"Features of the celebrations were the powerful preaching of the Rev. Dan Armstrong who had led a Mission to Galiwin’ku in May 1979 which made a significant contribution to the Revival which began that year and has been commemorated each year since then. Dan spoke on “Claiming your birthright” and on “Personal revival”, resulting in many people responding to the invitation to be prayed for after the messages.
A bible study was led by NRCC Educator Yurranydjil Dhurrkay on Saturday morning on Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple. Many people shared their insights as Yurranydjil skillfully led the discussion.
On the Saturday evening the Rev. John Blacket showed his film “God’s Firestorm” which told the story of the 1979 Revival to an enthusiastic crowd. Many copies of the DVD were distributed to local people following its showing.
On Sunday morning there was a 4 hour service which included Holy Communion, many wonderful items from community groups and many testimonies from indigenous and non-indigenous people on how they were blessed by God during the 1979 Revival.
Leading the celebrations were Maratja Dhamarrandji and his wife Dorothy Gapany, Djawut Gondarra and his wife Yurranydjil Dhurrkay, the Rev. Rronang Garrawurra and his wife Sally Djulunga and the Galiwin’ku Community Minister Timothy Buthimang Dhurrkay. Many others participated in setting up the venue, providing excellent musical items and accompaniment.
Cyclone Lam certainly caused much physical damage on Elcho Island. However, following its destructive path there was a tangible sense of the local peoples’ concern and care for one another. The event had a real sense of celebration, gratitude and joy for the goodness of God.
(The Rev. Dan and Mrs Sue Armstrong, the Rev. John and Mrs June Blacket and the Rev. Wendell and Mrs Mary Flentje were privileged to be part of Thanksgiving 2015.)