Avondale Memorial church (Cooranbong, NSW) held its annual Australia Day worship service on Sabbath, January 25, led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) team. The program highlighted ATSIM’s work across Australia, sharing key milestones, inspiring stories and messages of faith.
NNSW ATSIM director Pastor Keith Stockwell reflected on recent achievements within the conference, including the 10-year anniversary of the Brewarrina church plant. He also shared a story from Grafton Church, where his sister and her husband were baptised. At a similar time, in Port Macquarie, a young man who was recently baptised started a Bible study group, which has now grown to 30 attendees in just a few months.
The service also highlighted the national ATSIM camp held in Brisbane in January. Pastor Jack Ryder, who served as the primary/junior division speaker at the camp, extended an invitation for children to follow Jesus, and in response, all accepted the call. The Sabbath school panel discussion, featuring special guests, focused on faith, culture and the role of ATSIM in local communities.
The main service continued with a focus on the national work of ATSIM. Pastor Richie Reid, from Wahroonga church presented a special children’s story and ATSIM National director Pastor Darren Garlett presented the main message. He shared insights into ATSIM’s work across Australia, emphasising the ministry’s role in connecting with Indigenous communities.
The service concluded with a message of encouragement, acknowledging ATSIM’s ongoing efforts to serve Indigenous Australians and the impact of its ministry in churches and communities nationwide.
