year-books-all-centered

We have had an awesome time International Home
this year as Internationals.
We look forward to 2017 because
Together we have been able to we know that God continues to
experience the richness of the line up good things for us all.
different nations around us as we
continue to grow into a ministry Remain blessed and expect
that aims to sow the love of God another glorious year ahead
into every heart that comes our
Yours in Christ
way. Debbie Obatoki

This Ministry started in 2010 and
since then we have grown in

strength and purpose. This year
we saw a change in leadership
with Pr Roland Tankard moving on
to take up a Senior Pastor position
in Wyndham Vale church. He and
his beautiful wife will be missed
but we look forward to seeing
them whenever they are here for
a visit. They will always remain

one with us in fellowship.

In October we held our last
fellowship for the year and we
were blessed to have had Pr Victor
Gonzales share his testimony with
us. It was a prophetic night with
all encouraged to remain faithful.

We have truly been blessed with
the multitude of talents and
giftings amongst us and
we are grateful to all the

volunteers who have dedicated
their time and effort to make sure

each night is a success.

.

Pray Mildura group – Debbie & Victor

Pray Mildura

We are 2 years and counting as we grow stronger in purpose every week. It has
been an awesome experience seeking God’s face specifically for the churches
and our nation. We have witnessed many miracles, answered prayers and just
various breakthroughs in the lives of those who have come to regard Tuesday
morning prayer group meetings as one of their ‘war room’ experiences.

Strategically we have set our hearts like watchmen over our nation while
creating the environment we want by praying God’s kingdom nature here on
earth. God promises us that if we seek Him we will find Him and so we are
always eager to come into His presence with thanksgiving.

We thank all our prayer partners who have stood as watchmen over Sunraysia
with us. This year God has been good to us all and we can join the psalmist to say
that................The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly
heritage Psalm 16:6

Tuesdays Connect Group at the
Obatokis

This has been an exceptional time in God’s presence .We have set ourselves a goal
which is to read through the bible as a group. This will enable us to strengthen each
other as well as support our children while they learn the basics of the bible and
become grounded in the things of the kingdom of God.

Our connect group is kids friendly with marked out time for kids to be taught the Word
of God at their own level of understanding. Feel free to bring your kids to the kids
section. We have them singing various christian songs with Theophilus the bible worm
visiting the kids as needed to teach them valuable lessons we all can use.

Presently we are studying the book of Corinthians. We endeavour to study 1 Chapter
each week with everyone encouraged to read and apply the scriptures to everyday
situations.

The Bible tells us to………Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

Come along and be blessed. Victor & Debbie

Herrmann’s Group 2016

Relationships take time, building trust & a safe loving environment,
something that is unique to a connect group.

Many prayers are not answered instantly, this year we have learnt
persistence in our prayer life, as we have walked together,
supporting each other as we go though life's trials. Tears are shed
but generally we manage to see the funny side of most things that
happen, see above cheeky face Maggie Ballard!

Thank you to our core group & the many people that come when
they are able.
It is a privilege to do life with you all.
See you in 2017 Love Perry & Jan

Diggerland Bands Report 2016 – by Andrew

Graham

Like so many areas in our church, This year has been awesome.
this year has been a transitional I struggled early on with
one. We have changed from set nerves, but I have overcome
bands to a more open roster, and them and not as shaky now
everyone has been flexible in the  God is so good. All of the
musicians have been so
change. encouraging up on stage,
thank you so much.
Personally, I feel that that 2016
was a consolidating year and that Andrew, it really is a pleasure
to serve with you my brother.
we are going to move ahead in Matt, I will always be grateful
leaps and bounds. Everyone has for your time, your care,
been really committed to creating advice and input  Ali, thank
an atmosphere of worship and you, you sacrificed your
study time to give me extra
working together to create a practice. Mark Cameron,
sound that brings glory to God. thank you! God bless you
guys.
- Zachary Wilksch
- Darryl Kitchingman
(keys, guitar, vocal)
(1st year guitar)
Being involved in bands has been
a really fun experience with the It has been great drumming
new rostering of bands in 2016. this year, after such a long
Each week brings out a different break. It’s been good to
band dynamic to the congregation brush up my old skills while
and seems to me that our worship learning new ones. It’s been
has gone to another level this great for my confidence, as
I’ve always struggled with
year. that.

It has been great to see Darryl and It’s beautiful serving and
Aaron Jones playing on Sunday praising God. I always love to
nights. Not only are they do that and love any type of
improving as musicians every serving or songs that give
week, but increasing in their praise to our Lord.
capacity to serve. God is using
them through their instruments. - Aaron Jones
Being involved in the worship
team has been a real blessing to (1st year drums)
their lives.

