Once Upon a Time in a Small Town...

Once upon a time , late 1960-early 1970's to be exact, there was a newly married couple that moved to a small, remote town. They had no income, but they had both felt the Lord calling them to this place, so in faith they went. In this town lived only white people. No Indigenous people were allowed to live in town, instead they were forced to live on the outskirts of town. So this young couple that had been obedient to God, built amazing relationships with the Indigenous people. There then came a time that a house in town was for sale, and one of these Indigenous couples wanted to buy the house, but of course the owner would not sell the house to them because they were Aboriginal. So what did this young couple, the one's that had been obedient in following God, do? They bought the house that was for sale. No, they did not live there, instead they turned right around and sold it to the aboriginal couple that had wanted to buy it in the first place. They became the first indigenous people to live in that town. So what happen with this other (white) young couple? They lived in this small town for 10 years, and during that time became huge advocates for indigenous people.They then moved to a different small town to work along side more indigenous people.. So why do I tell you this story? Well, that young couple that were so obedient to God and stepped out in faith, have continued ever since to minister to and with indigenous Australians. They are quite amazing people as this story shows, and this is just one of many. And I feel so blessed that I am now going to be living with this couple here in Brisbane. I know that I will learn so much through living with them.. I want to be just like a sponge that soaks it all in. I know I am blessed and count it as a privilege to be welcomed into their home. Lyle and Hazel are two of the most incredible people that I have ever met.
An additional note here... that small town that they lived in was Eidsvold.. the same town that we at Ann St. now visit on a regular basis to work with the Indigenous people in the town. And that first Aboriginal couple to move into town.. well Elizabeth is still there and we have built a wonderful friendship with her. I sometimes can't believe how blessed I am to be here in Australia and to know people like this. Thank you Lord, I certainly don't deserve it, but I will accept it gratefully.

I will be moving into Lyle and Hazel's place at the end of this month... I can't wait. Stay tuned for more amazing stories... if you would like to read a bit more about Lyle and Hazel's story and the ministry they are a part of , visit the web for Aboriginal Islander Christian Fellowship (AICF) .. http://www.aicf.net.au/MCbrisbane.html