Our vision is to build and maintain a connection through bonds of Christian fellowship, kingdom building, and preaching the Word between the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia and Christian sisters and brothers in Katherine, NT and beyond. As the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament was approaching on Saturday 14th October 2023, two members of the Geelong RPCA (Reformed Presbyte
rian Church of Australia), Troy and Cerisa Benjamin spoke informally, coincidentally, and separately to two elders wondering if there would be an opportunity for those interested in a discussion about the forthcoming referendum to get together to talk. The Geelong RPCA Session formally invited both Troy and Cerisa to speak in person to the church elders on Monday 9th October as follows:
“Our desire is to genuinely listen to you share your life experiences and perspectives at this point in the history of this land - as our brother and sister in Christ, as members of our congregation and as Indigenous people. We will listen with respect and a willingness to learn.
“As all people have been made in God's image, we as session take racial hatred/racial prejudice seriously by condemning it and by taking responsibility to protect the members of our congregation from it.
“We understand our request to hear you may be imposing and is well overdue, but we do love you and want to know how we can continue to support you (and your family) as members of our congregation.”
Cerisa was able to accept our invitation and attended at the RPC Hall after the Session meeting on the evening of Monday 9/10/23 and spoke to us (Geelong elders at the time: Andrew Stewart, Josh Feldman, David Feldman, Joel Blakston, Andrew Barkley, and Stephen Webb) with grace, courage and a clear commitment to following God and His guidance. It was invaluable to be given such honest and well-informed insight into some of the cultural complexities involved in sharing the gospel with First Nations people, particularly when trust and relationships become strained between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The elders acknowledged that there is much to learn. The idea of building relationships/connecting with First Nations Christians was raised, as was the possibility of visiting and building God’s Kingdom in communities. Some of the important benefits are:
1. Aboriginal people across Australia are asking for Gospel ministry. Having Cerisa, Troy, and their family as a part of our church may help build connections or lay some foundations with the Indigenous Church.
2. It is an opportunity to get involved in mission in Australia.
3. The presence of people from another part of Australia may give refreshment to local believers in Katherine. This helps us see the big picture: that Christ is reigning in this world. Jawoyn Bridge Team Vision
To build and then maintain a connection through informal and formal bonds of Christian fellowship, kingdom building, and preaching the Word between the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia and believers in Katherine, NT & beyond. Jawoyn Bridge Team Mission Statement
We strive to bring people from the RPCA and Katherine, NT & beyond to serve and grow together as disciples of the Lord Jesus. Artwork Connection
Here’s another family connection to First Nations people in the NT. Ange Blakston’s Aunty Rose Ngulikang Jansan (her Mum’s brother’s wife) who was born in Litchfield NP was an amazing painter. Her artwork is featured in the TRACKS Reconciliation Action Plan.
