A Night at the Rodeo

June 6 & 7 2009
Saturday was a day of rest as the Queensland District Synodical Convention began. After a day devoted to business, we were the guests of the District to a evening rodeo (pronounced "roh-day-oh" in Queensland). It was an interesting evening, with dinner being served next to an indoor rodeo ring. During dinner we were had the opportunity to watch an number of bareback and bull riders attempt to stay on the back of the livestock they drew. The evening began with a number of very young cowboys trying to ride Shetland Ponies bareback. More traditional bareback and bull riding followed.

The highlight of the evening was Pastor Matthew Thomas [Note: this is a correction of an earlier error] who challenged the crowd to raise A$1000. He agreed that if they did so, he would ride a bull. Raise it we did and there was a great deal of excitement as Pastor Matt lowered himself onto the back of a very large and somewhat animated bull. After a brief false start, the chute opened and Pastor Thomas shot out on the back of his steed. While he didn't make the 8 second mark, he stayed on for a number of jumps before being bucked off.

Sunday began with Sunday service. President Mike Semmler preached on how our status as forgiven children of God gives us the power to forgive others. After morning tea, Ted spoke on the gift of forgiveness. Highlighting that it is a gift of tremendous cost - a gift we cannot earn and do not deserve - he noted that it is a gift that we are intended to share with others.


After lunch, Ted, Angela and I caught the bus to Rosslyn Bay. Rockhampton is just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, so we enjoyed a warm (28C) day bushwalking Double Head, a volcanic plug next to Rosslyn bay. Two beautiful outlooks provide a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. After a brief stroll down the beach and a quick dip in the water (about 18C), we returned home.

Tomorrow we transfer to Melbourne, which will take most of the day. Tuesday will begin our final round of training with the Victorian pastors of the LCA. We are looking forward to meeting this last group of pastors here in Australia.

Sola Deo Gloria.