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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Tasmanian Anglican

April 2003

 

 

 


About one quarter of Flinders Island was burnt in the recent fires

 

 


The whole community gathered in the Whitemark Hall for a Thanksgiving service after the fires

 

Photos: Bob Witten

 

 

'If hell's like that I don't want to go there!'

by Bob Witten

 

 

During the recent fires on Flinders Island I was patrolling up and down a fire break with another bloke. Our job was to keep an eye out for any spot fires that may have started on the wrong side of the fire break.

The fire was about 400 metres away and it was in tea-tree with flames probably three times the height of the trees. It was both awe-inspiring and very frightening. We watched the ring tailed possums and the wallabies make a bewildered bolt for life.

Classic statement

It was then that this statement was made, 'I think I will have to make a real change around in my life.' When questioned he made the classic statement. 'If hell's like that I don't want to go there!'

Time will tell if he is prepared to carry his statement through.

Opportunities for ministry

The fires on Flinders Island didn't seem to get too much coverage on the mainland but for the people here it was a three week battle for their very survival. About one quarter of the island has been burnt, but in answer to prayers God spared all residential buildings and personnel. He has also granted many people enough grass to get them through the summer providing it rains soon.

Symbols

On 2 February everyone including the Mayor, the Fire Chief and community leaders gathered in the Whitemark Hall for a Thanksgiving Service, put together by the Uniting Church minister who visits from Devonport and wanted to help. The theme was fourfold: to give thanks to God and to each other; to say 'sorry' for wrongdoings; to examine changes that could be made; and to express joy at our safekeeping through it all and at the opportunity to 'move on'.

Miracles

At the service symbols were presented: earth; ashes; fruit and flowers; plants that regenerate through fire; the cross for sacrifice; the 000 emergency number for service. We are constantly finding more miracles in answer to prayer. Bob is the only clergyman living on Flinders and many opportunities for ministry have opened up because we were able to stand with the people here. This has been made possible through the work of the Bush Church Aid Society and all the people who give both money and their prayers to support this work.

Thank you to all in God's family.