our aim n · our aim • "'• vol. l—no. 3 november, 1956 regd. at g.p.o. sydney, as a...

• • " ' •

Our AIM Vol. L—No. 3 NOVEMBER, 1956

Regd. at G.P.O. Sydney, as a Newspaper

n

I Reign in

ow I shine in the light of God, His likeness stamps my brow, Through the valley of death my feet have

trod But I reign in Glory now.

I have reached the joys of heaven, I am one of the sainted band, For my head a crown of gold is given And a harp is in my hand.

Oh friends of mortal years, The trusted and the true, Ye are marching still in the

valley of tears, But I wait to welcome you.

ABORIGINES I N L A N D MISSION OF AUSTRALIA 242 PITT STREET, SYDNEY

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 17/14 - www.aiatsis.gov.au

Second Annual Meeting of the Newcastle Ladies' Auxiliary

Our second annual meeting was held in the Hamilton Wesley school hall on Friday evening. October 19th.

Gifts which had been prepared for the Mission stations were on display and made the room look very attractive. We were hoping that we would be able to attain 1,000 gifts, but were overjoyed when the final count stood at 1160. We praise God for the wonderful response and trust that the gifts will bring as much joy to the receivers as to the givers.

A rich time of blessing was experienced at the meeting when about 90 friends gathered. We have been assured of their interest and also the promise of new members for our Auxiliary.

Mrs. D. Griffiths presided over the meeting and four of the students from Singleton Bible Training College rendered musical items.

Miss Erica Kyle read the Scripture portion and two of the students gave testimonies.

Mrs. E. A. Collins had accepted our invitation to be the Speaker, but was unable owing to the Home-call of her dear mother, Mrs. Retta Long. We are indebted to Miss Evelyn Lundell for so graciously filling the position and bringing us a stirring message entitled. "What mean ye by this service".

A fitting remembrance tribute was paid to Mrs. Retta Long, at the opening of the meeting and Mr. Griffiths led in prayer on behalf of the loved ones.

The Secretary gave a brief report on the work being carried out by the Auxiliary and expressed appreciation to Miss M. Parsons for the loving way in which her home is open to us for our meetings.

Mrs. R .O'Donnell rendered a delightful solo accompanied by Mrs. Jones at the piano.

At the conclusion of the meet-

OUR AIM Annul Subscription, 3/6 per year

Business Manager : Miss V. MORGAN

242 Pitt Street, Sydney.

STATE AGENTS : Victoria: Mr. J. Baxter, 10 Byron

Street, North Brighton, Vi2. South Australia: Mrs. Stevens, 13

Second Avenue, Sefton Park, Nailsworth P.O., S.A.

Queensland: Mrs. Elms, Cotton St., Shorncliffe, N.E.7, Qld.

Tasmania: Mr. Ken Morey, Valley Rd., Collinsville, Tas.

U.S.A. : Mrs. D. W. Miles, Sixth Street,

Michigan Centre, Mich., USA.

"OUR AIM" Payments for the month of October, 1956 Misses: GR, CA, EMN, AG,

MD, VL, JL, 3/6 ea.; MMA, BP 5/0 ea. MD, SV 10/6 ea. MG £1.

Mesdames: EEW, HMF, HP, HM LaP, LW, NB, EW, AEO, EJ, 3/6 ea. HH, WPB, AMcC 5/0 ea; MH 6/0, AJR, BAR, P 7/0. LEW 7/6, BR £1; WD, D 4/0 ea.

Messrs. HDW, WV, EW, HP, RB, CMcD 3/6 ea. HWD, WSJ 5/0 ea. HHS 4/0, CFS 6/6, BJ, RW, HM 7/0 ea, WG 10/0, GMcL 10/6.

Agents: Miss Hazel Williams £1/6/0, Miss A. McKenzie £1/8/0, Mrs. J. Elms £2/15/6, Mrs. R. Stevens 10/6.

m

ANONYMOUS £1 each from Gordon, Parra-

matta and Burwood, and £5 from Pennant Hills.

ing supper was served and time allowed for inspection of the gifts on display.

The members of the Auxiliary were greatly encouraged by the success of the function and trust that much interest has been aroused in the work among the Aborigines of our land in seeking to win them for the Lord Jesus Christ.

—Mrs. G. Fras>rr


r Mrs. Retta LONG

GOES HOME On Thursday, October 18 at 3.15 p.m. Mrs. Retta Long, Founder and Director Emeritus of the A . I .M. of Australia, was called home to be wi th the Lord. The call came quietly and peacefully. Mrs. Long simply stopped breathing, after several hours of unconsciousness and the tired body was left behind.

She had been failing a lot the last week or so, but remained at her home in Normanhurst. Up till the last three hours Mrs. Long knew her family, and was often heard to repeat "His mercy endureth for ever." It seemed as if she might have been repeating the Lord's prayer to herself also during the last few days. Then the silver cord was broken and the trumpets sounded for her on the other side.

The funeral took place at the Central Baptist Church, Sydney, on Saturday, October 20th, and was conducted by the Rev. H. J. Rowe. Mr. Rowe was outstanding in his remarks. Three members of the Federal Council also took part in the service, including on who had been a member of Mrs. Long's Sunday School class at Chatswood, years ago, the Rev. C. F. Lockyer. A member of another similar class at Ashfield many years ago, Mr. A. T. Iliffe played the pipe organ.

The message at the graveside was a clear gospel word—that though she had done so much yet like anyone else, Mrs. Long needed the atoning work of Christ to be accepted before God. The two services were services of triumph and witness to the glory of God. Mrs. Long's favourite hym "All the way my Saviour leads me" was sung at the close of the service in the church.

In the pages of this issue we seek to bring you something of the life that has been lived in dependence upon God and of the work begun and carried on for the glory of God and the salvation of the aborigines of this land.

"She hath done what she could."

EGERTON C. LONG,

Director

h Page Three


by GUYON A. BLACKET

On Saturday, October 20th, there was laid to rest one who for over 70 years had been the consecrated temple of the Holy Spirit. I refer to the Pounder of the A.I.M. and its Director until 1953— Mrs. Retta Jane Long.

