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Townsville rallies behind Indigenous appeal

21 August 2012
Townsville rallies behind Indigenous appeal

Garage sale for Indigenous Ministries Appeal at Riverway, Townsville. (Photo: Shirli Congoo)


Over the past six weeks we’ve heard wonderful stories of exciting ministries that are taking place among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory. From Far North Queensland down to Sydney’s North Shore, the Spirit of God is working among our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters.

The territory’s Indigenous Ministries Appeal was launched on 8 July. Over the following four weeks, different ministries were featured culminating with an altar service on Sunday, 12 August. During the service, people were given the opportunity to exercise their generosity toward this emerging ministry.

At Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission, fundraising reached into the community in the form of a garage sale. Organised by Indigenous Engagement Officer Shirli Congoo, the garage sale incorporated many aspects of the Army’s newly formed Northern Hub.

“With nine expressions of the Army in our hub contributing we were able to raise $1600,” says Shirli. “Our ministry, even though it is just emerging, is truly blessed.”

Live FM, the local Christian radio station, got involved, broadcasting on site from the garage sale. The Army’s Red Shield Defence Services Sallyman and Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers were also on hand to provide customers with refreshments and a sausage sandwich as they shopped.

During the Sunday morning altar service, Shirli summarised the Indigenous Ministries Appeal and encouraged everyone to give generously. “With the introduction of the appeal we provided information, called Myth Busters, about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and this has generated some great conversations,” she says.

Shirli reminded the Riverway congregation of how the Scriptures tell us that as Christians we are to work not only to provide for our families, but also for those in need.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to give to this important developing work in The Salvation Army, there is still time to do so. Talk to your corps officer or go to http://my.salvos.au/tag/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-appeal-2012  

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.