I would also like to honour those
who play week in / week out. Well

done on another big year.

- Matt Mandica (guitar)

Diggerland 1 in 10 Projects Report – by

Andrew Graham

Men’s Ministry took on a new adventure this
year, shifting focus outside the four walls and
into the community, by establishing the “1 in
10”program that was founded by Peter Gillard
from Seaton Christian Family Centre in Adelaide
(home base of CRC Churches)
The idea is that we give “1 in every 10” Saturdays
to our community by helping someone in need,
or by helping out a local community group. The
standard morning is to meet for breakfast at
8am, on site by 9am and we give approx. 3 - 4
hours that Saturday morning.
This year we were able help out at 5 homes and
1 kindergarten. – Andrew Graham

Working as a Volunteer in the 1 in 10 gave me
great satisfaction knowing that my efforts were
helping a family who found themselves in a
situation where they needed help. The act of
serving others I find is two fold. You form a
meaningful friendship with the people you come
to serve. Then these relationships become a
greater reward than the effort I put in to serving.
In other words, I enrich myself by serving.
Paul’s farewell address to the leaders of the
church in Ephesus gives us a reason to look at
serving differently.
(Acts 20:35 NIV) “In all things I have shown you
that by working hard in this way we must help
the weak and remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he himself said, “ It is more blessed to
give than to receive.” - Stuart Maher

Diggerland 1 in 10 Projects Report –

by Andrew Graham

Galatians 6:9 let us not become weary in doing good. This year I was involved in
the 1 in 10 project, early on as a team member, and later coordinating my own
team. This is an extraordinary program and I love it dearly, it has similar
characteristics to "love our city" and I think this is why it has been successful thus
far. The people we interacted with in the community have been extremely
grateful of our efforts and all of our feedback has been positive.

I believe it is God's will for us to go out into the community and support the
widow, the cripple and the disadvantaged, sowing His Word as we go.
I am looking forward to next year’s 1 in 10 events, and hope that more people
come on board to help, it is so rewarding. Proverbs 19:17 He who is kind to the
poor lends to the Lord. Regards Dazz (Darren Collihole)

“Not all of us can do great things … we can only do small things with great love!”
– Mother Teresa. I am reminded of this quote as we go into our community to
meet beautiful, brave and courageous people. This is how we make change and
help make the world a better place … seemingly small steps to all but those lives
that we touch. How humbling it is to see the emotion on the faces of those we
help and realise that sometimes small things make the biggest impact! How
precious … these are the things I treasure - Jacqui Biggs

From small beginnings:
<< This was our first team
to go out and love our
community through the
1 in 10 program”

Diggerland 1 in 10 Projects Report – by Andrew

Graham

This year I attended and Some of the tasks & projects
worked on a couple of the we did were as follows:
Slashed / mowed yards,
“1 in 10” projects. I found trimmed trees, cleaned
them to be a wonderful joy to gutters.
Laid turf, apply sealant to an
participate in and I would exterior building at
highly recommend anyone kindergarten. Upgraded
spending the little effort to be garden bed edging. Built in
involved in these worthwhile double doors and stud wall
community projects that (this was a full day project for
really shine the truth of Jesus’ Darren and team, well done,
big effort! Photos to the left).
love to the community. Weeded and cleaned up yards
and garden beds.
I think we can never
underestimate the impact of A total of 20 people (both
these small acts of practical men and women) volunteered
their time this year helping 5
kindness & love to people Sunraysia residents in need
who then are surprised and and 1 local kindergarten.
delighted. The comraderie
Thank you to all who
amongst the team as we volunteered. As we bless our
work together is a lovely community we are blessed in
return.
bonus! RuthieM
See me if you want to know
more or want to be involved
next year – Andrew Graham

MOPS - Mothers of Pre-schoolers

2016 by Julianne

MOPS is a wonderful ministry that has
supported and given a safe environment for
many women from our church and the
community to come to.

This year our theme was ‘A Fierce
Flourishing’ so I spoke about what strategies
we could use to see our lives flourish.

A session was spent on understanding our
personalities and how this can help us in
situations and in relationships.

Another session was about managing our
emotions which really opened up some
great discussions.

I felt that the mentoring sessions challenged
the women and helped uncover some areas
in their lives.

Our end of year break up saw us go to
Caterpillars Indoor Play Centre which was
lots of fun.

