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Vol. XLV., No. 3 NOVEMBER 17, 1961 Registered at the G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission by post as a newspaper.

A Monthly Record of the

Aborigines Inland Mission

of Australia

242 Pitt St., Sydney, Australia

Edited by Mrs. R. Long

Annual Subscription 3/6

CONTENTS

General News and Sittings - 2

46th Annual Review 3-5, 11, 13-15

Harvest Field 6-7 General •' Annual • Meetings 8 N.T. Itinerary 9-10 General Information 16

We Bear The Torch Facing a task unfinished that drives us to our knees, A need that undiminished rebukes our slothful ease; We who rejoice to know Thee, renew before Thy throne The solemn pledge we owe Thee, to go and make Thee

known.

Where other lords beside Thee hold their unhindered sway,

Where forces that defied Thee defy Thee still to-day; With none to heed their crying for life, and love and light, Unnumbered souls are dying, and pass into the night.

We bear the torch that, flaming, fell from the hands of those

Who gave their lives proclaiming that Jesus died and rose; Ours is the same commission, the same glad message ours, Fired by the same ambition, to Thee we yield our power.

O Father who sustained them! 0 Spirit who inspired'. Saviour, whose love constrained them to toil with zeal

untired; From cowardice defend us, from lethargy awake! Forth on Thine errands send us to labour for Thy sake.

—Bishop Houghton.

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

2 "OUR AIM" — November 17

General News

Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Neave paid a visit to Fingal recently. While there Mr. Neave gave practical help which improved the condition of the Mission House. Mrs. Bowen is a daughter of Mr. Neave.

Mr. and Mrs. K. Knight, who have been helping at the Singleton College, have been accepted by the Federal Council as Maintenance Workers for the Retta Dixon Home, Darwin.

The General Treasurer's Financial Statement and a Brief report of the Federal Council's Secretary are held over until next month owing to lack of space.

Mr. R. T. Harris, General Treasurer of the A.I.M., and Mrs. Harris will be speakers at our Annual Meetings in Melbourne on November 23.

GETTING TO KNOW ONE

ANOTHER

Prior to the Annual Meeting some of the members of the Business Women's Auxiliary and some friends of the Mission spent a weekend at Cron-ulla with 2 of the Missionaries, Miss Campbell from Darlington Point and Miss Spohn from Darwin. Mrs. Collins was also in the party. I t was a unique opportunity to get to know these Missionaries better, to hear more about their work and to have fellowship and prayer together.

Miss Spohn was a member of the B.WA. prior to going out as • Missionary. —V. Morgan

CHRISTMAS PARCELS Friends contributing gift par

cels to our Mision Stations may send them to the

AXM. Office, 242 Pitt Street,

SYDNEY. As it takes a considerable

time for parcels to reach many of the centres, we will be grateful if these could be forwarded to us at once. Even for the closer stations, they should reach the office by the first week in December to be in time for the Christmas functions. We are grateful to those who send dona-lions towards freight and postage.

Our VICTORIAN friends should forward their gifts to the A.I.M. Parcel Agent in their State:

Rev. G. McLaren, 67 Roseneath Street,

CLIFTON HILL.

AUXILIARY NOTES (We are sorry to only have space for "notes" from our Auxiliary reports this month on account of the Mission's Annual Report.) SYDNEY LADIES' AUXILIARY

were privileged to have 2 Missionaries present at their October meeting—the Misses Cav-anagh and Miss Argerakis. Final arangements for the Annual Meeting Tea were completed.

The BUSINESS WOMEN'S AUXILIARY (Sydney) were pleased to have Miss Spohn, a former member of the Auxiliary, present to tell of her work in Darwin. The Auxiliary is supplying gifts, refreshments and a programme for Miss Ac land's Christmas Tree function.

The ADELAIDE AUXILIARY met at the home of Mrs. Matthews and Miss Tyler (Vice Pre-

p > mm »

Saints know that a grain of heartsease is of more value than a ton of gold. God's smile and a dungeon are enough for a true heart. His frown and a palace would be hell to a gracious spirit.

•j? W W

Our Heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks which are about to be made upon us when as yet the evil designed us is but the desire of Satan, and He prays for us that our faith fail not when we are sifted as wheat.

.gf ^ ..",

If I can bring the Lord nothing but tears, J le will put them with His own tears in His own bottle for He once wept

"The Lord is able to give thee much more than this" is a very satisfactory answer to an anxious question. Our Father holds the purse strings and what we lose for His sake He can repay a thousandfold. It is ours to obey His will and we may rest assured that He will provide for us.

.X. , \4 M. T -.»- - . '

Praise should always follow answered prayer as the mist of earth's gratitude rises when the sun of heaven's love warms the ground.

Praise is the most heavenly of Christian duties. Praise too is one of the great means of promoting growth in the Christian life

sident in Norwood. Letters from Missionaries brought subjects for prayer. The members rejoice with their President, Mrs. R. Gibbons, in the birth of a son and prayer was made for renewed health and strength for the dear mother.


Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia Headquarters: 242 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia. Phone MA 2078

Director: MRS. R. LONG

Our Motto :

OUR GOD IS ABLE

The Aborigines Inland Mission has for its object the evangelisatioa of the Aboriginal and half-caste people of Australia. It seeks to carry out the Lord's command, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations . . . Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I hart commanded you." Matt. 28:18-20; with the establishment of an indigenous Church and Native Ministry ever in view.

1 It is interdenominational in character. Membership is based on Absolute faith in the Deity of the three persons of the Godhead, Absolute belief in the inspiration and authority of the Old and New Testament Scriptures and Absolute faith in the power of God to meet every need of His servants and His work.

i The Mission is supported by the unsolicited freewill offerings of the Lord's people given in answer to prayer.

THE 46th ANNUAL REVIEW of the

ABORIGINES INLAND MISSION O s ing u n t o t h e Lord a n e w song , for H e h a t h

done marve l lous t h i n g s ; H i s r ight h a n d a n d His ho ly a r m h a t h g o t t e n H i m t h e Victory. Psa lm 98:1.

"This is t h e Lord's d o i n g a n d it is merve l lous in our eyes.'' P s a l m 118:23.

The keynote for our 46th Annual Review of the -work of the Aborigines Inland Mission came to us in (he opening sentence of a report from one of our young Native Missionaries—she testified as having proved in her strenuous life and service that He strengthened her day by day, and she could not but exclaim, "This is the lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes;" to which the following survey is designed to call forth a loud Amen.

It is a power FROM ABOVE that does the marvellous things. It is this that staggers the adversary. "It is marvellous IN OUR EYES"—we actually see it. It is not in our hopes and thoughts and prayers alone but the astonishing work is always before OUR EYES. It never ceases to astonish us as we see even here below God by means of weakness) defeating power by the simplicity of His Word and the invisible working of His Spirit.

This is the Lord's doing and "it is wonderfully done" —so reads the Hebrew passage. And He, yes He doeth treat things and unsearchable, marvellous things without number. (Job 5:9).

It is true that we have endured trials but just as true that we have been delivered out of them. We have sometimes crept along in the valleys but we have not remained there but have been brought safely through, thanks to our Almighty Helper and Leader, to a wealthy place and our joyful song is, -The Lord Has done great things for as whereof we are glad."