Born here in Sydney of godly Irish parents, it was not long before at the age of six her heart's door was opened and the Lord Jesus took possession. Until she left this life for the better land, He was always the welcomed guest and the Lord of her life.

When 12 years old she received the call to her life work and set her heart on being a missionary — although at that time she felt she would go to India. Then as Retta Dixon, and a member of the C.E. at Petersham Baptist Church, she was placed on the missionary committee and asked to find out what she could about the aborigines here in Australia. Her reply to this request was "But there aren't any of them left—they are all gone long ago." She was told there were some still ad could she make inquiries? Miss Dixon did so and eventually was led to those living at La Perouse. She was later responsible for arranging to go out to these people for services at weekends and also gathered together interested friends who hired a horse drawn bus and went with her.

The Lord drew her heart out in love for these people and at the age of 19 she offered to the N.S.W. Aborigines Mission to be the missionary at La Perouse—the first resident missionary there. Two rooms were built on the back of the church by Mr. Matthew Dixon, father of the young missionary and there she had many blessed and remarkable experiences of the power of Christ.

From La Perouse she travelled up and down the coast of N.S.W. in boats, on foot, on horseback, or on bicycle until 400 miles of the coast were opened to the gospel and about 200 camps reached with many men, women and children accepting Christ as Saviour.

Often Miss Dixon was ostracised and refused accommodation and otherwise given unhappy treatment when it was found she was a missionary to the aborigines. But nothing daunted and with her face turned ever towards her beloved Lord, she still went on.

In 1905 at the age of twenty seven, after having done more than any of us might hope to do in a life time, and after much prayer and heart-searching. Miss Dixon accepted an invitation to go to Singleton and later form the Aborigines Inland Mission on the first of August that same year. In the following January, 1906, she and Mr. Leonard William Long were united in marriage and thus began a partnership in the work to which they were both called and in which they shared as co-directors.

" • , . . . . .

July 6, 1897

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More centres were opened to the Gospel and more missionaries and native workers added until the number of workers, white and coloured, totalled over 100 and the converts totalled thousands.

This continued until December 28, 1928 when the Lord called Mr. Long to be with Himself. The sudden Homecall was a great shock to all, especially to Mrs. Long. But the Lord sustained her and enabled her to carry on the great work He had given her to do, until in 1953 she retired and her son, the Rev. Egerton Long was unanimously elected as her successor.

Mrs. Long continued to take a keen interest in every part of the Mission, and continued to act as Editor of "Our Aim" as long as she could.

The two best things that could be written in the books of heaven about Mrs. Retta Long are first that the name of every member of her family is written in the Lamb's book of life and then the names of the large spiritual family that waited to meet her when she reached her Heavenly Home.

Her ever present witness and her willingness to help someone to do a particular task which she could do better herself and her love for her Saviour and for the aborigines of Australia were just some of her outstanding characteristics. Many both young and the not so young thank her for her wise counsel and uplifting influence.

For her it can be said "She hath done what she could." Yet she herself would humbly say "It is not my doing, but the Lord who bought me and called me."

J heard the call "Come follow," That was all. Earth's joys grew dim, My soul went after Him. I rose and followed. Who would not follow If they heard His call ?

Retta Long lived her life in the light of that call and her stay on earth finished with one long Hallelujah. Her favourite verse was "He faileth not".

Is there someone, somewhere who will take up the torch and bear it high and not let it go until the Lord returns or calls them as did Retta Long? You can if you will.

Page Five


I t ' s B e t t e r on B e f o r e by Mrs. Neva Wilson

With others I have had the privilege of ministering to our beloved Mrs. Long. Her home-call was one of peace. As we remarked afterwards—"she simply stopped breathing.'

On Thursday, October 18th, she spent her last day with us. I find it difficult to express what that day meant to me.

Earlier in the day I arrived at the home at Normanhurst and together Miss Long and I watched by her bedside and were later joined by Mrs. Collins and Miss Mabel Langlo. Mr. Long had called twice to see his Mother

and had left only a few minutes when the Homecall came, just before 3.15 in the afternoon. It had been a beautiful day.

During the morning I remarked to Miss Long that I felt a sense of peace in the room. It was to me the peace of God.

The words quoted above were given me by Mrs. Long in August. 1940, as I set out on my first missionary service. She alone came to see me off and as the train moved out she took my hand and said, "Remember it is better on before".

Through the years that promise has remained with me and now for her who can see Him face to face, we can truly say, "It is better on before."

From the General Treasurer Our first contact with our late beloved Director Mrs. R. Long,

was made in 1926, when God led both my wife and me to offer for work in the A.I.M.

The friendship we formed then, has continued right up to the present, when she received her promotion to higher service. I would like to express my thankfulness for the many times her sterling Christian character and high ideal of the "Life of Faith" has been a real inspiration to us both. Her ever ready advice and practical help has cheered and encouraged many a missionary also.

At Headquarters for 11 years, from 1937 to 1947, as Field Secretary and Treasurer, I was constantly in contact with the late Mrs. Long regarding the work of the A.I.M. and it was always the need of her fellow missionaries which was put in first place, after GOD'S will was sought. Again from 1949 onwards, as General Treasurer of the Mission I was privileged to share with other Members of the Federal Council, her practical experience and advice so readily available to all.

She always showed that same calm confidence, trust in the assurance of GOD'S Guidance which was the mainstay of her life. Although, we as a Mission, will feel the loss, yet we can but rejoice over her entry into the Presence of the LORD she served so faithfully here. Thanks be to GOD!

R. T. HARRIS

Page Six


C H R I S T W A S This testimony was written by one PRE-EMINEN T of our senior missionaries Miss M.

Campbell who was both a fellow-IN HER LIFE worker and close friend of Mrs. R.

Mrs. Long, our beloved Founder and Director Emeritus is with the Lord. What a triumphant entry into His glorious presence would be her's after almost a whole life of loving, loyal, devoted service for the glory of her Lord. It was a life of battle too, where always the Captain of her salvation led the way.

