Ministry in Australia

buying their own cars. Leng eventually started his own business importing computers, and he provided employment for a number of his own family.

Ann Freeman was one of our organists in Melba. She started a choir for juniors, calling it 'Joy Singers', who enlivened our morning services wonderfully. It was a joy indeed, not only for them to sing, but for the congregation to listen. She also produced several musicals, such as "Sir Oliver's Song", "Kid's Praise", and "It's cool in the Furnace". The cast included young and old and through rehearsals and performances the bond within the congregation was strengthened. Ann fulfilled a most valuable ministry to us all through her musical talents.

Neville Ross became a minister in Association, as he lived in Melba and worked in the public service. He was of great help to me, accepting to do services when I was either away, or just to give me a break occasionally. One day his wife Esme, proposed to start an aged care group at our Parish Centre. After a few hiccups she got a group going, fully supported by members from our church. They met at first once a fortnight, later on a weekly basis. Our members would drive frail or aged people to the centre for a programme, giving the carers a break and providing them with activities and fellowship. This group started in October 1982 and was still going strong when we left in 1990. Later on a dementia group was added.

Bill Rosier, and later Michael Brown, were also ministers in Association. I really appreciated their assistance, as I was able to draw on their strength in times of crisis, and they were always willing to help with funerals, weddings and communion services, especially when I was away for the CFWM or the ACC. Bill also led a very successful parish camp at Greenhills Conference Centre near Canberra.

Twice a year our Melba congregation organised a camp at Burrill Pines beach, near Ulladulla. There were eight self contained units and ample camping ground. On our first trip we stayed in a unit, but the beds were so uncomfortable and it was so noisy, that we preferred to sleep in our tent. People arrived in the afternoon of Fridays, and stayed till Sundays after lunch. There was no heavy programme, just relaxing and being with the others from the church. The kids always loved it, especially Saturday nights concert. There was great participation by all, and it brought people closer together.

Early one morning we were all roused when it was still dark, to look at Hailey's Comet. We could see it quite clearly over the sea.

One Saturday, on Alison's and my wedding anniversary, we left our tent to have dinner at Ulladulla. When we came back, the months long drought had truly 'broken'. Our tent was sopping wet and had nearly blown away, had it not been for some kind hands, who rescued it. We slept that night in one of the units with another family. It was still raining, when we left on Sunday afternoon. Luckily, the soil was so sandy, that no one got bogged, but the return trip to Canberra was horrible.

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