Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I have some news from you – our permanent residency has finally come through. This is a big deal for us. Since June last year we have been on a temporary visa which could have been revoked at any time. Initially, we were going to apply for another four-year visa and then permanent residency but the immigration department told us to apply directly for a permanent residency. This could have been refused and then we would have had to go home. Yesterday we finally heard that it had been granted.
What does this mean? It means that we have the right to stay in Australia as long as we want – and come and go as we please. On our previous temporary visa we were not allowed to leave the country. It also means that we are able to initiate new things here – without dreading that we may be sent home at any time.
So why do I say it is bittersweet? Because up until today I had thought that I might finish my ministry in Scotland. I left Scotland reluctantly and assumed it would be for a short period of a maximum of five years. That was in June 2019. I think if I had been offered the opportunity to go back to Scotland I would probably have taken it. Some people ask – why are you staying in Australia – why are you not coming back? The answer is very simple – I have not been asked. I have an old fashioned view about the calling of a minister. I have never asked to go to any of my ministries – I was called to Brora (surprisingly), and six years later to St Peters in Dundee (just as surprisingly). 27 years later we knew it was time to leave – but I never envisaged that would be to Australia. My ministry was in Scotland. However the reason we came to work here is because we were called. Having said that, I feel a bit like Paul felt for the Israelites – my hearts desire and prayer for the Scots is that they may be saved”. (Romans 10:1) I am deeply concerned for both the state of the nation and the state of the Church in Scotland – but I suspect my views are not particularly shared by many in Scotland – and who knows – they may be wrong….But I can’t unsee what I have seen….
Of course there are plenty Scots here – this is the pipe band at the Burns Supper I spoke at last week….
So that is the bitter part – plus of course we miss friends and family. Although we do have friends and family here as well. This photo is of our beloved EJ staring pensively out on the Pacific from Dudley Beach, when she and Chris visited us at the beginning of the year.
What about the sweet part? I came to work with City Bible Forum and then two years later with Sydney Anglicans Evangelism and New Churches department. Neither of these really worked out – much of which was my fault – I was a square peg in a round hole. Coming to Newcastle to a small, declining church, Scots Kirk, was not in our plan. But both of us, especially Annabel, thought it was the right thing to do – and suited to my limited gifts. I find it interesting that both of my previous ministries were in churches which were in decline – and the Lord in his mercy turned them around. We pray He will do the same here.
After 15 months here we are seeing some good signs – although it is a tough gig. But for me the sweet part is this – I get to teach the Bible every week – and I get to serve on the pastoral and evangelistic front line again. For me it is all about Christ and people. Whether its a 95 year old man in a care home; or teaching a six year old boy catechism; or atheists who are beginning to backslide from their atheism; or the backslidden Christian who is thinking about returning to the Lord; or the teenager who just wants to know more of the Bible; or the grieving mother seeking comfort from Christ – it is wonderful to be able to give to people the only thing I have – Christ as taught to us in the Scriptures. I would rather sit at the bedside of an aging saint whose eyes fill with tears as you read and pray with them, than give a lecture to a large audience of my peers!
These two pictures indicate the battle we face – on the one hand there is social, moral and economic decline. (Beaumont St is our street)…. On the other there is decline in the church….it is heartbreaking for me to see, as I walked past the other day, Hamilton Baptist Church, boldly announcing it had turned away from the Word of God – and the Jesus of the Word.
I have been really encouraged by some who are hungry for the word – because there is a great famine of hearing the word of the Lord. I am thankful for the churches here, of different denominations, who do seek to remain faithful in a godless generation….but it is a battle.
Here are last Sundays sermons –
I know that for some people they might consider what I am doing a step backwards – but for me it is a step up. I have no idea how it will turn out – but we leave that in the Lord’s hands…sufficient for the day is the evil thereof!
Although I miss the beauty of Scotland, and the city of Sydney – Newcastle and the Hunter has some great compensations as well..not least is the Pacific ocean, the beaches and the great ocean baths…this is Newcastle ocean baths…
On a walk down from our house last week I saw this man fishing….it seemed an apt picture for a fisher of men…!
Another great thing about here is the wildlife – this is only 10 minutes from our house….we can pop in and see them anytime….I like the image of a ‘chilled’ minister – I just wouldn’t want to be as lazy as a Koala!
I value prayer for both myself and Annabel…..this has not been an easy road – but it is clear that it is the road that the Lord has led us on. We are thankful for his provision for us in so many ways. May we be faithful to his calling….
Yours in Christ
David.
PS. The media work continues – and grows – podcasts, writing, broadcasting and bible teaching on YouTube – Here is the latest Coffee with John
Letter from Australia 122 – A Return to my Radical Roots