How often have I heard her sing her favourite hymn. "All th^ way my Saviour leads me," with great fervour, reaching the glad triumphant peak in the last verse:

When my spirit clothed immortal Wings its flight to realms of day This my song through endless ages •Jesus led me all the way.

I count it a very great privilege and honour to add my testimony of fellowship with God's honoured and faithful servant in the work of seeking to win the dark people for Christ. It is forty years on the 27th of this month since I first met Mrs. Long, on coming into the A.I.M. and had my first half hour of private counsel and advice (so helpful to every outgoing missionary) and was then prayerfully commended to God for service for Him.

Then as the years rolled by, in every extremity or time of need, there was the quick reply to a letter and the "Word in season" the word that pointed me to my Captain and lifted the load and helped me to trust and prove Him.

Mrs. Long's own experiences deepened with the years and out of them all she was able to reach out a helping hand to us all. There was not much that touched our lives and work on the battlefield that had not touched hers. The same mighty forces of evil but the same almighty triumphant Saviour to give victory.

Truly Christ was triumphant throughout her wonderful life. She was trusted with much blessing and also with much t r i a l - b u t the deeper the experience of the trial, the deeper became the experience of Trust until Christ was all and in all.

Now has come the glad and glorious climax. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord, for ever and ever. Wherefore comfort one another with these words". May we catch something of the radiance of a life lived only for the glory of the Lord and follow on.

M. CAMPBELL

E'en for the dead I would not bind My soul to grief— Death doth hide, but not divide: It is as though the rose that climbed my

garden wall Had blossomed on the other side. Thou art with Christ and Christ with me And so together stil l are we.

(This poem was quoted by the late Archdeacon Begh'w at the funeral of Mr. L. W. Long, December, 1928, and was much loved by our late Founder J.

Page Seven


ii To A tribute to the memory of Mrs. Retta Long by Miss M. Acland,

a missionary with the A.I.M. for forty five years.

St. Paul refers to Phebe, a servant in the church at Cenchrea in these words: "She hath been a succourer of many." These words apply to our later beloved Director, Mrs. Retta Long. I praise the Lord for giving me a sphere of service in the A.I.M. under her leadership. She was strong in fai th, a wise leader and a true friend.

On May 3rd, 1911. I left for my first missionary appointment. Mrs. Long came to the train to bid me farewell and handed, me a letter full of encouragement and inspiration for the days that were before me. Then all through the years, I was helped by her wise counsel and the knowledge that she was constantly bearing me up before the Throne of Grace. The Lord gave to our late Director many gifts, but an outstanding one was the ability to write helpful, encouraging letters. These letters were eagerly looked for.

I remember in the early days when the A.I.M. field was widening and her home responsibilities were increasing, (her home and family were always cared for in a creditable manner) she told us that she prayed that the Lord would increase her capacity and from then on the Lord enabled her to write many of the missionary letters in the very early hours of the morning.

The dark people were deeply loved by her and wherever our Founder has been among them she is affectionately spoken of by them.

She truly lived a triumphant life, triumphing over problems, difficulties and also infirmities of the flesh. She was several times in hospital when her eyes were so bad. Although these operations were so painful she bore it all with great fortitude. Yet a triumphant life because of her faith in God and His finished work and my life is the better for ever knowing her.

For the first twenty three years she was nobly helped by her devoted husband, by whose help she was enabled to do so much in thos early years. He was held in high esteem and a man greatly beloved and now triumphantly they are both in the Presence of the Lord. MARGARET AC LAND

O U R F R O N T P A G E P O E M The poem on this month's cover was copied down by Mrs. R. Long to be used in "Our Aim" after she had been called Home. These cover poems have been a blessing to many and were always chosen by Mrs. Long herself. It is our hope to re-publish from time to time favourites of her's which have proved helpful to others in the past.

THIS MEMORIAL ISSUE Copies of this special memorial issue are available through the Sydney office, at sixpence per copy. We have had extras printed and will be glad to mail them to you.

Page Eight


F A R

Mrs. R. Long (1937)

These are just a few of the many letters received . . .

I extend to you and your loved ones very sincere sympathy in the loss of a very saintly lady, your Mother, who loved and served her Saviour so faithfull throughout her life.

During my time as a member of the Federal Council, she was an inspiration to me as I am sure she was to the whole Council and to all the missionary staff.

J. A. EVANS, Vice-Pres. Federal Council

ic

Only Eternity will reveal the thousands upon thousands who have been and will be redeemed through the ministry of your Mother. Glory by to God.

We have been upholding you in prayer and know that above all you will be rejoicing in the Lord to know that at last your loved one has been released from all pain and suffering.

More responsibility will rest upon your shoulders now but the Lord who hath undertaken in the past will meet every need in the future.

WESLEY R. CADDY, Field Supt. for Queensland

*

We can not help but feel the loss of your Mother but are comforted by the fact that she is now present with the Lord. The years of service for the Aborigines of Australia will be remembered and the Lord will not forget her faithfulness.

E. H. PERRETT, The Mission to Lepers

Page Nine


L. to R. Std.: Messrs. G. Bodley, Simpson, W . Cormack, A. H. Taylor, G. Tomkins, A. L. Perry.

Seated: Mr. J. S. Cousin, Mr . and Mrs. L. W . Long, Miss Geary.

Your Mother's unfailing belief in what was her God-given life work among and for the aborigines has been a striking lesson and inspiration to very many. The gratitude and, changed lives of -the harvest of souls gathered from among them must have been very sweet to her.

At the same time her simple but ever strong faith in God's sustaining power always present with her, enabling her to overcome physical weakness and difficulties of many kinds has been an example which many others and not the least myself have benefited by very much.

ADOLF h. PERRY. (past-Treasurer of the A.I.M. for 27 years)

it

To you ah it is the passing of a dear Mother who by precept and example has lived before you to reveal the faithfulness of God in a life dedicated to Him.

To the aborigines it is the passing of one to whom they owe so much for bringing the Light of Salvation to those who have sat in darkness so long.

