For the past 8 years we have sent a team of people from across our congregations up to Lightning Ridge for 9 days. The motivation to go is the same one which sees us wanting to reach our family, friends, neighbours and local community with the hope of the   gospel – Jesus’ love. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:14 -

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that
one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that
those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him
who died for them and was raised again.

We don’t go to minister “to” the folk of Lightning Ridge. We go to minister “with” them. It may not sound like much of a difference, but there’s all the difference in the world. We go to give and receive, listen and talk, help and be helped.

The team get involved in many aspects of church life - church services, kid's clubs, youth clubs, scripture services in the local schools, women's bible studies, men's dinners and more!

The Lightning Ridge Mission Team are headed off for our 8th mission from Saturday 20th March - Sunday 28th March. They are looking forward to a fantastic week of sharing the Good News of Jesus, their own experiences and their lives with all that they come in contact with.

2011 team: Gai Aylward,  Claire Aylward, Stephen Aylward, Margaret Clarke, Ed Little, Chloe Little, Tess Osborne, Charlie Osborne, Rob Stewart, Liz Stewart, Amy Stewart, Chloe Stewart, Tahlia Stewart, Pat Spiers, Gordon Crane, Liz Kotlar, Jenny Verster, Tanya Verster, Mario Cheng and Graham Lewarne.

Some of the things that the team will be involved in:

Back to Church Sunday / Easter Scripture Services in the local school / Kid's & Youth Club each afternnon / Men's Campfire dinner / Women's Craft Night / Breakfast club in the school / Play Group Easter visit / Radio interview on OPAL FM / Church equipping dinner / Youth Night / Littlie's BIG Day Out.

The team acknowledge that they do not complete this mission on their own. We are immensely thankful to our great God for the many opportunities he gives and for the work he is doing in the community of Lightning Ridge. We are also incredibly grateful to our St Matt's family for their generous financial contributions & prayer support. We could not do this on our own.