A feature of the work, as we gather from most of our Missionaries' reports, is a deepening of first their own lives and then a very marked quickening and revival of personal faith of those who have put on the Lord Jesus. It has been a great joy to see the growth in grace of believing children of God and to see them take their places in the work of God on their own Stations.

In several places there has been a definite turning to the Lord of many who had drifted out of fellowship with Him and His people and a return of prodigals of long standing, in some cases remarkable resurrection from a woeful backslidden state of many years.

Salvation has begun at the house of God. This is the Lord's doing and we cannot but feel the beginning of blessing which we trust will be poured out all over our field. Let us pray so.

There have also been some very striking and remarkable cases of conversion, which have revealed the work of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer. Seeking souls; some in great distress of mind and heart have surprised the Missionaries by voluntarily coming to them to relate their experience and decision to come to the Saviour for salvation or to return to the Lord of grace and mercy. These are in addition to the many in meetings and missions who have responded to the invitation to come oat and be saved This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in .i*» •••**•


4 " O U R AIM" - November 17

The Lord has answered prayer and given us again undoubted evidence of His power on our old Stations to bring men up out of the miry clay and place their feet upon a rock and to see men and women who hare only lately heard the gospel become new creatures by its power.

It is not easy to win souls from nature's darkness. It is only the power of the Holy Spirit who can enlighten their understanding and cause them by faith to open their hearts to the Saviour. But it 's being done before our eyes and the Lord's messengers can see Christ being formed in them.

In addition, on this year's dry season evangelistic tour many who heard the good news for the first time signified their belief in their newly heard of Redeemer.

The A.I.M. is predominantly evangelistic in character and objective and this year holds a record in the accomplishment of its purpose.

The Gospel has been presented during the past year to the Aborigines of Australia and their descendants in over 150 camps, cattle stations. Reserves and Government Settlements in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Northern Territory and Western Australia. We give thanks unto God for those who have believed and accepted God's offer of salvation, some on

Hearing it for the first time. The greatest venture has been that of the dry sea

son itinerary in Northern Territory and Western Australia which occupied 4 months—June to October— and covered 4306 miles in the innermost heart of Australia during which they ministered the gospel to nearly 50 groups of our people in Northern Territory uid Western Australia.

Our brethren, Messrs. Stretton and Main, went forth on their hazardous journey not only clad in the armour of prayer themselves but supported by the active faithful and objective prayer of their fellow Mission-aries and thousands of interested prayer partners on whose hearts the Lord has laid the need of Australia's Native people.

The Lord preserved and strengthened and guided Them in unknown country and provided for them in his own all-powerful way. Again this is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes. (The full account of the journey and its contacts appears in current issues of Our Aim, written by the able pen of Mr. Main.)

Our Missionaries in New South Wales and Queens, and have also gone out to the regions beyond them and much evangelistic work has been done this •ear along the Queensland-New South Wales border.

THE INDIGENOUS CHURCH

It has ever been our aim to develop the indigenous Church and foster its self support. To this its memb-ers are actively responding by self-support of their -flal work, giving assistance toward the erection and maintenance of their church buildings, regular giving award the support of Native Missionaries, and con-ributions towards "Missionary work in other lands.

NATIVE MISSIONARIES

We give thanks to God for the work of our Native Missionaries. They have served their Heavenly Master faithfully and well, both those on the field and those '*o have been assistants at the Native Workers Train. lg College.

A striking addition to their ranks this year was Mrs. C. Knox. With the two youngest of her family, Mrs. Knox left her comfortable home and her peoplt-at Boggabilla and went to the far North of Australia as a Missionary of the Cross and has taken her place there amongst God's warriors.

The A.A.M.M.—Australian Aborigines Missionary-Movement—aims at the support of these indigenous Missionaries. One of their number is the Treasurer and Secretary of the Movement, Miss Eunice Browning, ind Assistant at Singleton College. Miss Browning has this year received £290/7 - from the various branches and disbursed it for the purpose for which it was received

Another class of the indigenous ministry is that of NATIVE WORKERS. These do valiant service on their own stations, both in leadership, pastoral and routine work and are looked up to by their people and much appreciated by the Missionaries.

A factor in our Missionary work to be observed and used to its utmost is the absence of so many men from our centres. For many months of the year groups of. them go out or are sent out to seasonal work—shearing, cane cutting, bean, pea and tomato gathering, fruit picking and canning, and whatever other form of seasonal work is carried on, North, South or West, as i t may be.

While the men are at the Mission Station, special' attention is given to their building up to strengthen them for the fierce temptations they meet abroad. On the other hand it falls out to the spread of the gospel. Faithful witnesses, wherever they are placed, stand for their Lord and tell others what He has done for them.

It is also a condition which makes the organising of the Native Church difficult.

A favourable feature at our newer centres is that the number of those who can now read is increasing considerably. The Government is establishing schools' for full-blood Aboriginal children, especially in the Northern Territory, and many of our young people can now read. Reading Classes, conducted by our Missionaries, are also bearing fruit, and our younger men are now able to read God's Word for themselves and in public. The increase in the number of copies of The Australian Evangel required at the newer centres is an evidence of this.

Our people are also being encouraged to take their place with other Christians by their Missionaries taking them to Conventions and other gatherings of God's people in nearby towns and also to hear visiting preachers from other lands. We praise God they have been welcomed and shown that we are all one in Christ

Jesus, without distinction of race or colour. In this way blessing has come to many as well as by special visitors to several stations of men and women of God who have broken the Bread of Life and fed the people with heavenly food.

MISSIONARIES' TRANSPORT

Transport is a most important factor in Missionary work in our land of long distances with the people amongst whom we work separated in little groups, often hundreds of miles apart.


"OUR AIM" - November 17 5

In this year the Lord has provided 5 motor vehicles—Mr. and Mrs. Kleinschmidt with a truck for Woorabinda, Mr. Lloyd has acquired a new Vanguard car in which he drove his family from Singleton to Palm Island and is finding it most useful in the work on the Island; Mr. Caddy has had the good gift of a Chev. '?4 truck and with it traversed the Murray Valley and used it otherwise, and now it is at work in Western New South Wales; the new Chev. '51 Station Waggon, the gift of U.S.A. friends, is now well known t o a good many in the Mission's constituency.

A fund has been opened for a "John Quinn Memorial Truck" for the New England district, New South Wales, and very recently the matter of transport to enable work to be established at Borraloola, Northern Territory, has been brought before the Lord's people for prayer.

The remains of the L.W. Long Memorial Van, which was dismantled in 1944 and parts incorporated in a truck, was sold at Newcastle Waters, and the proceeds, £50, was added to a fund created by the transfer of the Aeroplane fund to one for a new suitable serviceable truck for general use in the Northern Territory.

Mr. Stretton reconditioned his truck, making it road-Worthy for the dry season itinerary. It now needs .considerable repair after the itinerary to make it ready for action again.

We trust that these and other motor vehicles so necessary in our Missionaries' work may in this coming year be brought into full action by the Lord of the Harvest, that the spread of the gospel and the upbuilding of the Church be not hindered.

HEADQUARTERS

The work at Headquarters increases yearly. It is largely in the hands of the Director and Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Miss Acland. who have been assisted by voluntary workers in their multitudinous duties. Mrs. W. Wilson has given considerable help this year and recently has taken charge of the distribution of our literature.

Our Missionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Collins, have had A very full year of service, Mr. Collins not only as Missionary Council Secretary but in all manner of work in the city—office work, addressing meetings in the city and nearby country, film and lanten lectures and some visitation of our centres.

