Jenny helps Judy move home after Cyclone Seroja
Our church communities are showing care and support for struggling residents and farmers in the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Seroja which slammed into North West Australia.
We praise God that there was no loss of life nor serious injury despite widespread damage to homes, businesses, farms and essential infrastructure through parts of the Mid West and Wheatbelt regions.
The coastal town of Kalbarri bore the brunt of the Cyclone, with most properties damaged and one in four uninhabitable. However, God preserved our church and ministry couple David and Jenny Day opened it as a haven for locals.
“The local school was unusable and so we offered them the church to hold classes,” David Said.
Fifty-three primary school students from kindy to Year 6 children spent their school days in the Anglican church for a month while school repairs were completed.
The principal commented that there wouldn’t have been a school without the Anglican church ministry.
The locals are resilient and determined to get back up on their feet.
“We keep on trying to be Christ in our community,” David said.
“We are putting our energies into endeavours which help make the gospel known in Kalbarri.”
When the local playgroup became homeless, Jenny started a playtime at the church to replace the venue that has been demolished along with toys and equipment. They have helped source generators for people and encouraged others with words of comfort.
Further inland, Rev Eldred Royce hit the back tracks to visit and encourage farmers picking up the pieces after Seroja’s fury, with infrastructure and livelihoods destroyed.
A mission team from Geraldton visited to clean up the church grounds and disposed of 30 cubic metres of rubbish.
Bishop Gary thanked supporters, including the appeal by the Anglican Development and Aid Fund, which contributed generous gifts to help restore damaged communities and churches.
“We thank and praise God that we are not alone in our troubles. The Lord is our rock and our redeemer and the prayers of the saints throughout Australia and the world are a terrific encouragement."