The Real Australian Winter 2025 Editorial

Whenever I visit a country town, I find myself wondering – why is this town here? Often, there’s a fascinating story behind it. Some  towns sprang up around river crossings or railway lines, vital links in a vast landscape. Others became hubs for agriculture – sheep, wheat, citrus or cattle. Some towns exist because of gold rushes long past, or more recently, the mining of iron ore, copper or coal. Others were once rural areas that are fast becoming commuter communities for those seeking a ‘tree change’.

Each town has its own unique story – a mix of history, geography, industry and change. Some have grown slowly over generations, while others have rapidly changed with new industries or shifting populations. But no matter what shaped these towns, or why they came into being, there’s one thing that unites our work across them all: the Gospel.

BCA goes the distance to support bush ministry in towns for one reason: because every person in every town, no matter how large or small, and regardless of the reason for its existence, needs to hear the hope found in Jesus.

And we can only do this because of you. Your prayers, your partnership, and your generosity are what make gospel ministry possible  in these places.

As we launch our mid-year appeal, I want to thank you. Thank you for being part of God’s mission to rural, regional, and remote  Australia.

Thank you for going the distance to share Jesus with the bush.