Colac is a surviving church despite the challenges and difficulties it has faced in the past. The members however, remain committed to its mission and the church thrives, thanks to the leading and guiding power of the Holy Spirit. As a new intern, I am indebted to the elders and church family for their faithfulness and perseverance and their focus on mission.
The members have a love for God and a willingness to share God’s love to its wider community and the journey has been worthwhile and rewarding. Over this past year, Colac church has been able to connect with the community through various means.
Mid 2019, we got on board with the Revelation Today program by John Bradshaw. We letterboxed a number of flyers for a few sabbath afternoons. The Colac community library was chosen as the site to run the series. Our aim was to invite people in the community and have the series in a setting where everyone would feel comfortable. The Revelation Today program ran two nights a week for over three weeks.
Our church has engaged with its community by knocking on many doors and building relationships. Last year, on one particular Thursday afternoon, I knocked on a door to ask for directions. A man named Michael invited me in for a cup of coffee. I quickly responded to the opportunity and within minutes Michael and I connected. Each week at Colac I visit Michael and since then, he has joined our Church every Sabbath and has never missed coming (Michael is pictured above, in the blue jacket).
We have fellowship lunches every Sabbath which has been a great ministry to connect with those whom we invite, giving people a sense of warmth and a purpose to belong.
At the beginning of 2020, Colac church met to discuss its outreach program, we shared a number of ways to be more involved with the community. We have plans for a food bank at Colac as there is great need to within the community, but at the same time we recognised the many challenges we would be faced with and due to the pandemic we have had to place our plans on hold.
The toughest challenge we now face at Colac during the pandemic is that the majority of our members do not have internet access, and so Sabbath school and prayer meetings are conducted through conference calls.
I believe God has a plan for the Colac church community. With the faithful work of its members we continue to serve God in what He has called us to do and that is to share and take the good news to those in the community.
If ever, you want to escape the pressure of life and want to worship God on Sabbath in a different setting, to experience peace and warmth, we invite you to come to Colac.
Tau Poasa