Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 3
Hi from the Neals on Wheels
Thank you for your prayers.
Ian’s talk in church went well with him feeling very relaxed – that was a direct answer to prayer. Unfortunately there were not many at church as the minister was away so a few felt it a good opportunity to take the Sunday off. Still those who attended had a good time of fellowship. We are feeling very comfortable living here in Winton and are doing our best to be part of the community.
The Lions meeting went well with Ian getting to know some of the men in town, we hope to meet more as we help cook for the Bash Car Rally that arrives Friday 20 August. It was very interesting to go to the QCWA luncheon, Winton group’s 80th Anniversary with the opportunity to meet more women of Winton and some of Longreach. Ian was asked to say grace. We won our first prize ever, a basket of CWA goodies.
At the gymkhana last Saturday we spent time talking with locals getting to hear their stories. We have discovered that a significant reason why a lot of men in the community are apathetic to church is that they were sent to a Church of England boarding school in Charters Towers and were forced to go to church or chapel every day and twice on Sunday. They tell us that they had enough church at school to last the rest of their lives. We need to pray that God will soften their hearts and make them receptive to the Gospel message.
God works in many ways, Ian was prompted to ask an elderly lady at church if she would like to go to the rugby league that afternoon, it was the semi final with Winton playing Longreach in Winton. She was delighted as her grandson was playing. Del is an interesting lady of mixed blood, Irish, Maori and Aboriginal who has had a stroke and left quite disabled but with determination. She has been Shearer’s cook, it was a hard life. Saturday we are going to Lions Change Over Dinner and will get to know people better.
As part of the Senior’s week celebrations a ecumenical service was held yesterday with 20 seniors attending. this enabled us to meet people from the local Catholic church and the Winton Christian fellowship.
Please pray that we will continue to find ways of being involved in the community as it is through this we can get to know people and have an opportunity to talk, break through the crust and share the gospel message with them. Continue to pray for the workers at the caravan park as we become more connected to them through daily conversations.
Ian & Judy Neal
BCA Co-workers Winton
PS Thanks Philip for the Church news letter as it helps us pray for what’s happening at home.
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