On a chilly morning in early July 2023, the team, comprised of Graham, Estelle, and Ron, set out on the biennial Top End Northern State Bible Blitz (T.E.N.S.B.B.) with great expectations as to what God had in store for us over the next couple of months.
Each day of the safari included a time of prayer as well as giving thanks, as members shared the day’s happenings.
Graham, Estelle, and Ron met up with some of the Gideon members in Townsville and spent the first week doing placements in Charters Towers. There was a great response as Bibles and Testaments were handed out. Both Sundays saw church presentations being conducted. Praise God for the 400 plus Scriptures that were placed, and our thanks go to Laurie for storing the Bibles at his home.
After leaving Charters Towers, we called into little settlements along the way, including Dailfas, Pentland, Torrens Creek and Prairie, before reaching the Flinders Highway. It was exciting to be able to share God’s Word with all ages. If we came across a small country school, we called in on it, much to the delight of teachers and children alike. Students at Hughenden were so excited to receive a copy of God’s Word that the teacher asked if we would take a group photo, which we did.
We give glory to God that we were very well received in Cloncurry. However, police are always hard to contact in the western towns. We were also well received by churches and schools. Management from a large copper mine showed interest in having Testaments in their rooms and asked if we would contact them again in 2024.
In Mount Isa, a breakfast for pastors and church leaders was hosted by the local Baptist church at which a fellow Gideon gave a very inspiring message. During the week spent in Mount Isa, we found that people were very open and we had over 90% acceptance. Sunday services, which were held on two Sundays, were precious times as we were able to share some of the things God is doing in our nation. One minister said, “I have never heard of The Gideons, please share what you do.” We were able to visit and give presentations in three schools. After Mount Isa was completed, Ray and Glenda made their way home.
“During our time away, there were almost 3,000 Scriptures given out, and we give thanks to God for going before us as we distributed the Word to isolated parts of Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory.”
One day while Graham and Estelle were at a busy service station in Mount Isa filling their car with fuel, Estelle became engaged in conversation with a lady, also filling her car’s fuel tank. The subject of The Gideons came up and when Estelle asked if the lady would like a Testament, the lady said, “Yes.” She would love to accept one. When Estelle gave the Testament to the lady, the response was, “Thank you, I will read it,” and off they went on their way. Praise God! He has His way of getting His message out.
Camooweal was an exciting place to visit. Graham, Estelle and Ron had the privilege of meeting up with Hazel who ministers to the Aboriginal folk in the eastern part of the Northern Territory. Hazel showed them some of the Bible studies she has prepared for members of her ‘congregation’. We were also able to take her out to lunch, which she greatly appreciated. Another highlight in Camooweal was the visit to the health centre – all in the centre were very appreciative for the Scriptures. The students in the school which The Gideons visit every four years, were very excited to have a Gideon visit and be able to receive a New Testament.
In visiting these north-western towns, we found out that some of the churches have ‘Flying Padres’ who bring the Word of God to remote Aboriginal settlements. As a result, they look forward to our visits. There are also a few mining camps along the way, and we found that some of them are happy to receive New Testaments.
The team then made their way to Tennant Creek where once again they were well received. Estelle was at an Aboriginal centre, trying to find the person in charge to offer Bibles to, when a young man came up to her and said, “Can I have a Bible?” to which Estelle responded, “Yes, certainly.” This opened the door for Estelle to witness to the young man.
There were four churches visited in Katherine and once again they were overjoyed to have The Gideons attend and share in the service. What a blessing for us all to be able to spend time in fellowship with God’s people.
During our time away, there were almost 3,000 Scriptures given out, and we give thanks to God for going before us as we distributed the Word to isolated parts of Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory. Thank you also to those Gideons who flew into Darwin to help with the Bible Blitz there.