In FNQ, the Gospel light shines

In FNQ, the Gospel light shines

For Locum Pastor Rev David Spanagel, the days are long, but the years are short. Intending to retire in 2023, he is instead busier than ever as he traverses the 600km between Cairns, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Coen. The region has recovered from its brush with TC Narelle and there is a sense of optimism as communities work and gather together in worship. Nonetheless, there continues to be a need for a long term, ongoing spiritual leader. Follow along with Pastor David as he shares 24 hours (or so) in the service of the Gospel.

Monday 6 July could easily feel like the events of a month. This is how it unfolded.

After some preparation in our op shop ready for trading today I met with the Church Council chairperson for an hour at 9am as she was leaving for the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair later in the day.

Agnes and family

Agnes and her family – Selika, Nathaniel, Adrian, Nahkezia and Chase are pictured here. Afterwards, I met with the Cooktown Crocs Football Club thanks to an invitation to ‘bless the jerseys’. I did so, as well as recognising the players and their God-given abilities. It serves as a wonderful example of the cross-section of people we have the opportunity to minister to on a daily basis.

The Cooktown Crocs

After popping back to the op shop briefly I prepared for a Holy Communion service with staff and residents in aged care. I followed this with a visit to an older lady who is nearing the end of her life, providing her with the gift of Holy Communion.

On the walk back to the manse, I was approached to conduct a graveside funeral farewell for an infant who had passed away. Arrangements were made, adding to a considerable number of funerals booked for this month.

Back at the shop by 11am! Business was brisk! A little later a tradesman came to repair a door lock on the manse damaged by a recent break in.

In the afternoon I received a telephone call – it was the Chief Justice Department in Queensland with a request from the Wujal Wujal people that I attend a Native Title land court hearing at Wujal Wujal on 12 August. The people had requested the day’s proceedings be opened with a prayer. While the person I spoke to said it was ‘unconventional’, they were prepared to write it into a very tight programme.

It was then over to the church at 4pm for the baptism of 14 year old Rahni Indiyah Bowen – a  positive moment in the day.

Rahni’s baptism

24 hours later we also celebrated the baptism of Addilyn Thillinuu Ford.

Addilyn’s baptism

Somehow in between all of this we ended up with takings of $1,800 from the op shop. I leave my phone number on the door if I need to step out – helpful even if there needs to be a few trips back and forth from other town locations to attend the shop. A bicycle comes in handy for this! Above you can see yours truly – the cycling Pastor  –  in front of Hope Vale manse.

Two days later was NAIDOC day, celebrated in Hope Vale on 9 July.

NAIDOC day in Hope Vale

God is good all the time, providing everything we need for the ministry He places before us on a daily basis. A day like this really highlights the need for a permanent resident spiritual leader in this region. The Lutheran church has built a strong, underlying presence in the north, that the people continue to regard as vitally important, especially in times of greatest need. These are strong, resilient communities that don’t need ‘help from afar’, but partners in the Gospel to walk alongside them.

There are various long-term initiatives being put forward by local people and organisations in Hope Vale who are all doing their part to ensure that we are in a position to maintain a pastor for the longer term. This has been greatly assisted by your support through United in Hope, for which we thank you! These suggestions are being carefully considered and will be implemented accordingly.

May God continue to add His blessing to all we do in His name.

Respectfully collated in His Service,

Pr David

Come and serve in Far North Queensland!

There is an ongoing need for a long-term spiritual leader in the Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Coen region. If you feel called to serve in this vibrant and rewarding ministry, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to find out more.