21st December 2020
Corryong Baptist bringing community together
This year the township and surrounding regions of Corryong have been impacted by several events. The Bushfires left many reeling with loss of life, livestock, and property. Then came COVID-19, creating its own economic impact, in addition to restricting Bushfire recovery efforts. On top of all that (and perhaps in some part due to the years events and previous drought), the community has had to deal with some tragic suicides.
The pastor of Corryong Baptist Church, Graeme van Brummelen, who himself lost property and livestock in the fires, has worked tirelessly through the year to engage with, and respond to the community. Along with key volunteer, Sharon Roberts, he has been instrumental in making great use of the funds generously donated earlier in the year in our BUV Bushfire Appeal. As a consequence, numerous local people have written or dropped in personally to thank Corryong Baptist and the BUV for their generosity.
The church has also hosted some significant events, thanks to the generosity of BUV congregations, that have brought the community together in a wonderful way. The events have helped set a platform for the ongoing healing and recovery, with a great response from the town.
Just recently, on 11 December, Corryong Baptist Church hosted a men’s dinner and a ladies lunch, thanks to the co-sponsorship of BUV, CommBank and ENJO (along with the local Lion’s club providing catering). Guest speaker, Mary O’Brien from Queensland, spoke plainly and honestly to help people make some sense of much of what they are wrestling with mentally and emotionally. Making use of clear farming metaphors (her speech is entitled “Are You Bogged, Mate”), Mary had a significant impact on the 80+ women and 120+ men who attended the events.
Please continue to pray for Corryong Baptist Church and our other churches at work in the fire affected areas of East Gippsland.