To us all her passing has meant the going home of one who has been an inspiration to all who have had any interest in the uplifting of the aborigines.

FRED. FISHER, Maryville (prayer partner of the work for over 40 years)

Page Ten


Your Mother made such a profound impact upon my life, and character in the early years of my association with the A.I.M. Ladies' Auxiliary that all my thoughts of her, now and. always are thoughts of great thankfulness. She is to me as to countless others one of "Great Women" of this Century.

MARION G. WHITE /President, Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary)

it

I was thinking this morning if I were asked to name the most outstanding woman in Australian History, the one who had made the most impact. I would without hesitation say Retta Long.

R. J. HENDERSON, (asst. secretary, Dept. of Education)

The Aborigines Inland. Mission and this earth have lost the presence of a true friend, but "she being dead yet speaketh". Her influence will always be felt, her memory will spur on those true followers of her Saviour.

Viewed from the angle of the Federal Council, it must be said that she had the whole work at her finger tips. Though almost blind at one time for three years, yet she directed the work without once being unequal to the task.

Her close touch with the Lord made her decisions very correct, yet when others made wrong decisions, she was always very gracious. There were many crises and problems, but she never knew defeat and her spirits were never dampened. Her passing is not defeat, but victory in the Lord.

GUYON A. BLACKET. Hon. Secretary, Federal Advisory Council.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We regret that it has been necessary to omit some reports and certain features from this issue. We are sure that our writers and readers will understand.

Page Eleven


(Thank You, Dear fr iends

To all our friends near and far we send our thanks for all you did to make the long years of Mother's illness easier to face. Neither Mother nor I would have been able to go on without your help.

The prayer support, letters and gifts were a source of uplift to us and the practical help with the nursing and in the home by many here in Sydney made it possible for me to cope with the task God gave me to do.

Especially do I remember all the help my sister, Mrs. B. A. Collins gave. She with her husband and my brother Egerton and his wife stood ready to do ail they could to ease the load and then when our hearts were breaking with our sorrow, they took the care of all the details and made it so much easier for me.

Mother and I felt so often that all you did was the Lord working for us. He alone gave us the strength and patience to endure unto the end. In the fiery trial through which He allowed us to pass, we did not pass through alone, but One "like unto the Son of God" walked with us.

Our grateful thanks to you all, (Miss) OLIVE LONG

The Children with me (One of the favourite poems of our late Founder t

In the hope that I have of His coming With its splendour and brilliant display

When heaven will be filled with His glory On the saints' resurrection day,

There's one sweet moment of gladness I long for most eagerly—

To stand with all of my children Before Him who gave them to me.

The burdens that came with their training. The long hours of teaching will be

All such a glorious privilege In the light of eternity.

The heavens will blase with its brightness When I say "I have waited for Thee

I want to present now the children Thou graciously gave unto me."

Oh often I let my mind picture His coming to earth once again

To stand with the ransomed before Him And to shout that blessed Amen;

And myriads of angels and Jesus In all of His beauty to see

And the pray of my heart is always For the children given to me.

HELEN COOPER;

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Wonderful Visit to Beswick Settlement

by Noel Brown

As we haven't a truck just now, we are dependent on monthly visits from Darwin workers to help us with transport to our out-stations.

One Friday recently Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge arrived about 11 a.m. in their utility, which they purchased in place of their large bus. This vehicle is very useful as it has two seats inside a sedan cab as well as a small utility back. After an early lunch we started for the Beswick Creek Reserve, where the Superintendent, Mr. Pitts and his wife always give us a friendly welcome on our monthly visits. It is about 80 miles from Katherine.

We were told that the children were looking forward to our coming and to the picnic we had promised them. It was not long before we had all the children on the reserve around us. The day began with the serving of "lolly water" (soft drink to non-Terri-torians) and biscuits. Then Mrs. Brown continued the story of the life of Christ she had started the previous month at the school. We .sang a good number of choruses new and old and then the races began. The children seemed to enjoy these to the full and of course the prizes too.

At about five p.m. while the people had their tea, the missionaries enjoyed a picnic tea themselves and a welcome "cuppa" made in the black billycan.

Soon the people, preceded by the children, began to come for the evening meeting. It was not long before there were between 60 and 70 people gathered, on seats brought from the meal room by Peter Fortymile who is full of enthusiasm for the meeting. He was baptised by Mr. Stretton some years ago but has not always been bright for the Lord. Now he seems very interested again.

It was lovely sitting in the moonlight singing the well loved hymns and choruses and listening to the stories from "God's Bible Book". Do pray that souls will be won at this place which we can visit only once a month but where there is a wide open door.

About 8.30 p.m. we said our goodbyes amid much hand shaking and started for Katherine over very rough roads. Some of these road.s were travelled by people in the book "We of the Never Never", and they don't appear to have had much done to them since.

It was a wonderful weekend with a picnic on the Saturday for our people at Katherine. This included a "damper" competition among the native women, and spear and boomerang throwing by the men. On Saturday night we had a gospel service conducted by Mr. Eldridge and again on the Sunday, as well as a visit to Manbulloo in the afternoon. We praise God for our visitors and for other friends who have come to our aid from time to time.

You will still continue to pray for our transport needs won't you ? The need is urgent There are other camps which have not had a regular ministry for years and the Master has said, "Go".

Page Thirteen


Launching out from the B.T.I.

Open-air services conducted by the students and staff, have begun in Singleton. It has been a joy to witness in this way, each Saturday night in front of the Picture Theatre. Wo take the students in the "Austin" truck. They are a great help in singing and some of the young men students share in the preaching of the Word. We need a public address system as it is a battle to make our voices h2ard against the noise of cars and. motor cycles.

Another forward move with the gospel is the inauguration of a Scripture Class at the

Whittingham Public School—weekly. Miss Lundell is in charge of this work and is assisted by students from week to week. It is good training for the latter.

