The Finke Church Story
The journey of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's message reaching the remote Northern Territory railway siding of Finke, also known as Aputula Community, traces back to the remarkable efforts of an Indigenous woman named Lorraine Ferguson. Brought up in Finke, Lorraine discovered and wholeheartedly embraced the Adventist faith during her time in Port Augusta, SA, in 1999. Filled with spiritual conviction, she embarked on a mission to share her beliefs with her family and friends back in Finke.
Her first attempts faced scepticism from some of her close friends, who misunderstood her faith. Lorraine patiently explained her beliefs, focusing on what the Bible says, the seventh-day Sabbath being a key point. Lorraine told her friend Sandra Churchill that she was going to church on Saturday. Sandra told her that she had joined the devil's church. Lorraine challenged Sandra to look in the Bible. When she did, she found the Bible says the seventh day is the Sabbath. Lorraine sent Sandra resources to help her understand more about the Adventist message. After some time, Lorraine reported that a number of people in Finke wanted to attend Mamarapha College (the Adventist Indigenous training college in Perth, Western Australia).
In 2002, Pastor Eric Davey, then Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries Director for the AUC, along with Pastor Don Fehlberg, Lorraine Ferguson, Tommy James, and Betty Buzzacott, visited Finke to assess the situation. They received a warm welcome and conducted meetings, including a Scripture class and a community gathering, which attracted significant attendance.
In 2003, the first Mamarapha College students from Finke were Marlene Doolan and Sandra Churchill. This was solidifying the connection between Finke and the Adventist faith. Pastor Fehlberg made many visits each year, helping the students and enrolling new students conducting evangelistic meetings, and visiting homes.
Later that year, at Sandra's request, Pastor Fehlberg held the first Sabbath morning church service in Finke. Over time, some community members began expressing a desire for an Adventist Church in Finke, culminating in the construction of a church and minister's residence in 2012.
Despite challenges, the Adventist Church in Finke has thrived, thanks to the dedication of its members and supporters. This inspiring journey proves how faith, persistence, and community collaboration can lead to the establishment and flourishing of a church, enriching the lives of those it touches.
Verse of the day:
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7 (NIV).
