In late November 2023, 58 BCA Nomads gathered in Mallacoota to share their experiences of visiting Field Staff around the country.

Many of our members stayed at the Foreshore Caravan Park and those without caravans or motorhomes were in cabins or motels. Although this arrangement was sometimes challenging, it didn’t take away from the camaraderie of all who attended.

The location of the campground to the facilities made available to us – St Peter’s Church and the Mallacoota clubhouse – made the gathering a success.

Jude & Andy Benton made us feel welcome as did the local congregation who on the Saturday night put on a meal at the Mallacoota clubhouse, feeding close to 70 people. For a small church this was amazing.

Our special guests were Chris & Naomi Duff, ex-BCA Field Staff, who are currently ministering in Merimbula. Chris spoke to us on the topic of ‘Stepping out in faith’. Much of what Chris had to say was from personal experience but it resonated with our own faith journeys.

Each morning we would gather at St Peter’s for a devotion led by Jude on the theme ‘The Sermon on the Mount’. Jude’s devotions together with singing led by John Kalkman made for a great start to each day’s activities.

We also set aside time to smell the roses around Mallacoota. We had a cruise around the lakes, watched the sea eagles feed, and had good conversations while on board. Some of us also went and visited the war bunker museum near the airport and did some bush walks in the Mallacoota area.

During the gathering we had Nomads painting, putting up security lights and working in the Op-shop. Others worked around the church property doing gardening and general tidying up.

We had a surprise visit from NSW/ACT Regional Officer Paul Sampson on the Thursday night and Greg & Karen Harris stayed from Friday through to Sunday. Greg & Karen ran the Sunday services providing the message ‘Christ the King’ and the music for both morning and evening. The church was packed, and the energy was electric, I’m sure that this will remain in our memories for some time to come.

During one of our last dinners a storm hit Mallacoota and we received 39mm of rain. This was a precursor of what was to come. By Tuesday most of the Nomads had pulled up camp but not all of us were able to leave Mallacoota due to a road slip near Gypsy Point. But eventually everyone got home safely.

Our next gathering will be held in 2025. We are looking to hold it in March, somewhere in the Bathurst Diocese, if we can find a suitable venue.

A big thank you to Jude and her team for a memorable gathering of God’s people. God is good to those who have faith in His son Jesus Christ.