Kingston Free Presbyterian Church (Tasmania)
Winter 2023
Kingston FPC commenced in 2001 and is situated just 12km south of the capital Hobart. Kingston is a rapidly growing commuter town that has enjoyed a rich, reformed, spiritual heritage for many years. In recent years there has been a trend towards seeker friendly churches in Tasmania, but there still remains a vibrant Presbyterian witness, with no less than five different Presbyterian denominations as well as other Reformed churches to be found throughout the state. The congregation was without a full-time minister for a number of years, but Rev. Ralph Hall and his family moved there in 2013, and just never went home again. Ralph and Tanya have just recently celebrated twenty-five years of marriage, and of their four children, Emma and James are both at university studying to become physiotherapists. Matthew will soon be joining them to study Law, while Jack is finishing his high school studies.
Perth Free Presbyterian Church
Perth (Western Australia) is the fourth largest city in Australia, and considered by many as the most isolated capital city in the world. Meetings associated with the FPC began in Perth in 1984, the late Rev Fred Buick having moved from Port Lincoln to pioneer a Free Presbyterian witness. His ministry was followed by Rev Gary Goodes (originally from Western Australia) and Rev Michael Patrick. In 2009, the congregation moved to the suburb of Padbury, their present location.
In January 2014, Rev Philip Gardiner, his wife Cherith, and two children moved to Perth from Northern Ireland to minister. Their two daughters are now in high school.
The congregation has experienced many ups and downs through the years, but are thankful for a faithful core who stand by the work.
One of the great challenges in Perth has been seeking to establish effective outreach efforts. For a few years some of the men were able to preach in the city centre, but the authorities refused to renew the license. In more recent times we have been seeking to give tracts to those attending sporting events at the stadium. Philip conducts an English class and bible study weekly in a public housing unit, but presently only a small number attends.
Lock and Port Lincoln Free Presbyterian Church
The churches on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia began in 1968 when a number of believers separated from the liberalism of the mainline churches and soon formed the “Eyre Bible Fellowship”, meeting together and relying on tapes of gospel preaching. Later, in 1976, the work came under the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster. There are now two congregations, one in Port Lincoln, a small city of about 15,000 people, and another in the country town of Lock. It is largely an irreligious area, with most people no longer even identifying culturally as Christian, and this certainly poses its challenges, but does provide a very obvious mission field in the local area. Rev. Kyle Graham arrived in the Eyre Peninsula in 2016 with his wife Eppie and their daughter Abiah (now 9), and was ordained as the minister of the congregations in 2017 where he continues to serve.
This year, by God’s merciful provision, the Port Lincoln congregation purchased a new building in a more prominent part of the city, which has opened up new opportunities.
Radio Ministry
For the last couple of years the Australian churches have been broadcasting a 15-minute radio program each Monday in a rural part of New South Wales. While we are very thankful for that opening, sadly we have received no feedback from any listener during the period we were broadcasting. At the present time we are reviewing witness on radio and media.
Prayer Points
Spiritual Growth: Pray for the spiritual growth and maturity of our church members, that they may be firmly rooted in their faith and be effective witnesses for Christ. Pray for the growth and strength of our congregations, that believers may be equipped to live out their faith daily.
Community Impact: Pray for our mission church's outreach efforts within the community, that we may touch the lives of those who do not yet know Christ. Pray for the salvation of souls.
Unity and Fellowship: Pray for unity and strong fellowship among our church members and mission team, that we may work together in harmony and love.
Wisdom for Leadership: Pray for our church leadership, ministers, and elders, that they may have wisdom and discernment in guiding the church and making important decisions.
Health and Well-being: Pray for the physical and mental health of ministers and their families, that they may be strong and resilient in their service.
Open Doors and Opportunities: Pray for open doors and opportunities to share the gospel and establish relationships with the people we serve.
Perseverance in Adversity: Pray for perseverance and faithfulness in the face of challenges, opposition, and setbacks.
Spiritual Warfare: Pray for protection against spiritual attacks, that the enemy's schemes may be thwarted. There is a tangible opposition to the Christian faith in parts of society. Pray for us as we continue to wrestle against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Church Planting: Pray for the open door of opportunity and for the establishment of new churches and discipleship efforts, that the gospel may take root and grow in new communities.
Children and Youth Ministries: Pray for the growth and impact of our children and youth ministries, that young lives may be transformed by the gospel. Pray for the little ones who are just starting to learn about God and His wondrous salvation. Pray for our teenagers and young adults that their faith may be a living and vibrant one, and that they may be unashamed to stand for Christ amongst their peers.
A Heart for Missions: Pray that God may stir a passion for missions in the hearts of his people, that we might lift up our eyes and see those harvest fields that are white and ready, and that God's Kingdom may advance in all nations and that our church may continue to play a part in this great work. We especially ask for prayer as we continue to work with a number of interested pastors in the Philippines.
Praise and Thanksgiving: Give thanks for the answered prayers, changed lives, and blessings that have been experienced already in our ongoing work.
Spiritual Revival: Pray for a spiritual revival within our communities where we serve, that hearts may be stirred and transformed by the Holy Spirit, and that it may please the Lord to sweep through Australia in never-before-seen revival power.
Compiled by Rev. Phillip Gardiner | Minister, Perth FPC