Indigenous Ministries

Often we have the mindset that missionary work is that which takes place outside of Australia, in foreign lands and different cultures. However, the multicultural composition of Australian society today means that we have missionary opportunities in our very own backyard.

At tonight's World Mission Fellowship meeting, Lieut-Colonels John and Judith Jeffrey spoke of the wonderful work and outreach ministries that are taking place across our territory with Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples. SAMIAC (Salvation Army Multicultural and Indigenous Australia Council) exists to:

• bring about conciliation between indigenous, minority, ethnic and non-indigenous peoples through the demonstrated love of Jesus Christ.


• sow the seeds of Christian faith in indigenous communities without losing relevance to the cultural and ceremonial significance of Aboriginality.


• present holistic and evangelical theology that is faithful to Scripture and relevant to varied situations in Indigenous and ethnic communities, and


• empower Indigenous and ethnic people to become independent and self-supporting through enterprise and self-worth.

How inspiring it was to see The Salvation Army providing relevant and inspiring worship for indigenous people in their respective Aboriginal dialects, and hear of some of the great local ministries that are taking place to reach out with the life-transforming love of God.

Lord, open our eyes, ears and hearts to be sensitive and responsive to your Spirit's leading.