Boot camp for the bush
One of the properties devastated by the January bushfires near Coonabarabran, western NSW. (Photo supplied by Majors Peter & Jean Ridley)
In the aftermath of the Coonabarabran bushfires, and the extraordinary support from Salvation Army rural chaplains, a boot camp prepares those with a heart to care for those in the bush.
It’s six weeks since fires destroyed more than 50 houses, 50 hectares of land and a range of buildings outside Coonabarabran in western NSW. Many residents are still living in temporary accommodation and struggling to come to terms with their losses.
North NSW Salvation Army Rural Chaplains Majors Peter and Jean Ridley arrived in the area during the disaster and have returned regularly to give ongoing support.
“Many lost everything, but others whose houses weren’t destroyed are still not allowed to go back,” Jean says. “One man says he was evacuated from his house which is still in good order, but he is not allowed to go back because of the threat of asbestos dust.”
Although the couple has helped with food vouchers and other small tokens of support, they see their most important role as “building up morale and moral support, and counselling -- a lot of counselling”.
Jean says many have gone through stages of shock and anger and depression, and that many were already struggling economically or in relationships, before the fire. For them, the disaster has been “the straw that broke the camel’s back".
One of the greatest challenges Jean says she and Peter face, in the midst of the latest disaster, is finding time to follow up with those they supported during previous disasters.
“We still have not got back out to visit anyone in Rowena and they are still desperately hurt from the flooding [in 2011],” Jean says.
This is sad, she says, because during disasters, deep relationships are forged and residents better understand the holistic work of the Salvation Army -- to care for people’s physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
To build a larger pastoral care team, provide follow-up and equip those who have a heart to care for those in the bush, Peter and Jean will hold the Rural Mission Base North NSW Bush Boot Camp from 22 March to 2 April.
The aim of the boot camp, Jean says, is to “connect rural people to God”.
“Rural Australia needs to have good experiences of Christian character and love, so they can see Jesus in the flesh. This does not mean we have to be perfect, just passionate about living for Him.”
During the 12 days of boot camp, participants will be trained to share their faith story and the gospel in a simple and authentic way. They will live on a farm, visiting and offering hands-on support to local farmers in several areas including Narrabri and Pilliga.
Participants will need their own accommodation, a caravan, camper, tent or swag, and their own food and fuel.
Peter and Jean are asking anyone with a heart for rural ministry to consider the boot camp. For more information please call Peter on 0423 293 305 or Jean on 0428 639 437, or email peter.ridley@aue.salvationarmy.org .
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