Jenan Taylor
7 October 2023
Members of a Greensborough church explored Bible translation and Indigenous art as part of their cultural immersion tour to a Northern Territory college, recently.
The group of All Saints’ parishioners studied the Nungalinya Indigenous Cultural Experience program modules during their week-long stay at Nungalinya College.
They hoped to develop an understanding about Indigenous culture and faith from Indigenous people.
Church leaders the Reverends Joy Sandefur and Julie Blinco-Smith said group members also wanted to learn about God’s work in the Northern Territory.
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Dr Sandefur said the parishioners completed four modules in the NICE program which included learning about some of the painstaking work involved in Bible translation.
She said they worshipped along with the students every morning at the college chapel and dined with them.
“That interaction with the Indigenous students and teachers, along with the study, was one of the most valuable experiences they could have had. It opened their eyes to the complexity of Aboriginal culture,” Dr Sandefur said.
Ms Blinco-Smith said many of the members had long been interested in Indigenous and justice issues, and it was their opportunity to learn about those matters from Aboriginal people.
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She said the experience also helped them develop a deeper understanding and love for Aboriginal culture and people, in particular those from remote communities.
“We were deeply moved by Indigenous art, and the symbolism in it, as well as the journey Indigenous students went on to incorporate a newly forming Christian worldview into their art,” Ms Blinco-Smith said.
NICE program coordinator Karen Fletcher said the college’s cross-cultural initiative was aimed at sharing the intersection of Indigenous faith and culture.
Ms Fletcher said the program was a chance for visitors to see the faith Indigenous Christians placed in Jesus and hear the difference that made in their lives.
“Most of our students come from remote communities, and life can be very hard, and yet there is a joy and hope in them that’s a great encouragement. Having the opportunity to come and be immersed in it is a precious thing to be able to have,” she said.
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