CMS missionaries Josh and Steph Mackenzie minister alongside Edwin Bundurr Rami, the Anglican Priest in Charge of Numbulwar Church. Edwin shared his story at CMS Victoria’s ‘Summer Under the Son’ Conference. This article is a shortened version of his talk.

My story

When I was a young man, I worked as a teacher in the local school. I knew about Jesus, because I used to go to Sunday School and my parents were Bible translators, but I didn’t focus on the church.

I left my home community in Numbulwar and moved to Western Australia to make a home there.

But God had a different plan.

While I was in Western Australia, God made it clear that I needed to return home to serve my people. I was scared, but I felt God say to me, “I will help you. I will help you pray and preach. When my people are sick, I will do the work” (Isaiah 42:20, John 4:38).

Returning to Numbulwar

When I returned home, I started helping more at the church that was run by my grandfather, Rev Peter Gundu.

People started coming to my house for prayer when they were sick, especially men.

My grandfather was my mentor—he taught me the Bible, and how to share it with others. I started to see that I had a gift of sharing stories from the Bible.

One day, my grandfather gave me the Prayer Book. As I look back on this, I can see that he was passing on the baton to me to keep doing ministry in Numbulwar. 

That day, I made a promise to God to continue this ministry.

Partnering with CMS missionaries

Later that year, my grandpa died. My grandmother, Yulki, became minster in Numbulwar. Yulki put my name forward for confirmation, the Diocese Leadership Pathway and  Nungalinya College.

In 2020, Bishop Anderson sent CMS missionaries Ian and Jenny Wood to Numbulwar to learn about Aboriginal ministry before teaching at Nungalinya College.

Ian asked me to read the Kriol Bible with him. While we read, I taught Ian Kriol, and he helped me with English and understanding the Bible.

Soon after, Josh and Steph arrived in Numbulwar, and I was ordained as Deacon. Josh helped me as I started this new role, and I helped him and his family as they settled into Numbulwar.

God is growing the church

When I started ministry, I felt God calling me to do outreach fellowships. I ran services at my sister’s home.

Straight away, God brought three men to church, and they were baptised. These men are now coming to Bible study every week, study at Nungalinya College and help at the church. I can see the change that God is having in their life.

God has continued to grow the church with more men becoming interested in the gospel.

I now serve as the Priest in Charge of Numbulwar Church. My ministry happens every day as I live and work in my community. My job is to encourage everyone and point them to Jesus.

A challenge

You may see in the news many of the struggles my people face. But what you don’t see in the news is that God is at work in our communities—he sustains his church and his people.

I am thankful for the many CMS missionaries who have worked in Numbulwar. We want more people to come and join in the work that God is doing. Could you consider being a part of God’s kingdom work in the Northern Territory?

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If you would like to find out more about serving with CMS in the Northern Territory, start a conversation with your local branch today.