He has also had opportunity of visiting some parts of our field of operations. He accompanied the Director to Darwin and visited the places around the area where the missionaries are at work. Cherbourg, Queensland, invited him as' their anniversary speaker and on tile way he was able to contact the work at Armidale and Walcha.

Mrs. Collins too has addressed many meetings and attended to several monthly Prayer Meetings and has had her own office work. She also has the work of production of the Mission's monthly paper for our coloured people, "The Australian Evangel" which is so greatly enjoyed and is a big factor in the Mission's activities on the field.

A Birthday Band amongst the children. Gifts they give on their birthday go to the support of Miss H Brown, Native Missionary.

REVISION OF PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE

Throughout the year the Principles and Practice for the guidance of the work on the field have been thoroughly reviewed and revised. The Field Council has met in part many times for the purpose as well as a whole for the final draft. This has been submitted to all our Missionaries and is now to come into effect. There has been no departure from the solid principles1 on which the Mission was founded and has been built, but changed conditions on our field neces. sitated a parallel change in methods and practice for which we have endeavoured to provide.

OUR MISSIONARIES AND ASSOCIATE WORKERS Messrs. Pattemore, Colley and Goulter and the

Misses Fairfax, Spohn and Argerakis have enjoyed fur-lough this year and Miss Cavanagh a time of resting. These Missionaries have been afforded many opportunities while in the various cities of rehearsing what the Lord has done at their respective centres.

We have lost one beloved Missionary by translation from her earthly service for her Lord to His immediate presence. Miss Gwen Davey, of Tingha, New South Wales, passed in to be with the Lord on July 17.

Another loss was that of Miss Beatrice Clough who left us and took up other Christian work in Melbourne Our sister gave most devoted and appreciated service latterly in our Native Workers Training College, Single, ton.

The addition of 4 new Missionaries and the return of another has been very welcome, also that of those who have come as helpers for a time.

Four of our Missionaries have been united in marriage— Miss A. Harvey and Mr. H. Kleinschmidt, Miss L. Stewart and Mr. M. Pattemore with the good wishes of all their fellow-workers.

In a number of places the work is' carried on by ASSOCIATE WORKERS with faithfulness and blessing: Mrs. Pattinson at Narrandera, Mr. Maurice Amey at Lee ton, Mrs. Bell at Armidale, Mr. and Mrs. V. Page at Moonah Cullah, Miss McKindlay at Echuca, Mr. Taylor at Karuah (and others), Mrs. McPhail and Miss Phipps at Wacol and Brisbane, Pastor Davison at Gayndah, Mr. Dowd at Katherine during Mr. Colley's absence on furlough, Mr. R. M. Bowie at Darwin and also Mr. D. Walter for most of the year at Darwin.

These sisters and brothers in the Lord Jesus, while following their own vocation or engaged in secular employment hold services, Sunday Schools, and other meetings, engage in house to house visitation and other activities on camps, reserves and settlements, mostly where there are no missionaries, and where there is one they give most valuable assistance.

Journeys of many miles are often necessitated at their own expense, that they may minister to our dear people. They succour them in sickness and trial and death, giving them love and friendship at all

Through the "Evangel" Mrs. Collins has organised (Continued on Page 11)


6 "OUR AIM" ~ November 17 ,11. _ _ — , ' —— — — • ! • 1

The H a r v e s t F i e l d

Blest are ye that sow beside The waters dark in every clime; Thou shalt reap a harvest wide, Labour on, redeem the time!

THE CHURCH BUILDING AT NORMANTON

(NORTH QUEENSLAND)

A number of readers who have prayed and given to help erect our new place of worship may now visualise a sturdy framework in position—a landmark in an elevated spot. Mr. Watson has continued to do what he can on the site.

It is our hope that with the arrival of the "Cora", battens, weatherboards (and materials for windows, doors and furniture will enable the completion of the building before the wet season advances. We place on record sincere appreciation of the services of Messrs. W. L. and L. T. Watson, and those of Mr. L. Mergard, our Cairns Representative, who has negotiated for us re purchase and consignment of materials.

Seven restorations were the outward fruit of extra meetings planned to be both practically helpful and attractive during a second Race Week here. Attendances increased a little through the influx of folk during this period, while on the other hand sickness has been the portion of many of our old folk, of whom Lucy is now forever with the Lord.

Now an expression of gratitude from "the housekeeper" for improvements in our dwelling! A vote of thanks to our visitors for repairs to doors and chairs and attention to the sewing machine and for the addition of a high stool in the kitchen. This latter room has recently witnessed the introduction of another stove to carry on the tradition relinquished by its ageing predecessor.

From several sources have come practical gifts for the work. For these together with many for ourselves we are grateful.

—C. M. Watson.

WALCHA AND DISTRICT

There have been many activities in connection with arousing interest in our work here i n the cities of Armidale and Tamworth since last writing for "Our Aim".

At Armidale we have a group of interested friends who pray continually for us. At Tamworth the Lord has led His servants there t o start a similar work. We hope in December t o start a Prayer Meeting and Auxiliary at the latter place, when Mr. E. C. Long will be present.

We have had a few conversions here, and I believe the Lord is going to do a great work at Walcha and the outstations.

The Christians and I went to Armidale two weeks ago to Rev. J. Ridley's Mission. I believe the message from this servant of God strengthened the hearts of His people here. It gave us real joy to see one of our girls from Armidale walk down to the front to make a public stand for the Lord.

Pray for us, brethren, that the Lord may he glorified.

—Don Brady, Native Missionary,

PHILLIP CREEK (NORTHERN TERRITORY)

We have seen more changes here at Phillip Creek recently. We have said good bye to Miss R. Lacey, who has gone on furlough and wish her a happy holiday and God's blessing in the future. Then we have welcomed Miss A. Clark, our Missionary from Bagot Reserve for a short stay, but she will be back, on Bagot for Christmas.

Last Wednesday we set out on a new venture we walked down to the most distant camp,

carrying hymn books and our tea in a string' bag. When we reached the camp we went in different directions talking to various groups


' O U R AIM" ~ November 17 7

sitting around the camp. At 5.30 we met in the creek bed and had our tea, then looked around for a "bell". With the aid of a few biliycans, a cheese tin and the voices of three or four men we managed to announce to the people that our meeting was about to begin. We had over 30 women and children to sit down and listen as Miss Clark spoke to them of the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We hope D.V. to carry on this venture as the people are too far away now for night meetings on the compound. Pray that God will also bless this effort in His Name. —E. Holley.

FINGAL

There was movement at Fingal early on the morning of October 14. As arranged, the bus arrived on time, 6 a.m., to take a party of about 40 to the 11th Annual Native Convention at Cuba wee, near Lismore,

Hearts were happy as we drove along the Pacific Highway on our 80-odd mile journey. We saw the glory of God in the hills and the valleys; in the mighty ocean as we drove near the coast. I must not stay here to describe in detail our pleasant journey. With thankfulness to God for journeying mercies we pulled in at Cubawee just on 10 o'clock, giving us time for a "break" before the morning service began at 11 a.m. Pastor Frank Roberts gave us a warm welcome. Fingal Choir made its contribution to the services throughout the day, and I was asked to give the address at night. It was a good opportunity for Christian fellowship with others from places near and far.

