the far-reaching corners of our nation.

The celebration was an opportunity to thank God for our First Nations Peoples who have stewarded God’s creation for centuries, and to pray that the Gospel will reach and transform the lives of Indigenous people in Broken Hill and beyond. It was a celebration of the glorious future still to come, where Indigenous Australians will be amongst the great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, that will stand before the throne of Jesus (Revelation 7:9). And it was a time to seek forgiveness for past and present injustices and seek God’s mercy in healing these wounds.

Laura Hurley with Geneva & Grace wearing an Indigenous print
called 'Daughter Growing up' designed by Blackbird Designs

We were so thankful for BCA’s support in running this event. Funding from BCA was used to provide a delicious kangaroo stew dinner after our service. The stew was amazing, but the highlight of the event was welcoming Neville Naden as our guest preacher. Neville preached from 2 Corinthians 5, showing us from the Bible that true reconciliation can only take place in the light of the Gospel.

Our children were also treated to a wide array of NAIDOC-themed experiences: cupcake decorating, an art activity prepared by our very own David Dowden who creates stunning Indigenous art that reflects gospel truths; and a matching game that tested not only the children’s Bible knowledge, but also taught them
some Barkindji words.

We are very grateful to Kasa & David Dowden and family, and to Carol Kickett who poured so much of themselves into making our NAIDOC celebration so special. They are deeply passionate about making Jesus known amongst their people and it is a joy to have them in our church family.