Details
John and Angela support the emerging church groups of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. They’re passionate about empowering the Martu people to respond to the needs of their community. To strengthen relationships with the local churches and indigenous leaders, John and Angela need to travel great distances between communities.
Newman is the Wilmots’ local town, and John is the Pastor of Newman Baptist Church. Church services and activities are on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the youth group often has events in addition to this. Events are often spontaneous, which John and Angela love.
In town, John also works one day per week as a Chaplain with Youth Care, and they are involved with other non governments organisations who seek to assist and empower the local community.
The Martu live in 7 main communities around Newman, plus a few smaller communities. The furthest place to which John travels is a 14 hour drive one way! The closer communities are “only” 180km away, and can be visited more frequently. When there is heavy rain this can result in road closures, so travel is limited at those times. The extreme heat experienced at the height of Summer in this part of Australia can also limit their travel. But John generally travels about every 3 weeks, often away for a few days at a time and sometimes for a week. While Angela and their children sometimes accompany John on these trips, generally John’s car is full to the brim with other local people so Angela and the kids generally remain at home.
When funerals occur, this is a significant way for communities to keep in touch, and John is frequently involved in these events and takes one of the older children with him where possible. The car is loaded with food, bedding, plenty of water and the satellite phone, of course! John’s practical assistance with transporting people and supplies is appreciated at these times.
The food, water and petrol costs are significant, but the value to the people they serve makes it well worth it.
Workers associated with this project
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