Punctually at 9 p.m. we boarded the bus for the return trip, arriving back at Fingal just on midnight, after a long day. We were sure that He had undertaken for us all along the way.

—Ken Bowen.

DELISSAVELLE (NORTHERN TERRITORY)

A growing interest in the Word of God in the part of some is an encouragement, though the many who stay away from the place of worship who once showed real promise is a burden to our hearts. Again we joy in the knowledge that professions of restoration by 3 out of a total of 6 have proved by their walk and witness to be good and sincere.

In the practical work we have accomplished a little in that some of the rooms of the Mission House are bedecked in nice, fresh colours. Other work on the house has had to remain in abeyance through lack of materials and tools which is also the story concerning the proposed new church building.

We praise God through Jesus Christ for His grace and mercy, beseeching your continued prayer. Mervyn and Lelean Pattemore.

DARLINGTON POINT AND DISTRICT

A trip across to Leeton and Griffith undertaken on October 10, proved to be a well timed visit. Every home of our coloured people was visited in both places and the message given. Good contacts were made and the personal word given in several cases of need.

It was my last visit to a dear Christian, Mrs. Davis, who had been ill for many months and always loved to have the word of God and prayer. She has since passed into the Home Eternal. Her perfect trust in Christ was comforting and restful, her chief concern being for her unsaved loved ones.

It was good to meet the Christian workers and helpers associated with us in the work of God in these centres and to know that a faithful work is going on especially amongst the children at both Narrandera and Leeton. The Sunday School picnic had been held at Leeton and greatly enjoyed by all. Early in September our hearts were saddened by the sudden passing of one of our little Sunday School girls of Han wood—lovely little Rhonda—third child of Mr. and Mrs. Lnngford. Rhonda took ill at 4.30 a.m. on September 18 and passed away in Griffith Hospital at 11.30 the same morning. It was a very great shock to her parents and to me—but we know our God doeth all things well. She is safe in the Arms of Jesus, in Whom this little family are learning to trust.

I had hoped to accompany one of our women to the Women's Bible Conference being held at Singleton, but she took ill en the day we were to leave. She was very disappointed but was quite unable to travel. We trust that all who were privileged to attend the Conference had a very blessed time. —M. Campbell.


8 " O U R A I M " ~ November 17

General Annual Meetings We give thanks unto God for

inspiring Annual Meetings with large attendances, the best for several years. The Lord was magnified and His presence was felt from beginning to end.

The two Chairmen, Rev. E. T. Laxton in the afternoon and Dr. Howard Guinness at night, very helpfully guided each meeting and gave messages of import to all present.

The band of Missionaries present sang together "Let there be Light," and the College students supplied several items in song.

Mr. R. T. Harris, General Treasurer, presented the Annual Financial Statement, which covered f3,038 received at Headquarters, that received at the N.W. Training College, the Darwin Home and direct by Missionaries on the field, the whole amounting to £13,023/6/0.

The afternoon speakers, Mr. K. Bowen from Fingal, Miss M. Campbell from Darlington Point and the fruit area, New South Wales, and Mr. R. M. Living from Cherbourg, Queensland, gave inspiring accounts of their work in which the Lord had been working with them and for them. The Director gave gleanings from the Annual Report which appears in this issue.

In the interval meeting following the tea, tape recordings of items rendered by the Fingal Choir at the Brisbane Annual Meeting were much enjoyed, and the beautiful Flannel-graph picture, "Life's Pilot,"

built by Miss E. Walker, Native Missionary, while the College girls sang "Jesus Saviour, Pilot me" was most effective.

There were three speakers at night, Mrs. R. Long the Director, Miss Shankelton and Rev. E. C. Long. Mrs. Long made reference to the Lord's marvellous doings in the past year, and alos testified to the Lord's faithfulness, as that very date, November 9, was the anniversary of her being set apart 54 years ago as a Missionary to the Australian Aborigines.

Miss Shankelton told of the work in the Retta Dixon Home at Darwin where already results had been very worthwhile. She also referred to the activities in the Darwin area—at Bagot Compound, Delissaville, Parap and the Police Paddock and other branches of the work, mentioning our Missionaries at work in this area.

Rev. E. C. Long gave the closing address which was a challenge to the Lord's people in which he stressed the need of a restatement of the Lord's call to Go, Give and Pray. He emphasised the necessity of being willing for the Lord's will whatever it be. and used illustrations to bear this out.

In the Chairman's Address earlier in the meeting. Dr. Guinness spoke earnestly and with much inspiration to all present on the words, "As the Father hath sent Me, so send I you" and we trust that many present were led to accept the challenges made at our 46th Annual Gatherings.

THE ANNUAL MEETING TEA

Four hundred and fifty of our friends enjoyed a special tea in two sittings. The tea was organised by Mrs. Collins and a committee of the Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary.

The tables were arranged in a lovely bushland setting with stuffed Australian animals amid gum branches around the pillars of the room and duplicated in miniature on the tables. Many helpers supported the Ladies' Auxiliary and 20 teenage girls assisted at the tables. Mrs. Rouse had the oversight of the "serving" and other members of the Committee were in charge of sections of the variety of provisions on the tables. It was a bountiful knife and fork tea with sweets following and represented splendid service on the part of a large number of devoted women who delight to serve the Lord in a much appreciated ministry.

VICTORIAN 28th ANNUAL

MEETING Friday, November 23, at 7.30

p.m. in the Lecture Hall, Central H o u s e

(2nd Floor) 1 7 4 Collins St . , Mebourne

Chairman: Mr. R. Edgar. Speakers : Mr. R. T. Harris ,

General Treasurer of the A.I.M.. and Mrs. Harris.

So lo i s t : Mr. Forbes.

Children from Bethesda Aborigines Mission will also

sing.



NORTHERN TERRITORY EVANGELISTIC ITINERARY By C. A. MAIN

Once again on August 9 the Gospel Waggon headed out of Newcastle Waters after a stay there of 10 days to carry out necessary repairs.

As we made our way along the track bush fires were burning on a long front and clouds of smoke hung over the horizon in the direction we were to take. However, the route chosen was felt to be the one we should follow, so we continued on our way, reassured by those whom we met that the fire had burnt away from the track.

Through Elliott (17 miles) and EVA DOWNS Station (108 miles) we reached ANTHONY LAGOON Station (47 miles) where we held our first meeting. It was one which the responsiveness of many helped to make a time of real blessing. The singing of "Jesus loves me" brought assistance from several of the people, likewise the chorus, "My cup's full and running over".

BRUNETTE DOWNS

As the people at BRUNETTE DOWNS Station (60 miles) assembled for their first meeting, we spoke to two of the men, Peter and Old Charlie. The next evening, Old Charlie lost no time in coming to us with another Charlie. I remarked to them that all three of us had more than our name in common, for we also shared a common faith which brought us much closer to one another. Old Charlie's assurance was truly remarkable A very wonderful thing had taken place in his life. He had been born again and had "received the Spirit which is of God whereby we know the things that are freely given to us of God."

Mr. Stretton mentioned Judy of Katherine, who had borne a good testimony and Old Charlie unhesitatingly said, "He's not dead, he's up there." We also mentioned King Jimmy, of Wave Hill, how that he would have "properly good eyes" in Heaven. Old Charlie in his newborn faith grasped it all and said "He's alive again up there." "Yes"—as he so well put it— "We die here, and live there" (pointing above).