Mr. and Mrs. Living accompanied by students, Victor- Shaw and Ida Huddleston made a trip to Caroona Aboriginal Settlement (120 miles from here). They made the trip in one day leaving the Institute about 7 a.m. and returning about midnight. Meetings were conducted morning, afternoon and night. The gospel was preached and it must continue to be preached. We need more workers!

There are many other matters that could be mentioned in this report. Miss Ruth Dixsan arrived recently and is very happy here. The day of her arrival, we went to Mayfield to conduct an "A.I.M. night" at the Baptist Church. What a missionary atmosphere we felt in that meeting. It was good to be there. Miss Dixsan was introduced to that missionary minded church and. gave a short work of testimony. Will you bear her up in your prayers and practical support as she seeks to serve the Lord in our A.I.M. Field ?

—KEN BOWEN

Narrandera

"He changes not''. As we look around and see so many things changing all the time, some for the better and others not so, it is always good to be able to look up to the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Mrs. Pattinson and I are very thankful to the Lord for answered prayer for our Sunday school. We can see an improvement, but we do need more prayer to help us on.

It is a joy to see others come to our service also and we do pray the Lord will bless and use us among our people here.

I have started to visit the people at Leeton and would value prayer that, as I contact them in their homes, the Lord will use me. in His power, for His glory. In the evening. I had a meeting with the children and after, a small one for adults.

Mr. and Mrs. L. Grant are serving the Lord here and with them, we long to be able to help our people come closer to the Lord.

—/. Argerakis

Page Fourteen


WONDERFUL CAMP FROM BAGOT RESERVE

A month ago when it was time to write a report I was at Casua-rina Beach with 41 native school boys and girls aged between 5 and 15 years, and just didn't have a minute to spare to write.

I had a native couple to help with the work but I always see to the cooking of all the meals and supervise the children at meal times. Second and, sometimes even third helpings were needsd of all things and sometimes I wished I had half a dozen pairs of hands at that time. Often the bigger boys were a help in handing out extras. The children all help with little duties to do each day. Then there were cuts and sores to attend to, there always seems to be broken bottles about and so one frequently has to attend to cut feet!

Every day we went swimming when the tide was high and all enjoyed that, then at low tide they went hunting for crabs, etc. A couple of nights just before full moon we went for walks along the beach in the moonlight and how they enjoyed that.

Each morning straight after breakfast we had a devotional session and then each evening we had a meeting when we sang choruses and had a story from the Word of God. Although there were no decisions for the Lord at the campfire one had a sense of His Presence and the seed was sown.

One night toward the end of the week I was not feeling well as I had rather a bad cold so I asked the children to settle down early which they did and it was lovely to hear different girls praying for me that night as I was getting ready for bed, it was their own idea and the Lord answered their prayers as 1 was much better the next day. Sundays we had a morning and evening service as well as Sunday School, after dinner. It was good to have some of the older lads from the Reserve meet with us in one morning service. It was a good camp and we were sorry when it was over.

Here on the Reserve I have those children for a Scripture lesson at the school every Friday afternoon. On a Monday night we have a children's meeting and most are keen and regular in attendance and those who can read take turns in leading the meeting. The choruses which Miss Lundell taught them when she was here are still great favourites.

Please pray for these children on the Reserve, that all may come to know the Saviour personally while they are young. "And they brought young children to Him that He should touch them."

-Audrey Clark

Griffiths and Outstations By Miss M. Campbell

What a blessed time of fellowship was our N.S.W. State Conference. From the first moment the atmosphere was that of rest and refreshment, as expressed in Psalm 133—As the dew of Hermon and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the .blessing even life for evermore.

Page Fifteen


Following the Conference I had a week's rest with Mr. and Mrs. Hufton at Leichhardt and also a few days with Miss Morgan at Wanda Beach and came back greatly refreshed and ready for work VISITING OUTSTATIONS

It was good to have fellowship at Leeton and Narrandera on my way back to Griffith and to confer with the Lord's servants there as well as to visit our dark people at both places. Kind hospitality was given at Leeton by Miss McKenzie and at Narrandera by Mr. and Mrs. Pattinson.

A deep interest is being taken in the welfare of the work by both associate and native workers at both these places, Miss Argerakis is rendering very acceptable service at Narrandera and will be paying regular visits to Leeton. The great enemy of souls fights hard but "victory is of the Lord", and clear guidance has been given in difficult matters for which we praise Him. BACK AT GRIFFITH

Having spent a week enroute it was good to get back among the folk here. During my absence Miss G. Waddington and Miss H. Arnold carried on Sunday School.

Attendances at the meetings are increasing and one night when other doors closed the young people invited themselves to the Mission House for their meeting and a happy time was spent with some hearty singing, a Bible quiz and a message. It was good to have them come and was really a definite answer to prayer. I do thank our prayer helpers for this. PRESENT FROM THE PEOPLE

The dark people at Leeton on hearing that I had been sick prepared a gift box of chocolates and useful groceries for me. A small group brought it to the train as I passed through. More than 20 others had contributed towards it. I was deeply touched by this kind gesture and praised God for them all and the zeal of those who love the Master.

How good is the God we adore, Our faithful, unchangeable Friend, Whose love is as great as His power, And knows neither measure nor end.

Please keep praying.

Bethesda Mission — Melbourne This week I have been out each day, visiting our people. Every

time I go to Fitzroy I meet our people, who more or less live in the streets in the daytime. Some live in small rooms and others unfortunately frequent the wine saloons. Those who live in crowded rooms get out early and walk around all day. I chat with them as I walk along the streets.

Today I heard my name called and on turning around saw one of our older men, whom I saw in prison two weeks previously. He looked such a derelict today, with ragged clothes, dishevelled hair. and so dirty. He had had some drink too, but he was courteous and I was glad he felt he could talk with me.

I walked on, and two streets further on I met one of our women. She too was partly drunk and propped herself against a wall while she talked. This woman in her earlier life was of good character and always attended our meetings. Today she said to me, "When you get a mission hall again, I will always come to the meetings."

Dear friends, pray for these two people. They could be wonderfully used of the Lord to help their own people if they were soundly converted.

