Divisional leaders bring hope to struggling communities
Central and North Queensland Divisional Commander Major Kelvin Pethybridge (left) toured remote regions of the division with Outback Flying Service “flying padre” Lieutenant Simon Steele.
Majors Kelvin and Cheralynne Pethybridge, The Salvation Army’s Central and North Queensland divisional leaders, covered almost 2000km last month as part of their regular pastoral visits to remote regions around the vast division.
Their first stop was Longreach, seven hours west of Rockhampton where divisional headquarters is located, to spend time with Lieutenants John and Karen Jackson, Rural Chaplains and Longreach Corps Officers.
“Going through the Longreach area, I was shocked at the impact that the drought is having,” said Major Kelvin.
“Locals are saying that it is over three years since they have had any useful rain and you can sense the hardship in the people. They are now also enduring a locust plague that is stripping bare any plant life that has survived in these harsh conditions.
“John and Karen are ministering to the farmers of the region and we are all praying that God will send rain.”
Another seven-hour drive north brought the Pethybridges to Mount Isa where they spent time with Corps Officers Lieutenants Bradley and Helen Whittle.
“The Whittles have commenced Wednesday Night Church, which we were privileged to attend while there,” said Major Kelvin. “Between 30 and 40 people from the corps, Recovery Services and Serenity House attended the worship service and are helping to make this happen.”
The Pethybridges then flew with the Outback Flying Service “flying padres”, Lieutenants Simon and Natalie Steele, to Burketown, 400km to the north of Mount Isa, on the Gulf of Carpentaria. The first stop was Burketown State School.
“There is no reception quite like landing in a helicopter on school grounds with all the kids watching and going crazy,” laughed Major Kelvin.
The team then flew to “Floraville” station on the Gulf of Carpentaria, the home of Burketown Mayor Ernie Camp and his wife, Kylie.
“The Steeles are regular visitors to this station, so remote that all its communications are via satellite,” Major Kelvin explained.
“We brought some supplies and just spent time sharing with them. Kylie spoke of the challenges of the drought and the journey they are on. Her faith is strong and, amazingly, in the midst of drought, they can still sing of God’s praises and his provision. This was quite a lesson for us.”
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