With Old Charlie, came Alec Wilson and Bob, as if to show their new found oneness. Many

others gathered around in the time of testimony-giving and prayer which preceded the meeting. At the conclusion of this meeting, many took the step of declaring their belief, Mary, the wife of Charlie, foremost among them, and several of the men. Bob has a gramophone and from him came the very original request to send him records of hymns and choruses, so that all can learn them.

At Creswell Downs Station (56 miles) we met Mabel, Bessie and her mother, Taylor, all three Christian women. Mabel knew the Missionaries in Darwin also the believers at Katherine. Paddy gave me his name the next morning when he told me he believed and later on—returning from seeing his wife—he said I would find her at the homestead.

McARTHUR RIVER

At TOP SPRINGS (69 miles) an out-station of the MACARTHUR RIVER Station, we came across Ned and his wife, Maudie, with their son Coolibah and his young wife, Ivy. To them we told "all the words of this life".

After the meeting at the MACARTHUR RIVER Station (60 miles) Judy made a declaration of faith before them all, like the woman who among her own townspeople had acknowledged Christ. Next morning Rivet came along to say how it was he had left the meeting before it was over on the previous evening. Mabel at Creswell Downs is his sister, and like her, he is truly the Lord's. He took the lead in the hymn singing last night. Jimmy and Wylo then came to the camp fire, by which Rivet and I were seated and Jimmy joined in the singing of "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus," which he had learned at Borraloola on a previous visit of Mr. Stretton's. After I had sung the chorus through twice, Rivet was able to sing every word with me and when Jimmy helped us, he was able to sing the words by himself as I hummed the tune.

BORRALOOLA

The story of BORRALOOLA (42 miles) is the story of George and Lena. These two have come from the Roper River Mission and have borne a good testimony among their own people.


10 " O U R A I M " ~ November 17

Meetings have been regularly held among themselves under the leadership of these two, assisted by others who also have been to the Mission.

We held several meetings with them, each afternoon when in the town and when at the wharf, 24 miles down the river, as opportunity afforded. Of their singing of the hymns and choruses my journal records this impression, "I love to hear them singing. It is always the same everywhere, the way in which they sing— effortless and softly. They sing unhurriedly and do not tire, and the sound of their voices lingers in the memory long afterwards."

On the ship ' C o r a ' which came while we were there, we met 6 men from the Morning-ton Island Mission, four of whom attended the meeting held in the evening. All these bore a good testimony. George and Lena were to make the journey to the Roper River by canoe, leaving on the Saturday following our departure. There will be approximately 100 miles sailing in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and many miles, not far short of another 100, down the Roper River to the Mission Station.

STARTING BACK

At O.T. DOWNS (129 miles) we found Wargie and his four sons, Leonard, Leo, Jimmy and Hector, also two brothers, Eric and Colin, all engaged on this cattle station. These have all come from the Roper River Mission and with them we were able to sing many hymns. Wargie reads in his Bible regularly and as someone said his Bible can always be seen with his swag.

At TANUMBIRINI (40 miles) we met the younger brother of Eric and Colin—Lindsay— who will seek to witness for the Lord at that place. The meeting was held at a camp, ten miles from the homestead, where we had a good chat with all the men. The half-caste manager, Reggie Bergen, also joined in the after-meeting conversation to help explain things to them.

Tommy came with us to find the way to NUTWOOD DOWNS Station (69 miles)—over a track which had not been used for many years. The anthills in the track were as high as 3ft., and a strong secondary growth of bush had grown up. Needless to say, without Tommy we could never have found the way. At this place

we found the Christian man Caleb and his family. His brother Barnabas is a Native Preacher at the Roper River Mission, where all of Caleb's family had been brought up. His work is to tend the garden; and there in conversation with him. he spoke of the flesh as being but our clothes. "The real man is here" he said, pointing to his heart.

A feature of the well attended meeting was their sitting in families—husbands and wives and friends together. There is no doubt the example set by Caleb's family, who all remained together, had broken down Native custom.

OUT OF THE NEVER NEVER

Going through DALY WATERS( (68 miles) we met some old friends, as Jimmy Campbell, Alice and others. We stayed at BIRDUM (59 miles) to meet the half-caste George Holt and his native wife and her sister Nancy and that night we camped at MATARANKA (53 miles) going on next day to ELSEY Station (32 miles).

"Out of nothing"—as we afterwards put it— came so much. The men on the stock camp were away on "walk-about" we were told and we had gone down in the gathering dusk to find a place to put the screen, when Paddy came to our assistance. Soon after, Ginger, Willie and Reggie stayed with us, one of whom went to the camp and soon we had a good number gathered around us. Here it was Bun and Reta who had come from the Roper River Mission and others also had been there. There are many of the "Never Never." who are forever and ever in the keeping of God.

MATARANKA Station (25 miles) brought us into touch with seven men of the Roper River Mission who had been left at this station temporarily. These lost no time in making themselves known to us when we had a time of fellowship before the meeting commenced. It was good to sing over many hymns together, their singing bearing testimony to their heart's conviction. At this meeting, Vera took her stand for the Lord, and Lorna who had made a confession of faith some years ago in Katherine said that she still loved the Lord.

At MAINORU Station (118 miles) we found1

that most of the people had already left for a corroboree in the bush. However, others there were responsive.

(Continued on Page 15)



ANNUAL REVIEW (Continued from Page 5) times, that they may win them for the Lord Jesus. The love of Christ thus displayed is marvellous in our eyes and we thank God for our Associate Workers.

VOLUNTARY MANUAL LABOUR. Many hundreds of pounds worth of voluntary man

ual labour has been given by the Lord's people. Especially does this apply to the Half-caste Home in Darwin and the Singleton Native Workers Training College. In other centres also much practical service has been rendered. An outstanding instance in this respect was rendered by Mr. L. W. Watson's father and brother. They travelled from Melbourne to Normanton in the Gulf of Carpentaria—almost 3000 miles each way—and worked for six weeks on the erection of the church building, only regretting that through the non-arrival of materials from Cairns they were unable to complete It. It meant heavy expense for over 12,000 miles of travelling for the two men.

To all those who have consecrated their . service unto the Lord and brought "every man a beam" we render heartfelt thanks and say: This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT SETTLEMENTS

The work of God on the three large Government Settlements in Queensland—Cherbourg, Woorabinda and Palm Island—has been blessed during the year. A sentence from Mr. Coulter's report of the Woorabinda work gives a miniature picture of God's blessing there:

"Outstanding events of the year include happy restorations and bright conversions, amongst the menfolk especially. The church attendances have frequently been encouraging, reaching- 90 and over. The fellow, ship with the company of faithful believers round the Lord's table have been sweet and glad seasons. The witness in the open air has been ably supported by various members of the church and striking testimonies frequently given. . . . Woorabinda's representative on the field has been supported and another young woman sent to Singleton College for training. . . . We are thankful for the continued friendly helpfulness of our Perch Creek neighbours and the interest shown and help given in many ways by the Woorabinda State Schoolmaster and his wife, and also the Superintendent and other Government officials on the Settlement."

Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Living have exercised a blessed ministry on the Cherbourg Government Settlement—71 of the children have signified decision for Christ and 1 adults have accepted Christ as Saviour. There have also been 12 restorations to fellowship with the Lord and His people.

