Kiwirrkurra bush course
by Pastor Paul Traeger
A recent Finke River Mission bush course was held from 6-10 July, near the small, remote settlement of Kiwirrkurra. Kiwirrkurra, with a population of only about 150 people, lies 700km west of Alice Springs, across the border into Western Australia, and operates on a different time zone to every other FRM community. This bush course involved a bit more planning than usual, as it was dark before 5pm!
The spot chosen for the teaching course was a campsite in Ngami, 10km south of the community. It was this place, chosen by Pastor Jogn West, that some of the last traditional Pintupi families were visited by anthropologist Jeremy Long in 1962. It holds a lot of memories for the local people. It is partly surrounded by interesting rock formations, and so is somewhat sheltered.
The teaching course was on the book of Revelation. We had not taught this topic since 2001, nor had we held a course at Kirwirrkurra since 2004. It was high time on both counts.
Pastor Dr Noel Due ran the class. His summary of the book was excellent; oftentimes exceptional. His own grasp of the content is unusually good, and he was able to convey that well to all listeners, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. He is an experienced teacher, and expounded material clearly important to him. This is now his third bush course.
Much of Dr Noel’s teaching is more like a guided reading than a detailed analysis. He began with a careful unpacking of chapter 1, outlying the book of Revelation as ‘picture language’. The account of the seven seals, the seven trumpets and seven bowls were all depictions of God’s action in the world, albeit from different perspectives. He contrasted the two women of chapter 12 and 17, linking them to the wise and foolish women in Proverbs. The great prostitute (Rev 17) can speak through the words of a male, and she is in league with the wanampi (the dragon) and supported by the tjikipaka or ‘cheeky bugger’ (the beast).
Perhaps his most memorable moment was his depiction of a person being tempted to give in to the whore of Babylon. His words spoke to all present. He finished with a discussion of verses 16 and 17, closing with a declaration to stand strong in faith, and wait for God to allow evil to destroy itself.
Attendance numbers were good, despite the remoteness. The nearest community is almost 200km away. And still, new participants, who had never been to a bush course, came. The bush course led to some very worthwhile discussions. All this was aided by Noel’s pastoral example, particularly evident in his interactions with attendees during the breaks.
The people of Kiwirrkura themselves were encouraged in the Christian faith. Even those who did not attend the teaching sessions were introduced to the teachings during the evening singalongs. One local man, who thought he had been cursed, felt free to come to the Lord’s Supper after he came to understand that Christ’s blessing is more powerful than any dark power.
Even though it was midwinter, the weather was not bitterly cold, despite the mornings being rather brisk. But the course did involve a lot of work, especially for the ‘cookies,’ who nonetheless did a fine, uncomplaining and patient job.
Overall, it was a very good teaching course, and thoroughly worthwhile.
Pastor Paul Traeger is a FRM Support Worker.
