“The Kimberley” is a remote and sparsely populated area in the Australian North West. Of the people that live there, 33% are of indigenous Australian descent. The Church of the Nazarene is actively involved in finding ways to reach, empower and encourage the people of this region.

In 2013, Nazarene Theological College – Brisbane (NTC), began an annual mission trip to The Kimberly as part of their new Gap Year program. This year 16 students and six leaders participated in The Kimberly Mission Experience (KME). The team was comprised of students and leaders from Point Loma Nazarene University, Southern Nazarene University and NTC.

The team journeyed by bus from Darwin to Broome, stopping in locations such as Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Noonkunbah, and Derby. This was a journey of some 1,800 kilometres (1,125 miles) and introduced the team to some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes that Australia has to offer. At each town visited, the team ministered in local churches and touched lives in ways that will be remembered for a long time.

NTC is blessed to have Aaron Park, who is serving as the Gap Year Coordinator for NTC. He accepted this responsibility from Kenny Ward, who was the original driving force behind the KME.

“This was the most amazing mission trip I have ever been on,” explained Park. “Everyone grew closer in relationship with God as we encountered Christ, culture and context.”

Not only did those present have the chance to build life-long relationships with each other, but they were able to capitalize on relationships built with the local populations by the first team that participated in KME 2013.

NTC and Park are already making plans for KME 2015. If you would like to take the challenge of having your life impacted in unimaginable ways, follow this link for more information on the GAP year program and KME 2015.

——-Submission: Rolland Hearn