The most outstanding incident in the spiritual life of the people is the conversion of Jack Combo who was strikingly converted through the personal work of one of the deacons and after the service the next night became a new creature in Christ Jesus and has constantly witnessed for Christ ever since.

Cherbourg, have had the training of a young man student, Mr. Fred Ferguson, whom they hope to grad_ uate this year. In return the young man's earnest service for Christ has been no smal contributing fac~ tor in the work on Cherbourg.

Palm Island is rejoicing in blessing from the Lord. Miss Cavanagh had charge of the work there for the first nine months of the Mission's year, and she had associated with her first, Mrs. J. Demlin, Senior Native Worker of Cherbourg, who assisted in the work in every possible way, and then Miss L. Stewart.

In Miss Cavanagh's report of her time there she says, "It was a joy to see some of our people grow in grace and gradually take their place in the open air and the Christian Endeavour work . . ." During: the year six of our Fantome Island folk received their discharge and now have returned to their own homes. What a thrill is theirs when they are able to leave Fantome as "clean," no longer having the taint of leprosy about them. One young couple came over to Palm Island where they were able to take charge of their own little baby girl, 3 months old. The babe, being clean, was taken away from them when born. As the young mother stood beside the cot where her babe was sleeping, her eyes filled with tears of joy at having her darling once again after the time of separation.

On June 22 Rev. and Mrs. J. Lloyd arrived and t h e work was handed over to them. They have been prayerfully entering into the Mission's activities on this large Settlement with manifest blessing to many souls. Attendances at services are increasing weekly and there has been a most encouraging sign of revival which God is sending—16 who have been wanderers from the fold have returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls and 15 have accepted Christ as Saviour.

Open air work is a very encouraging feature of Palm Island work—the meetings are conducted by the men in their own way and 45 of our people attended a recent meeting.

The work on Fantome Island Leprosarium is being maintained by a weekly visit of several hours each Wednesday, when a Native Worker, Jack Clark has accompanied the Missionary and conducted the singing.

THE BAGOT COMPOUND The Bagot Compound, Northern Territory, situated

next to the Retta Dixon Home, affords unique opportunities. Native people from many parts of Northern Territory come in there for court cases, hospital treat, ment. and awaiting transport back to their own country after having to be in Darwin. Our Missionaries in their visitation come across many who have never heard the gospel. The same privilege relates to-hospital visitation when with sadness mingled with joy the Missionary tells the story of Jesus' love to those who have never heard it before.

The old Settlement at Berrimah where our Missionaries worked is now closed down and they came in with the people to continue the work at Bagot. Miss Clark and Miss Harris have established a little home adjoining the Settlement.

Mr. and Mrs. Living in addition to the work or (Continued on Page 13)


12 ' O U R AIM" - November 17

A Bible Conference

SINGLETON NATIVE

WORKERS COLLEGE

The loud alarm bell woke everyone at 6.30 a.m. Monday morning. The Women's Conference had begun. Visitors had been arriving on almost every train for a couple of days some in the middle of the night.

Fingal Head was well represented with Mrs. K. Bowen and three of the women, Mrs. Hooper brought two from Tingha and one from Armidale Mrs. Demlin was here from Cherbourg and Mr. and Mrs. Naden, Native Workers, drove in from Gilgandra in Western New South Wales. Other visitors and Native Missionaries, together with staff and students, brought the total to 36.

Mr. Naden had the kitchen stove fired up long before any one else was out of bed. Every morning the early prayer meeting at seven started off the day well. Breakfast, prepared by Mrs. Harris, was ready as soon as prayer meeting was finished. Housework after that was soon completed and then t h e studies began each morning at 9.30.

The schedule included fifteen minutes of prayer in each session as well as forty five minutes Bible study centred around the Book of Ephesians, and the believer's position in Christ. Morning and afternoon sessions were led by various workers present, as many taking part as possible. Mrs. Long, t h e Director, also led two sessions

Special features of the Conference were the hymn-singing

led every morning by Mr. Knight with his accordian, the session "Food for the body and food for the soul"—recipes and blessings prepared by Mrs. E. Long, and the daily Bible Quiz arranged by Mrs. Knight.

Each evening saw a good programme of music and message arranged by various leaders. One night we showed slides of both Australia and the U.S.A. Another night we had tape recordings with most of the visitors hearing their voices recorded for the first time. Shrieks of laughter almost drowned the recordings sometimes.

At the close of the week, farewell was said to Miss Aileen Willis, who was leaving us for Cherbourg. Miss Willis has been with us here since her graduation at the end of 1947, helping in the work of the College. Miss Eunice Browning spoke with well chosen words wishing Miss Willis God's blessing in her new work and then presented her with a gift from her College friends.

Everyone present at the Conference mentioned that they had received real help and blessing. Several said they were going back to their centres with renewed consecration and zeal, especially in Sunday School work—this was the result of a short helpful session each day conducted by Mrs. E. Long, giving suggestions for Sunday School teachers.

The week was exceptionally north while. We regretted many times that many more were not present. Several Missionaries who had planned to come were disappointed at the last minute and now must wait twelve months for the next Conference. —E. C Long.

O U R A I M Business Manager:

MISS V. MORGAN, 211 Concord Road,

North Strathfield.

STATE AGENTS VICTORIA: Miss I. C. Dunn,

10 Bamfield St., Sandringham, S.8, Victoria.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Mrs. R. Gibbons, Hoods Road, North-field, S.A.

QUEENSLAND: Mrs. Elms, Cotton St., Shorncliffe, NE7, Qld.

W. AUSTRALIA: Mrs. F. I. N. Nunn, 127 Joel Terrace, Mft. Lawley, W_A.

TASMANIA: Mr. L. McLagan, Lincoln St., Lindisfarne, Tas.

U.S.A. Mrs. D. W. Miles, 6th Street,

Michigan Centre., Mich., U S A .

AIM. LITERATURE

"PROVIDENTIAL CHANNELS"

2/6 (Postage Extra) This book now available in

Limited Numbers A.LM. OFFICE

242 PITT STREET, SYDNEY.

"OUR AIM'' SUBSCRIPTIONS OCTOBER, 1951

Misses: E.W., N.F., E.M.P., D.( E.B , A.K., R.D., A., M.A., E.T.A. 3/6 each. W. 2 / - . E.F., OH. 7I-each. F.M.G. 10/-.

Mesdames: C.W., W, L.M., C , P. W., F., B., JE.McL., W., C.K., W., S., E., E.V., C.J.H., H., J.D., G. 3/6 ea. M.McW. 10/6, E.CK. 20/-, H.W. 5/3, E.A.W. 4/6, M.E.H. 4 / - , W.JB. 5/-, H., 6., E.B., H., 7I- ea. W.S. 10/-.

Messrs.: W., T.P.R., R.R. 3/6 each.

Per Miss Gilberthorpe: 20/- . Per Mrs. Elms: F.C., C.L.. J.S.,

L.C.W., A.M.B., Y., W.J.B., M.K., R.YMcA., H.A.W. 3/6 ea G.W. 3/6 (don. 1/6), WP. 7/- (don. 17-1 M.M.B. 3/6 (don. 1/-), M.M.B. 3/6 (don. 6d), H.M.S. S/6 (don. 6d.), H.M.S. 3/6 (don. 6d), J.M. II-. Per Mrs. R. M. Horne, 17/6.


