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Making a bold move

What on earth are you doing this for?

I have always had a strong commitment to volunteer work and community service. This is simply something I’ve always wanted to do and believe this is part of my journey as a Christian.

I don’t actually feel I need to travel anywhere in particular to fulfil this need and would be just as happy to give my time to the people living in Australia.

So how did this all begin?

We can blame the Cursillo Movement! Even though providing community aid to a developing country has been in my thoughts for many years, it wasn’t until I attended my first Cursillo last August that I had what I would call, a re-awakening of the desire to do this work.

I went home and discussed it with my husband David and, as they say, ‘the rest is history’. At this time in my life I am free to follow this path. My children have grown up, are independent and the timing is right for me to go!

You had the first promptings some years ago. What confirmation has there been lately to encourage you further?

I have had so many co-incidences or what I’d call ‘God-incidences’ to confirm to me that I am doing what God was calling me to do.

Scripture verses kept popping up for encouragement too, particularly in James, where he refers to listening to God's message and obeying it, not hearing and forgetting about it! 1 Corinthians 13 has always been significant to me at various times in my life. I was googling PNG on the internet and came across 'Missionary Love: a version of 1 Corinthians 13' written with a missionary perspective.

I never felt for one minute that it was a question about whether to go; it was always where and when I’d be going.

What kind of work will you be doing and how will it benefit the people of PNG?

I have been appointed by Australian Volunteers International (AVI) to work with the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Aipo Rongo at Mt Hagen. This work aligns with AVI’s strategy to assist local organisations to work towards good governance.

The local people will be sharing their knowledge and skills with me, and I with them.

My responsibilities will include the financial, accounting and administrative functions of the diocese, and managing the assets and liabilities. I’ll accompany the Bishop when he flies in and out of the tribal villages and I’ll be working alongside people in the office which supports 32 parishes.

My employer granted me 12 months' leave to do this work, so that was great.

Are looking forward to anything in particular?

I am looking forward to consolidating my role within the National Church structure when I arrive in Lae in August. But I am really keen to experience another, quite unfamiliar, world.

I have strong links to parishes, also the wider Diocese, Cursillo Movement and previously with Anglicare. I can't help wonder what God ‘really’ has in store for me.

You said you blame the Cursillo Movement for prompting this move. Tell me about Cursillo.

Cursillo is a worldwide movement, supported by the Anglican Church and by Bishop John. He is a Cursillista.

The word ‘Cursillo’ is from Spanish meaning 'a short course', in this case on Christian living. I found it is really helpful to spend a weekend away to reflect on my relationship with God, to share with other people and to discuss topics such as the place of grace, laity, faith and piety in modern lifestyles.

There is time to study the sacraments and look at leadership, Christian living and changing the environment.

For me these times of discussion and prayer helped to clarify my promptings and to make the decision to go to serve where God wants me.

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