—'Sister Maude Ellis

Page Sixteen


Retta Dixon Home, Darwin

THREE WORKERS FAREWELLED

Two weeks ago we said goodbye to our missionaries, Messrs. Main, Miles and Kirk as they went on to Phillip Creek to remove the Mission House from there, and erect it a. Newcastle Waters. On the morning of their departure, there was a gathering of the Darwin Missionaries from Parap, Bagot Reserve and the Home. After the singing of "Blest be the tie that binds," our superintendent, Miss Shankelton commended, our brethren to the Lord.

Miss M. Spohn The trucks then drove away, Mr. David Kirk driving "Ceasar"

(Mr. Miles' truck) accompanied by Roger Roman one of our older boys, who also went to assist in the work. The "Austin" (N.T. truck) followed well laden with petrol, cement and luggage. Mr. Howard Miles and Mr. Main in this vehicle.

We much appreciated their practical help and fellowship in the Lord's work. They assisted us in so many ways. One great boon was having our hot water system installed in the kitchen by Mr. Miles. Our prayers follow them in all further service for Him.

PASSING OF CORINE SHEPHERD Many of the folk interested in our Home would have heard of

Corine Shepherd, who had been delicate all her life, in and out of hospital. The last time in hospital had been for nearly two years and it was a time of testimony for her Lord as in her quiet and patient way she accepted her illness. Always bright and happy, serving the Lord by letter writing and sending out Bibles.

A week ago Corine was called Home to Glory at 18 years of age. It has meant much to our boys and girls, who knew Corine so well to know that she has gone to be with the Lord. Jesus.

The funeral was conducted by Mr. Eldridge and a large number of our people gathered at the graveside. It was a beautiful service. Her favourite hymn was sung "Tell me the old, old story". Mr. Eldridge in speaking of Corine's life used an acrostic on her name

MEETINGS AT WINNELLIE Instad of bringing our Winnellie people to the Home for service

on Sunday mornings, we now go to them for this service. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have the charge of the morning services there, this month. We continue to have our Sunday School and evening services there as usual. Would you pray for these services and our coloured people at Winnellie. On Tuesdays we have a A.A.M.M. meeting there, and Junior C.E. on Thursdays.

Please continue too in prayer for all departments of the work at the Home.

We would bring before you also our monthly, week-end Bible schools, held at Casuarina for Teenage children in the Darwin area.

Praise and Pray with us. "Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth Me".

—Marjorie Spohn

Page Seventeen


Visiting Western New South Wales

The field Secretary of the A.I.M., Mr. R. M. Living and and Mrs. Living recently visited Condobolin to help introduce Mr. and Mrs. Stan Matthews to the work there. Here is a brief account of their trip and other places visited also.

Mrs. Living and I returned here to Singleton last Monday after a truly wonderful seven days of travel and so many contacts. We had adventures with the car but the Lord lovingly undertook and we were not held up anywhere. Between Dunedoo and Dubbo we were stopped in a rapid stream but we prayed and then the engine started again and we proceeded. At Peak Hill I found that the head gasket on the engine had blown. Then about ten miles from Condobolin, a passing car hurled a stone which shattered the windscreen on the driver's side. I t was raining and the road was bad, but we arrived safely, covered in mud.

On arrival at Condobolin, we found Mr. and Mrs. Matthews well settled in. They are all well and are looking forward to the new ministry. One of the ministers had already called on them and together we visited a number of other friends in the town.

We visited the people on the Muri and had a good meeting on Friday evening in the church on the settlement. All the people seemed glad to welcome their new missionaries. They are a fine consecrated couple and both my wife and I were blessed with their fellowship.

We started our return trip through Parkes and Peak Hill and visited the people there. We spent Saturday night with our associate workers Mr. and Mrs. Way of Wellington. On the Sunday we had a splendid Sunday school out at the reserve at Wellington with over 50 children present besides adults. Afterwards we arranged an open air meeting down on the flat and, spoke on the need of repentance. It was good to meet old friends again there.

That night we hurried back to Dubbo for an evening service in our church. There were about 30 present, including Stewart and Shirley Peckham. Stewart is bright for the Lord now. The dear people were truly happy to have us with them again. Mrs. Carr said, "I must go home or I will cry". It is good to know that our associate worker there Mr. Davidson hopes to be able to devote more time to the work in the near future, and will hold a Sunday school each Sunday at 9.45 a.m. and an evening Gospel service also. We do praise the Lord for this itinerary. We returned home, praising God for all His goodness.

—R. M. Living

Page Eighteen


A.I .M. Mission House, Condobolin

(see previous page)

JOURNEYING MERCIES FOR MR. AND MRS. PICKETT

After a long trip of about 2000 miles we are back among the people in Charleville.

We left here on the 1st of September, travelling south via Mitchell and Roma to Mungindi, then on to Moree and Sydney. It was wonderful how the Lord blesesd our going out and our coming in. After a little engine trouble on the first day, our Van ran 'ike a new car.

At Roma we stayed with Mr. Alan Vine and took part in a meeting at night. We also met a family who came to the Lord through a little sowing my wife and I did a few years ago. MEETING MR. PAT SYMES AGAIN

In Sydney we met our dear Brother Pat Symes of the W.E.C. He was the only man who ever spoke to me about my sin and about the Lord. We had fine fellowship together at the Conference held by the W.E.C. at Thornleigh. After the Conference we travelled back to Singleton B.T.I, meeting several A.I.M. missionaries for the fir.5t time. We gave the message at the Sunday evening service also.

THE RETURN JOURNEY

Then we went on to Moree, staying a few days with Brother Goulter, then across to Mungindi. It was a day of rain and mud. We came to a standstill many times and skidded off in to the side drain but the good hand of God was on us and we reached Mungindi safely. We had a meeting with the dark people there and then came on the long stretch to Charleville.

We now have settle down again and are feeling very refreshed after our trip. We praise God for His faithfulness. We are starting once again to bring the way of life to our people here and to those in the town.

