As I was driving through the early morning fog between Armidale and Tamworth a few weeks ago I was reminded of the contrast between fog and sunlight.

The contrast was unmistakable and reminded me of the wonderful change the Lord Jesus had brought to my life when I became a Christian in 1964. As I prayed for the church services around the Diocese I found myself recalling the prayer “pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing”.

There is much change in Australia – in our cities and our bush. Cities are growing larger and many rural towns becoming smaller bringing problems and challenges.

As I’ve lived and ministered to people over the years I’ve noticed that it is not the changes that come across our path that are critical, though many are unchosen, sad and painful, but our response to these circumstances that makes all the difference.

BCA with its focus on Christ, who is unchanging, is well positioned in Australia to make a real difference to the changes many are facing.

To see people continuing to trust God in the midst of these mostly unchosen changes has been a privilege for Christine and me as we have visited our rural parishes.

Prayer that “God might continually assist the missioners and their fellow Christians” is at the heart of our partnership as members of BCA. It is a recognition that we believe that Jesus, being “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) is still the one who alone can offer solace, meaning and strength to those facing change in rural Australia.

Without minimising the pain of the many changes caused by drought and the like, my conviction (confirmed by observation) is that God uses these unsettling events as ways of drawing people to Himself. By praying for, and supporting, Christians in rural Australia we are making a unique and real difference.

Yours faithfully in Christ,

Peter Brain
Bishop of Armidale