"OUR AIM" ~ November 17 15

A Sunday School class at Berrimah with its teacher

CITY WORK The work in our cities perhaps is as difficult as on

Reserves and Settlements. In Sydney there are approximately 400 coloured people living: in Redfern and adjoining suburbs. Miss Acland works amongst these as far as she is able. The Lord has enabled her to pay the rent of Oak Hall, Redfern, for her Sunday night services, and friends have helped in conducting them.

Miss Acland visits gaols, old age institutions, hospitals and industrial schools, where any of our people are inmates. This year a young woman serving two years in the Long Bay Reformatory accepted the Lord Jesus as Saviour.

Miss Acland is also grateful for the continued use of the South Sydney Methodist Mission Hall for regular Sunday School work.

Mrs. McPhail and Miss Phipps carry on a similar work in Brisbane and also at Wacol, 14 miles from Brisbane, where a good many of our people now live.

Through the work in the Cities there is a definite link with our stations from which the people often come for holidays or medical treatment.

THE RETTA DIXON HOME, DARWIN From Miss Shankelton's Annual Report we take

the following: Our praise and honour to God for all that ha?

been accomplished and for progress made in various aspects of the work during the past year. We all realise there still remains much to be done and that some avenues of service open to us have been sadly neglected, such as hospital visitation and district work.

The roll of the Home has grown considerably. That added to the fact that our children are growing up has brought added labour and responsibility. There are now 83 children and 7 women residing in the Home. Sixty.one children go off to school each morning, two-

girls finished their schooling last December, and one entered High School this year.

Eeach season brings its special meetings and activities to the Home; the most outstanding was our EASTER CONVENTION AND CONFERENCE of N.T, Missionaries—14 Missionaries (including 6 Native Missionaries) 2 Associates Workers, with our Director, Mrs. R. Long, and Mr. E. A. Collins, gathered for the Convention and the Conference of Missionaries which followed.

Many of our coloured and Native people were present for the special meetings; the baptismal service held at Howard Springs on Picnic Day, when two young men were publicly baptised, was a blessed culmination of this season of spiritual refreshing.

The Missionary Conference which followed was very helpful as we considered the work, its needs, problems and results at the various centres of our Mission work in the Northern Territory and as we lifted our eyes to the regions beyond—still waiting for someone to tell and teach them of the things of God.

Another very important incident in our Home and Church life was the sending forth of one of our members, Lorna Lee, for training at the A.I.M. Singleton College. A very wide interest was created by this move which we trust will be maintained and prove a blessing to us locally as well as the College.

I would especially like to mention the faithfulness and splendid work of our Native Missionaries, both those in the Home and those labouring in this area. Misses Brown, Lacey. South, Knox, Langlo, Harris and Mrs. Knox laboured lovingly and unsparingly to bring our children and young people and men and women to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, besides caring for them in temporal things.

Our Associate Workers, Messrs. R. M. Bowie and Des Walter have been a tremendous power and help" in both the work of the Home and the spiritual work, giving of their time, talents and labour unstintingly.

Good interest is still shown in all our meetings, especially the Junior and YJ". Christian Endeavour.

Following a suggestion at our Easter Convention an A.AM.M. meeting was commenced at the Parap. Mrs Knox has the supervision of this meeting. There are 10 members and most attend regularly and are showing a keen interest.

Since acquiring our 16mm. Projector regular pro-rammes, two educational and one of gospel films, have been maintained. We believe the Gospel Films have been very helpful in making the Bible stories and teachings clearer to our people. The addition of a' piano has been a great help too, both for recreation, education and the spiritual work.

We welcomed two workers during the year, Mrs.-C. Knox and Miss M. Fletcher.

There have been times when numbers of our children have been stirred to fresh desires and decisions for the Lord Jesus Christ. Two men too have made fresh decisions, and one young woman and six children have professed conversion.

The most apparent need of our work in the Darwin area is a church building in a central position.


14 OUR AIM" - November 17

THE NATIVE WORKERS TRAINING COLLEGE TEN PERSONAL TESTIMONIES FROM

Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Long returned from their fur-lough in U.S.A. in February after a very blessed year o f deputation work, during which they were furnished -with a wonderful amount of most acceptable material And equipment for the College and for the help of our -work on the Stations. They themselves were -'marvellously" helped.

The College continues to be a vital part of the Mission's work, both in its primary function of training young women from our Stations and preparing them for the service of the Lord.

It is the Headquarters of the A.A.M.M. From it the Annual S.S. Examination throughout our field is .conducted. Sunday School Lesson Helps are sent out quarterly. A flannelgraph library supplies our Stations with a variety of sets, and many other "helps" are supplied to the Field from the College.

Two Vacation Bible Schools for girls and one for boys (for young people under 16) have been held, also two Bible Conferences for women. Those attending came from our Stations in New South Wales and •Queensland and were much helped and blessed.

The two first U.S.A. Missionaries, as a result of Mr. and Mrs. Long's deputation work, arrived shortly after their return, Rev. and Mrs. J. Lloyd and family who spent their first 4 months in Australia assisting at the College and preparing for their future service. A second family is expected to arrive shortly, Rev. and Mrs. E. A. McQuaid, and will go to the College to begin their work there. At present Mrs Byrnes is giving helpful service, and Mr. and Mrs. K. Knight are temporarily helping there before going on to their appointment as maintenance workers for the Darwin Home, N.T.

The College buildings became urgently in need of repair, and this Mr. Long tackled immediately on his return. Much has already been accomplished but much more of a costly character is still necessary.

A happy little family at Delissaville

MISSIONARIES' ANNUAL REPORTS

"It is just one year now since I left my family circle to join the happy band of labourers in God's Harvest Field. God's Word says the labourer is worthy of his hire and praise His Name I believe I have received my hire from God, time and time again in many different ways which would be too many to mention now."

"Looking back over the year my heart is filled with praise to God for His keeping power, His wondrous grace, His loving provision and continual guidance and protection and powers of deliverance."

"The Lord has met all our needs, for which we constantly thank Him. The Lord has also undertaken for our health."

"We have proved the Lord in a very real way again . . . Through the year we have had a good deal of sickness in the family and He has supplied the extra finances to meet the need."

"From the depths of our hearts we can say, 'There hath not failed one word of all His good prom. ises.' If the path has been over rough places He has ever been our Guide and we can praise Him for all that is past and confidently leave with Him the future —unknown to us but known fully to Him."

"One instance of the Lord's provision in a time of difficulty was when we moved in here (when the people were moved) and there was no stove (usually unobtainable in these parts). Just at that time a stove appeared in a second-hand dealer's place at a reason-ble price and I was able to purchase it. I praise Him too that just at the time when I was needing a holiday a friend from whom I had not heard for a long time sent me a large cheque for something I particularly needed. How wonderfully our Lord works. Many times I have proved 'before'they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear.' "

"I do praise Him for all the way He has led and guided me through many difficulties and for His wonderful provision for my every need."

"With the arrival of a second daughter last June and the steeply rising cost of living, expenses Have naturally been extremely heavy, but the Lord's provision has increased proportionately. 'To God be the glory: great things He hath done.'"

"We give thanks- for health, strength, patience and the unfailing provision for all personal needs."

"Our Father has been very good as regards my own personal needs.. Although at times faith has been tested yet He has always supplied."


