We’ve been continuing these ‘gatherings’ in the park for a while now. As Mark said, we do so every second Sunday. 

This week is a significant week for Broken Hill and also for our centre. It is the final week of Pizza Runners, a business which has been responsible for financing the centre here, and providing great pizza to the town. Many lessons in discipleship, life and what can really go on a pizza have been learned by staff and students for close to 20 years in this shop.

Next Thursday we open our new venture, Dominos Pizza , Broken Hill. This new business will take the place of Pizza Runners. We have a very busy time coming up as we open!!

Please join with us in praying for courage, energy and enthusiasm as we take this step.

Meet: is a new series of posts where we will delve a little deeper into a member of our community here. Our first Meet: guest is Millie Skinner. I interviewed her in the middle of a busy school holiday morning.

Name: Millie Skinner
What is your role at Broken Hill? I have many roles – Mark’s wife, a mother, tutor, kitchen supervisor.
How long have you been here in those roles? This is my 3rd year, but I’m  returning from ’94-’96 which included 1st yr, team, team/marriage/centre.
What is your favourite thing about your role/this place? Comming back this time, I felt like I was coming home. I think it’s because the first time I was here, it was a big change in my life when i was 18, and then we got married here,  I was really discovering God 4 the 1st time I was here, so that’s 2 significant things. I also just enjoy community living.
Describe God in two words. Friend and Father
Describe community in 3 words. Interesting, [lots] happening, [requires] gracious-living.
Tell us a dream you have. I would like to go on the 8 day Tasmania walk with Mark – to experience the adventure with him!
What is your favourite dessert? Mango Sorbet. It’s guilt free!
What is your LEAST favourite thing about Broken Hill? Location!!! Not close to the beach, it’s so far! Can’t go on short trips away.
What would you like to be doing in 1o years? Whatever Mark’s doing.
Why are you in community now/why do you think it is important? Life in community is important because society is so against God that it’s hard to live in society without being tainted, having like minded people around you helps, I enjoy working with people who love God.
What do you see as your area of mission? My family, women in town.

What is your favourite:
Joke? I’m not good @ jokes and never remember them! Half the time I don’t get them but pretend that I do.
Flower? Lavender – b/c of it’s smell
Thing to do? Relax in the bath with a book.

This is your chance to donate to the Table-Tennis Fund. If you have a spare $5, $10, or $20 (or whatever you like), then post it into us, or give us a call!

Here are the centre contact details,  just ask for Teresa.
PO Box 983
Broken Hill
NSW 2880

Office phone: 08 80879110

This past week has seen two of our community members leave us. We held a community-night party to say good bye to Janie. Janie has been on staff here in Broken Hill for the past 2 years, not to mention her time here as support-staff and as a student, stretching back to 1998! She’s been experiencing extremely bad health and is moving to Dubbo to recuperate before heading out to more great adventures.

We also said good-bye on Friday to Skye, a first year student who has also been unwell all year, and has wisely decided to rest her body. Skye is leaving to spend time with her family in the NT.

Please pray for both Janie and Skye, that both these strong women will be given the rest that they need, and strength to continue on their respective missions.

Lat night an important Broken Hill Cornerstone tradition was once again upheld by a new group of disciples. We jumped in the bus clutching sausages and bread (and tomato sauce!) and attempted to race the setting sun out to Silverton. As per many years of tradition we managed to finish eating just as the sun set over the dusty grounds of Penrose park. Having consumed many sausages a quick game of soccer/volleyball (quite a feat in near complete darkness) was underatken with relatively few injuries. It is believed that Mawson managed to hit himself in the face with the ball.
Despite the fact it was now almost pitch black we refused to admit defeat and headed out to view the magnificent vista of the Mundi Mundi plains, by moonlight. This was not a rousing success despite Janie and Mawson’s spirited descriptions of the vast beauty of the empty plain. We did manage to catch a glimpse of current Pinnacles mining activities!
The highlight of the entire trip would have to be the rousing vocal activity undertaken on the return journey. From Les Miserables to Lion King with detours via Crowded House, Rich Mullins and Zimbabwe we sang our way home – possibly to distract ourselves from Mawson’s adventurous driving. The amount of talent in our community at the moment is staggering and it was exhilarating to be with a group of men and women enjoying each other and God’s creation.
Tradition is a wonderful thing, but one day I would like to see the sunset!

Well, a new year and the beginning of new things once again. This whole blogging thing is a new experience for me but it is cool to be able to keep you all out there up to date with a few of the happenings out here on the edge of the desert.

There is a fantastic vibe abroad in our newly forming community. It’s been fantastic to hangout playing mafia (still not sure if this is a great community bonding activity ), learning at the shop, diving into lectures and getting to know each other. Right now I can hear the boisterous strains of yet another epic table tennis match outside in the beer garden and I find myself getting really excited about this year. It is such a privilege and a challenge to spend a year with a group of men and women who are genuinely seeking after God’s heart. Praise God for these moments of clarity when he allows us to get a little glimpse of his plan and pray for us as we strive to join with him in it.