Pictured: The historic Catholic Church overlooking the remnants of the former gold mining boom town of Ravenswood, North QLD.
"Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations." Isaiah 62:10
We did a concert in the historic gold mining town of Ravenswood last Saturday night. A crowd of 65 turned up. About 300 people live in the area these days… but back in the 1870-1890’s boom times over 5,000 people lived in town. There were 48 pubs and it was the administrative centre for the region… then came the 1912 miners strike followed by WWl and the town was deserted. There’s a beautiful timber church up on the hill overlooking Ravenswood that is still used to this day. Through boom times and bust it has been used for weddings, funerals and the building up of faith for sinners and saints. It stands as a symbol of grace in a town built by gold and greed.
It’s been a tough year for our ministry.. and yet a year of miracles as well. We’ve worked hard to clear past debts and keep serving rural and remote communities with the Gospel. We look back with so much gratitude at the friendship and support we’ve had from many who receive the weekly updates. Thank you.
Through boom time and bust we believe God has called us to this. Like an old church on the hill standing strong and symbolically declaring the goodness of God. We are determined to pass through the gates and prepare the way for people to know Christ… to build up people who have lost hope and clear the road so that a banner of hope can be raised over our nation.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:12-13
Expect mistakes and expect miracles. And keep going.. through boom time and bust to achieve all the God has called you to.
Thanks for your support.
Godspeed,
Steve Grace
