Rural Reflections Devotion Book

The “Rural Reflections” Devotion book, produced by St John’s Lutheran Church in Emerald, has been a great encouragement and a wonderful blessing to readers across Australia since it was published mid last year.

The book, which was initially intended to be a small home-printed resource for use in the Emerald congregation, grew to feature 118 short devotional reflections after St John’s realised its ministry potential.

“With so much having happened in our world over the past couple of years, we realised this devotion book could be a source of encouragement, support and inspiration that reaches people far beyond our congregation,” explains St John’s Pastor, Stephen Jaensch.

“We were fortunate enough to receive a grant from the LCAQD Mission and Ministry Department, which helped us to have the books professionally printed.”

With all devotions having been written by Christians from across Central and Western Queensland, the book gives readers the opportunity to hear the voice of some of God’s faithful people living in rural Queensland. The devotions are also enhanced by a stunning compilation of rural photographs taken by congregational members.

Over 700 copies of the book have been sold or distributed to date, reaching homes, schools, and churches across the country and positively impacting readers of all ages.

“I’m so glad Rural Reflections has been brought to full fruition as the articles are spot on and make good reading at any time,” says a reader from Brisbane. “The photography is also nothing short of magnificent. Country people will feel ownership of this book, but I’m sure it will have its place in the city as well.”

Readers from Minlaton, South Australia, have also commended the book’s quality and message. “It’s the most beautiful book we’ve seen, the quality is remarkably high, and it does indeed glorify God.”

“I appreciated that it is written by Australians, is uniquely Australian, and so very easy to read. It has such a powerful and comforting message,” reflects another reader from Beaudesert.

St John’s Lutheran Church thanks God for this mission opportunity the book has provided and continues to pray that it inspires readers to give thanks and glorify God. If you’re yet to get a copy (or three), it is available for purchase through the church website, or Colin and Christine Pukallus from Emerald will have copies available at the upcoming Synod: https://emerald.lutheran.org.au/product/rural-reflections-devotion-book/