I have started on our new cottage on the block of land in the town and hope to have some part of it built before Christmas. God's word to us is Hebrews 10.35-36.

-Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Pickett

Page Nineteen


Mission House Moved from Phillip Creek

Some months ago, the Dept. of Welfare (Native Affairs) decided to move the people from Phillip Creek, N.T., to a more desirable site at Warrabri, about 120 miles further south. Our mission house therefore needed to be removed and it was considered best to dismantle it and take the materials to Newcastle Waters for our use there. The new settlement at Warrabri is much closer to the Baptist work at Yuendumu and our Mission agreed that the spiritual oversight of the people could best be left those workers.

Mr. Howard Miles, Mr. David Wirk, Mr. C. A. Main and Mr. Roger Roman drove down from Darwin in the Austin truck and in Mr. Miles' small van and here are a couple of excerpts from recent letters:

"The Lord has been good to us. Even in the final hectic days in Darwin, when we had so much packing and so many unfinished jobs on our hands His grace proved sufficient. We had only slight trouble on the way down. Caesar (my van) developed an oil leak, but I am hoping to fix it soon myself, as I have had these parts out before.

The Austin behaved well and we got through the dismantling and carting by late Saturday night—about two and a half days to dismantle. Praise the Lord. We made two trips with the truck from Phillip Creek to Newcastle Waters as there were two good square tanks there as well as sundry odds and ends.

Yesterday we dismantled all of the rear of the Newcastle Waters house, leaving shack at the front for living for the time being. Now we are busy digging holes for the foundations. We should have most of the frame and roof up by the weekend. One difficulty is gravel. Although this is a stony area, there are no pits around here it seems.

RAIN DIVERTED AT PHILLIP CREEK We feel the Lord has definitely answered prayer over the whole

affair. It was very noticeable one night at Phillip Creek. We had rain on the night of our arrival, when we had plenty of shelter but the following night when the place was almost down and. we were camped in one of the old huts, a very heavy storm went all around us, without hardly a drop of rain falling on us. If it had, the track would most likely have been too slippery to drive out when we did as well as being inconvenient. Praise the Lord. The wet seems to have started early this year."

—Howard R. Miles

New Mission House for Newcastle Waters On this second visit to Newcastle Waters, since my return from

Borroloola, I have three fine companions—Messrs. Miles, Kirk and Roger Roman (from the Retta Dixon Home) for the work of reconstructing the house brought up from Phillip Creek. It took only four days to dismantle and remove the house to Newcastle Waters. in two loads on the N.T. Austin Truck.

Rain has fallen early again this year, bringing with it the danger of bogging and flooded creeks. Two creeks were up across the bitumen on the first trip back to Newcastle Waters last week. It is of the

(continued on Page 23)

Page Twenty


MOVING DAY AT DARWIN

Many friends have prayed for the new Mission House being built at Parap, Darwin . Here is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge moving to their new quar

ters.

Mr. & Mrs. Eldridge and Family

"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad". Psalm 126:3.

I t was moving day. After carrying two loads from R.D.H. on our utility and a few large pieces of furniture on Mission truck, we said goodbye to the missionaries and workers at the Home, amongst whom we had spent some happy times of fellowship during the preceding five months, and left to make our abode in the new Mission House at Stuart Park. Although the house it not yet completed— cupboard doors, windows and lining to be put in and painting, etc., to be done—we were thankful to be able to move in and so be close to the people amongst whom we are working.

We do thank our Heavenly Father for His wonderful provision of the Mission House, and trust Him for the Church, that ere long it will be erected to His Glory.

At present we hold the meetings in our main room, which is 30x12 ft. Each Sunday morning we have S.S., and last Sunday 38 children attended, aged from 18th months to 15 years. It was grand to have the room almost full of children, with bright, eager faces. Brian supplies the music, Margaret and Daphne teach the little ones to six years and Stan and I have the older classes.

We rejoice in the increasing numbers attending evening service, there being 48 present last Sunday night. Praise the Lord. How we long to see these dear folk coming to the Saviour. Will you join us in prayer for them ?

Tuesday afternoon is the Ladies' meeting, and although the attendances have been rather disappointing, we know our Lord is present with the "two or three", and we pray that others will become interested.

An average of 15 children gather on Tuesday nights for a time of fellowship. After a few minutes bright singing of choruses, and prayer, they join in various games as table tennis, bowls, quoits, etc. and sometimes slides or fllmstrips, followed by a helpful talk, then supper. We feel that these gatherings help us to get to know each other better, and trust will prove a help and blessing to each one, and a drawing closer to our blessed Lord.

As we seek, by His Grace, to help in winning these dear coloured folk to Himself, we do thank you for your prayers, and ask that those who have accepted Christ as Saviour will grow in grace and knowledge, and be witnesses for Him.

—S. and C. Eldridge and family Page Twenty-one


Left: Part of Cherbourg Sunday School with Mrs. E. C. Long.

Junior Readers 1

P a g e c/o. A.I.M., 242 Pitt Street,

Sydney.

Dear girls and boys,

Some of you are very busy with important exams and school tests. I hope you will do well. Soon you will have much more time for things you would like to do. It 's great to have time for worth while hobbies isn't it?

And then Christmas is coming too. I have been thinking of a man who lived long ago, Jonah by name. He was happy to help his own race but hated to go with God's message to those of another race. God had to teach him that providing folk were sorry for their sins, He wanted to have mercy on all, whether Hebrews or Gentiles.

Our missionaries of the A.I.M. have learned this lesson. That is why they have gone with the Gospel to the dark folk of this land. Will you share Christmas joy and cheer with these folk ?

Mr. and Mrs. Collins like to get our parcels away in good time to our Mission stations. Would you like to help? I'm sure you would. Perhaps you could make things to sell and thus earn a little for the Christmas cheer Fund or perhaps you can give gifts. Pray about it and do something soon won't you?

Don't hold, back because you feel your gift is small. Remembe'-how much the Master did with one lad's humble lunch! Send your gifts to Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Collins, 19 Castlereagh St., North Strath-field or to the A.I.M. office, address above.

