In 2025 a National Safari Team travelled to Katherine Christian Convention on the first weekend in May. Many folks from East Arnhem Land attended as well. On 7 May this year a different National Safari team will be heading to Yolngu lands on the eastern tip of the Arnhem Peninsula.
We are thankful and delighted that CWCI Australia has been welcomed again into this area after many years. We thank those who have facilitated contacts and for the indigenous women who have said ‘Come! You are welcome!’. Guest speaker Isabel O’Neill has a great love for indigenous Australians in her heart. The theme of her talks will be ‘Changed lives – Transforming Encounters with Jesus’. Safari leaders are Jenny Pett and Alison Donaldson – both of whom have a heart commitment to the people of this region and long term relationships especially on Elcho Island.
Once in community, time will be dedicated to meeting and greeting indigenous elders and leaders and receiving orientation about local culture and what’s going on now. Starting in Yirrkala, the team will meet, mingle, give and receive Bible teaching – sharing a trajectory of teaching and learning together.
A craft event planned by co-leader Alison will be a highlight for the ladies. The craft activities will support the theme of changed lives. A day visit to a local community, alongside the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) team who visit there regularly, will be a wonderful privilege too. Elcho Island has been a Bible translation base for the Djambarrpuyngu language since 1977. Margaret who has led this translation project will be one of the team hosts. Everyone is looking forward to the discussions that will emerge around God’s word.
At the bauxite mining town of Nhulunbuy, the ministry events will be for the mining community, the largely indigenous church in town as well as long-term locals. Because the mine will close in 2030 after nearly 60 years, there is much uncertainty about Nhulunbuy’s future. What a good time to pray, fellowship and anchor faith in God and his word. He is our eternal hope and stay.
Please pray for open hearts and open minds for the attendees and that the Team of 3, will be open to the lead and wisdom of God’s Spirit, ever present and always knowing.
To learn more about CWCI Australia’s Safari Ministry and view the itinerary for this Safari, visit Mission teams reaching out – Safari Ministry – CWCI Australia
Margot Stuart,
Safari Director
CWCI Australia