'OUR AIM" - November 17 15

One Missionary wrote: The most outstanding feature of our work here this year has been the evidence of the work of the devil. We have experienced the reality of His presence and withal the grace that doth much more abound "which always causes us to triumph."

It is true we have seen how persevering are the efforts of the prince of darkness, how unabashed are his attempts and how daring are his plans to overthrow the work of God, but we rejoice in the Victories of the Lamb that was slain, who came to destroy the works of the devil.

We know that "the war is of God" just as truly a s a comparatively few men of Israel fought the Haga-rites (1 Chron. 5:22) "and there fell down many slain and they dwelt in their stead," "who cried unto God in the battle and were intreated of them because they trusted in Him." As we fight with the devil and his allies in high places and low, we are waging Jehovah's war and unless He Himself can be worsted we need not fear defeat.

"We are engaged in a great warfare and every •weapon within our reach must be used—preaching, teaching, praying, giving—all roust be brought into action. Each moment of time, in season and out of season; each fragment of ability, each opportunity, favourable or unfavourable, must be used, for our foe are many and our forces but slender."

So let us, with hands strengthened by the Lord in seeing His marvellous doings, this year with daunt, less hearts and earnest zeal, shrinking not at difficulties and impossibilities or ev«n wounds or death, fight on that His glorious Gospel may be proclaimed from shore to shore of our vast Continent, and —

From victory unto victory His army shall He lead 'Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.

and we will sing with the Heavenly host "the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." (Rev. 15:3).

RETTA LONG, Director.

MISSIONARIES FROM THE FIELD AT ANNUAL MEETINGS

Miss Campbell, Miss Shankelton, Messrs Bo wen. Living and E. C. Long, members of the Field Council, arrived in Sydney in t ime for the Annual Meetings and remained to join with o ther members in Field Council meetings the following week.

Other Missionaires were Mrs. E. C. Long, t h e Misses Cavanagh, Ginger, Argerakis. Pres-nell. Spohn, Browning, Willis and Walker. Mrs. Byrnes and Mr. and Mrs. K. Knight who have been assisting a t the N.W,T. College for several months were also present.

THE N T . ITINERARY (Concluded from Page 10)

BESWICK Station (88 miles) was visited on the re turn from Mainoru. This is a cattle s t a tion conducted by the Native Affairs Branch . There we were accorded every facility to preach the Gospel, as also a t t he MARANBOY Native Settlement (22 miles).

A return trip to Beswick was occasioned through a case of clothes having slipped off the truck. Through this incident, we were enabled en route at the old settlement TANDANGAL to meet a man Harry Beemar, who had not p re viously heard the Gospel. There were 3 men there, with one of whom Mr. Stretton had spoken, and as we had sped on our way I felt rebuked at not having spoken with Henry who had shown me around the vegetable garden—it was a beautiful spot with rows of banana palms. This enforced return journey gave me another opportunity to tell Harry—and Henry listened too— of the Life hereafter.

"We die here—we live there"—as Old Charlie of Brunet te Downs had so well put it comes continually to mind when seeking a way by which we can explain what we have to tell. "I 'm going Home to be with Jesus," had been the last words, spoken to Mr. Stretton by Bessie (mother of Alice Fejo) in Darwin Hospital, a story we also use to tell of our going "up top."

The Eastern Tour comes to a n end a t Ka th -erine. This second pa r t of the i t inerary from Newcastle Waters h a s covered just 1400 miles in the 41 weeks since we left there. Places visited include 12 CATTLE STATIONS, 2 TOWNS, THE RAILWAY TERMINUS AT BIRDUM, and A NATIVE SETTLEMENT.

The words which came to the writer, in the hymn committed to memory while the truck made its way from Mata ranka to Katherine, serve best of all to conclude this report:—

And, Jesus, I have promised,

To serve Thee to the end;

O give m e grace to follow,

My Master and my Friend.


"OUR AIM" ~ November 17

Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia HEADQUARTERS: T y n d a l e Chambers , 242 Pi t t Street , Sydney , Australia

T e l e p h o n e : MA 2078

Motto : Our God Is Able.

Director: Mrs. R. Long HON. SECRETARY FEDERAL ADVISORY COUNCIL: Mr. G. Blacket. HON. ASST. SECRETARY, FEDERAL ADVISORY COUNCIL: Miss Mackay. HON. GENERAL TREASURER: Mr. R. T. Harris.

General Prayer-Band Secretary: Mrs. G. Blacket. General Offering-Box Secretary: Miss M. Thornley.

VICTORIAN STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL : Hon. Secretary: Mr. J. Plummer, 13 Leamington St., Reservoir, N.l0. Victoria.

Hon. Treasurer: Mr. L. Stirling, 47 Illawarra Rd. Hawthorn, E2, Victoria. QUEENSLAND STATE EXECUTIVE :

Hon. Secretary: Mr. G. E. Lean, Deloraine Street, Wavell Heights, N.E.3. MU 1708 Hon. Treasurer: Miss J. Gadd, 2nd Floor, 366 Queen Street, Brisbane.

TASMANlAN STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL : Hon. Secretary: Mrs. L. McLagan, Lincoln St., Lindisfarne, Tasmania. Ph., Lind 20i HON. Treasurer: Mr L. Reardon, 133 Patrick St. , Hobart, Tasmania.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AUXILIARY : Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: Mrs. M. Tate, Smith-Dorrien St . , Galway Estate, S.A

AUXILIARY SECRETARIES AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES NEW SOUTH WALES :

Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary: Mrs. Seviers, c/o A.I .M. Office. Business Women's Auxiliary: Miss Tilbrook, c/o A.I-M. Office. Men's Fellowship: Mr. T . A. Young, c/o A.I .M. Office. Newcastle Auxiliary1 Mr. F. Wilson, 19 Mitchell St., Tighes Hill. Ph., Hamilton 1161. Blue Mountains Auxiliary: Mrs. Keats, Albion St., Katoomba. Ph., Kat. 906

VICTORIA : Melbourne Ladies' Auxiliary: Mrs. Stoneham, Victoria St. , Sunshine, W30, Victoria Ballarat: Mr. J. E. A. Thomas, P .O. , Smythes Creek, Victoria. Geelong: Mrs.E. Butt, 144 Hope St . , Geelong West, Victoria.

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

Mrs. Benton, 16 Cleveland Terrace, Townsville. Cairns: Mr. and Mrs. L. Mergard, 229 Esplanade, Cairns, Q Kulgun-Kalbar: Miss L. Heit.

TASMANIA : Launceston: Mr. Jarmie, 22 Balfour Street.

GREAT BRITAIN : Isle of Man: Miss D. Cubbon, Awyn Beg, Ballafesson Port Erin. Northern Ireland: Mr. Teeney, 13 Ambleside Street, Belfast.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA : Mr. R. E. Dailey, R.F.D.,6, Jackson, Michigan, US.A.

GENERAL INFORMATION The Aborigines Inland Mission is operating in Hew South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and

Territory. Donations to the work of the A. I .M. should be addressed to the General

to (the State Treasurers. Cheques, money orders, etc.. should be made

of Service as lfsanisisi i n may be addressed to tbe Hon. Secretary of tbe r Skate Oomaefls.

Qenoml Inquiries should be addressed to the A.IM. Office, or State or local Representatives

Printed by F. S. Pacey and Sons, Parkes Street, Ryde, Phone WY 3307 for the Aborigines Inland Mission of Aust., 242 Pitt St., Sydney


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