Farewell to Hermannsburg
by Neville & Heather Doecke
Three years from now will mark 150 years since two German Lutheran Missionaries, Schwarz and Kempe, arrived at Finke River to bring the message of salvation to the Western Arrarnta Aboriginal people there. Joined by missionary Schulze the next year, the three missionaries struggled for the next 15 years to adapt to the harsh, isolated place, learning Arrarnta and connecting with the people. Then they all left, worn-out, sick, dejected – it was looking like the mission days were over. But God had his plan: to bring missionary Carl Strehlow, with Frieda his wife, to lead the mission for the next 28 years. Many Aboriginal evangelists, Ingkaartas (pastors), and missionaries played their part in God’s plan over the following years.
Now, the Western Arrarnta language has been written down, while hymns, Luther’s catechism and the Bible have been translated, and God’s word has been taught and preached by Arrarnta pastors, currently pastor Rodeny Malbunka.
No longer is Hermannsburg a ‘mission’ like in past years. Hermannsburg is a ‘town’, just like any other in Australia. Finke River Mission runs the store and the church, and, for seven months of
the year, the Historical Precinct.
Following seven years as chaplain to Yirara College in Alice Springs, I was called as a SMP Support Pastor to Hermannsburg with my wife, Heather. Heather worked as a music teacher at Living Waters Lutheran School, supported the Aboriginal Ladies, and completed an extensive music resource for the Western Arrarnta Hymnal.
In a community of 600 people, Sunday numbers vary from 25 to 50. The majority attend baptisms and confirmations, while funerals draw over 400 if the deceased was an important individual or had died tragically. These occasions provide great opportunities to preach to those who gather – Christian and non-Christian alike.
Together, we served 9 years there.
In October 2024 we were farewelled with the beautiful Rite of Farewell, complete with a celebration of Reformation and the confirmation of five young people, including speeches, greetings, gifts of paintings, and a choir. We had wonderful farewells at Wallace Rockhole and Alice Springs.
There is much we will miss. The daily engagement with Aboriginal people. The harmonious singing of Western Arrarnta hymns. The excited voices and antics of the young children. The artists, the pottery and paintings, and confirmation lessons with Pastor Rodney. The week-long Bible Bush Courses with Ingkaartas. The stillness of the desert, the richly coloured sunsets and sunrises, the drought and abundance, the changing flow of Finke River.
I know what we won’t miss. The hot, dusty summer days and freezing cold winter nights. The over-friendly flies. The barking dogs that choose the middle of the night to argue their way through life. The long drives to and from ‘town’ (Alice Springs).
I have no doubt God will lead Heather and myself into a new chapter of our lives. We confidently look to the future with genuine excitement as to what God has in store.
We sincerely thank all who visited us at Hermannsburg and the many LCANZ people for their continual prayerful support for the people of Ntaria, the congregation and the ministry in this special place.