Christmas blessings shared are Christmas blessings doubled.

Your friend,

AUNT CATHERINE

Some Suggestions to help you :

1. Small light gifts which won't break easily are best. 2. If making a scrap book, choose only the best in coloured pictures.

Don't include pictures which encourage smoking.

3. Second hand books, if in good order, can be used. Used, toys can be made attractive by being re-painted. Dolls may be given a fresh outfit.

4. Used Christmas cards (with written greeting removed.) make attractive needlecases or folders for combs, ribbons, bobby pins, etc. S.S. texts can be carefully pasted inside to bring a message.

Page Iwenty-two


Redfern Area — Sydney

"The Eternal God is the Refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. He shall thrust out the enemy before thee and shall destroy them" (Deut. 33.27). This is the message that brings encouragement for these days.

We were pleased to welcome Misses Chrissie South and Ruth Naylor, also Roger Collins one Sunday evening recently. It was good to hear their testimony and their message in song. We look forward to another visit soon.

Several of our young girls spent an evening with Mrs. Egerton Long at the Director's home. I am glad they had this opportunity.

I was happy to be able to visit again the family who moved from Waterloo to Telopea a few months ago. I had, a time of prayer and reading with them. The four scheel boys are looking much better for the change and they are taking an interest in the garden. I noticed improvement and progress since my last visit. I have made quite a number of visits to various hospitals to see our people. Mrs. Agnes Grant is home from hospital now and Mrs. Dolly Darcy is much better ad daily proving the Lord's power to help her. All the various ones in the hospitals are being well cared for and are slowly making progress. It was good to leave a message and to pray with them. Praise the Lord that He is mindful of us and let us pray on until the victory is won.

—Margaret Acland

NEWCASTLE WATERS—Contd. from page 20

Lord's mercies that we have been sheltered from mishap and shop-herded all along the way.

NEWCASTLE WATERS A STRATEGIC CENTRE In a general way, Newcastle Waters is a link for the whole of

the western section of the Territory and the main Darwin-Alice Spring Road. All droving plants for Queensland destinations pass through here and contact is thus made with many of the people. The work here is a long established one and the local camp looks to us to continue on. Our mission house here will be at the gateway to stations east and west of the bitumen road, from which all our itineration work sets out.

On our first day here, two of the people lost no time in bringing along their books to show me the work done in my absence in Darwin. It was evident that much time had been spent in close study. Two others have also continued in the work set for them to do while I was away.

The presence of a band of workers here has aroused much enthusiasm and a ready welcome has been extended to them all by callers at the mission house and meetings. Their appreciation of our being among them is a real cheer and brings to me a sense of privilege in serving them. Signs following those who labour under the Master's guidance is the endorsement we have of being in God's well. "Not unto us O Lord but unto Thee be the praise."

C. A. Main


Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia

Head Office: 242 Pitt St., Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Phone: MA 2078. Director: Rev. Egerton C. Long (UM 6923)

General Secretary: Mr. E. A. Collins (UF 2464)

Federal Advisory Council: President, The Director; Chairmen and Vice-pres., Mr. L. Scott and Mr. J. A. Evans: Secretary, Mr. G. Blacket; Asst. S e c , Miss M. Mackay; Gen. Treasurer, Mr. R. T. Harris. Hon. Medical Advisor: Dr. D. Treloar.

Victorian State Council: Secretary: Mr. A. J. Bagot, 202 Spring St., Reservoir, Phone 3V 4059. Treasurer: Mr. L. Stirling, 18 Lanes St., Hawthorn, Vic. Ph. WM6429

Queensland State Council: Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs. J. Elms, Cotton St., Shorncliffe, N.E.7.

Tasmanian State Council: Secretary: Mr. E. McFarlane, 23 Courtney St., Lenah Valley, Hobart. Treasurer: Mr. W. Wolnizer, Riawena Rd., Rose Bay, Tas.

South Australia Auxiliary: Sec. & Treas.: Mrs. M. Tate, Smith-Dorrien St., Netherby, S.A.

AUXILIARY SECRETARIES AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES New South Wales:

Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary: Mrs. Seivers, c/o. A.I.M. Office. Men's Fellowship: Mr. T. A. Young, c/o. A.I.M. Office. Newcastle S e c : Mr. F. Wilson, 19 Mitchell St., Tighe's Hill. Newcastle Ladies' Auxiliary: Mrs. W. Fraser, 4 David St. Georgetowa Blue Mountains Auxiliary: Miss E. Pearce, St. Alban's Rd., Medlow

Bath. Queensland:

Brisbane Ladies' Auxiliary: Mrs. R. Thoday, S6 Venner Rd., Annerley Rockhampton: Mr. W. E. Perkins, North St., Range, Rockhampton. Townsville: Miss F. B. Thornton, Leigh St., West End, Townsville.

Mrs. Benton, 16 Cleveland Terrace, Townsville. Kulgrun-Kalbar: Miss Ellice Moller, Kalbar.

Victoria: Ballarat: Geelong: Miss H. Williams, 199 W. Melbourne Rd., Geelong West.

.Northern Territory: Darwin: Mr. R. M. Bowie, P.O. Box 224, Darwin.

Great Britain: Isle of Man: Miss D. Cubbon, Awyn Beg, Ballasfesson, Port Erin. Northern Ireland: Mr. Teeney, 15 Ambleside St., Belfast.

United States of America: Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Dailey, 144 Ackerson Lake, Jackson, Michigan.

* G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

The Aborigines Inland Mission is operating in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Northern Territory. Donations to the work of the A.I.M. should be addressed to the General Treasurer a t Headquarters, or to the State Treasurer. Cheques, money orders, etc. should be made payable to "Aborigines Inland Mission."

Offers of Service as Missionaries may be addressed to the Hon. Secretary of the Federal Council a t Headquarters or State Councils.

Printed by F. S. Pacey & Sons, Parkes St., Hyde, N.S.W. WY 3307


our aim n · our aim • "'• vol. l—no. 3 november, 1956 regd. at g.p.o. sydney, as a...

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