Broken but restored – mission trip to Broken Hill
The team visited Silverton, a small town roughly 20 minutes outside of Broken Hill, while on the Hadleigh Lodge Recovery Outback Mission Trip. (Photo supplied by Captain Paul Morrice)
A mission of ten crossed over the Blue Mountains to Broken Hill to talk to the town’s children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and gambling and lend a hand in the local community.
The team from the Blue Mountains Recovery Services Centre (Hadleigh Lodge) included five recovery program participants and toured from 15-21 May.
Their first stop was in Dubbo to attend a local Alcohol Anonymous (AA) meeting and then onto Broken Hill where they visited two schools: Broken Hill High and Wilyamma High.
At both schools, the team shared about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and gambling with students. Hadleigh Lodge’s program participants also told their personal stories of dealing with addictions.
Allan, a Bridge Program participant says he was excited to share his story because he desires to make a difference in other people’s lives.
“When I saw the concentration on all the faces on the students and teachers’ faces, it was a sense of achievement because I could tell they were very interested in my story.”
For Allan, the mission trip was also an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God.
“This experience has brought me closer to God and to understanding that without God’s help, it would never have succeeded the way it did. The experience for me was spiritual and breathtaking. It was very helpful and beneficial for my own recovery, as I will leave the program soon.”
Captain Paul Morrice, (second from left, front row) Manager of Hadleigh Lodge with his team on mission to outback NSW. (Photo supplied by Captain Paul Morrice)
At Broken Hill High, the team talked with year 9 and 10 students. The deputy principal was so impressed by the quality of the presentation, he asked the team to hold another session with the school’s year 11 and 12 students.
“I had one student come to me after the presentations very worried about one of her friends. I was able to give her some advice on how she may be able to help him,” explains Captain Paul Morrice, Manager of Hadleigh Lodge.
While the team was at Broken Hill, they assisted Broken Hill Corps with some odd jobs including the erection of a garden shed and a few of the team members completed yard work for an elderly lady from the local community. The team also led the Sunday morning meeting at the corps.
The final stop on the trip was at Wilcannia Central School, where they shared the same presentation with the young people present.
Comments
It was so great to have the team visit. I appreciated the commaraderie and respect shown amongst the guys. Great to catch up with Pam, too. I'm actually missing having the group around, even though you were only here a few days. Looking forward to next year;s visit. Blessings to you all.