By Andrea St Flour
Posted in Faith
In the heart of rural Australia, the challenges of daily life can weigh heavily on those living far from essential services.
Bush Chaplain Noel exemplifies the spirit of compassion and support that Frontier Services provides through its dedicated network of Bush Chaplains and Outback Links volunteers.
When Paul, a farmer and a devoted father, faced the unimaginable pain of losing his son to suicide, Noel could be there for him.
Before Noel, Paul had to face his immense grief on his own. He said, “I go and do things. Have a cup of tea. Go down to the river and try a fishing line. I’ve just got to keep my mind busy.”
But keeping busy is not always enough. The reality is that many individuals in remote parts of Australia, like Paul, often find themselves alone in their struggles, battling to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and the daunting task of accessing services that are often miles away.
This is where Frontier Services supporters, through Bush Chaplains like Noel, step in. With their extensive experience and genuine care, Bush Chaplains become a lifeline for men like Paul.
“Bush Chaplaincy is about connecting with people and meeting them where they are,” Noel explains. He continues to visit Paul regularly, building a connection that fosters trust and healing.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Noel can provide much-needed presence and emotional support. Paul was also visited by Outback Links volunteer Carl to provide practical assistance such as help, mending fences and other maintenance around the property.
Every act of kindness makes a difference. Paul’s story is a testament to the transformative power of kindness. “I don’t trust too many people, but I can talk to Noel, I can call on Carl,” he reflects.
Your support is crucial in ensuring that individuals like Paul receive the care and companionship they need during their darkest times. Together, we can create a network of support that allows every person in the bush to feel valued and cared for.
For those in need, mental health resources are available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for assistance.
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Paul tries to create some “audiovisual aids” for this big message, which he calls “churches” (a term Jesus used only twice, found in Matthew 16:18 and 18:17). Paul knows we need living, visible models of this new kind of life to make evident that Christ’s people really follow a way different from mass consciousness.
It is very important, friends, not to think of the soul as dark. We are conditioned to perceive only external light. We forget that there is such a thing as inner light, illuminating our soul.
Paul tries to create some “audiovisual aids” for this big message, which he calls “churches” (a term Jesus used only twice, found in Matthew 16:18 and 18:17). Paul knows we need living, visible models of this new kind of life to make evident that Christ’s people really follow a way different from mass consciousness.
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