A big thankyou to lovely Amanda Sharman
for always being ready to fill in the gaps and
was great in facilitating well thought through
crafts.

I would like to say a special thankyou to our
carers: Kylie Roberts, Naomi Stevens and
Andrea Winton. We would not be able to run
it without you giving your time.

A huge thankyou to Gaynor Astriffi for
coming each fortnight and presenting such
beautiful food for the ladies. Thankyou for
being so generous to this ministry.

It’s such a privilege to be part of this ministry
and I always thank God for what he has been
able to achieve through MOPS.

MOPS - Mothers of Pre-schoolers

2016 by Julianne

20+ Years Partners Dinner 2016

<< This year, Shayne Tonzing became
the newest addition to our

Diggerland Partners who have
partnered with us for 20 years or
more. Congratulations Shayne!

Diggerland Pastoral Care Report 2016

by Julianne Ullrich

Before I begin my report for Pastoral Care I Newcomers
would like to acknowledge Pastor Roland
Tankard for his I particularly love this part of Pastoral Care where
many years of Andrew Graham and I see the connecting of our
dedicated service in new people coming into Diggerland.
this ministry. He
has left a great We make them welcome by having a Newcomers
foundation that we lunch on a Sunday morning where Pastor Bruce
can build on. shares Diggerland’s vision and what we are all
about.

Also at this lunch we make available to
newcomers a folder containing: CRC strategies ,
values, Connect Groups and other ministry
events to encourage connection.

Many discussions were had with all the many
different areas that Roland was involved in and
impacted. So here is my first report for Pastoral
Care. The 1st area I would like to report on is:

Seniors

For many years now Diggerland has been
rostered on once a term at Jacaranda Village in
Red Cliffs. Roland has ministered there and he
would lead in worship and then bring a word.

Another great way to connect with our Senior
women from our church has been by gathering
together over a cup of tea once a month.

It has been great catching up with them and
enjoying one another's company.

Freshco team run by Lorraine Webb, Jamie-Lee
Webb and Jess Turner have done a wonderful job
cooking beautiful lunches and cakes once a term
for the newcomers ministry.

Well done for creating a wonderful hospitality
experience for Newcomers Sunday and our
regular Sunday services.

Diggerland Pastoral Care Report

by Julianne Ullrich

Red Cliffs Carols
This is a Community event organised by the combined
churches of Red Cliffs.
Diggerland have chaired the committee for many years and
we now see Andrew Graham taking over this role from Roland
who has done a incredible job over the many years.
This is always a wonderful night where the community gather
together to celebrate the birth of Jesus in song and dance.

Baptisms
August and September saw 13 baptisms with many of them
being our youth.
Well done to Zackary Wilksch for facilitating our young people
in DNA groups which then over flowed to seeing many
baptisms.

Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the Pastoral Care Team: Andrew Graham
and Debbie Obatoki for always being ready to serve.

I look forward to what God has in store for 2017. Julianne

Property Report 2016 By Bruce

There are significant properties to Diggerland was the main subject
look after in addition to the of 2 working bees across autumn
Diggerland building. and spring.

1012 Coorong Ave is a house on 4 A new compliant switchboard has
Ha which may be the site of a Life been purchased but yet to be
skill centre. installed.

8818 Calder Hwy is a house on 4 The new aircon duct was built and
Ha which may be the site of a installed.
future school.
Western wall experiments are
6 Ilex Street suite of offices/shops continuing to try reducing the
which is a long term investment. summer arvo temperature of it.

The vacant lot next door (behind One of the UV deteriorated aircons
us) which may be the site of a on the eastern wall had its pad
future community centre. frames destroyed in a storm. These
are being replaced.
Coorong saw significant relocation
and sell down of stock continuing Acoustic tiling was completed in
the wind back of Moneytree the chapel area which has greatly
nursery and its relocation to benefited fellowship. The lighting
Calder. We also replaced the was also upgraded to LED, which is
pressure pump at the house and slowly progressing throughout the
rebuilt a German made 2 stroke b building, including the stage.
sprayer.
Planning has been ongoing for our
Calder we erected the shade mezzanine project for which the
house from Coorong and via a larger amount of funds have been
partnership with Lanmar nursery raised, except for the lift. It is
we have received two other shade planned to build anyway and we
structures in return for their use will fundraise as required to get
on our land for a season. We also the project done.
rebuilt the aircon on the house.
Discussions have been ongoing
6 Ilex suffered somewhat from the with the Men’s Shed project for
November hail storm. Skylights Red Cliffs that will operate out of
were broken and we repaired the Resource Centre. We may
them. We caught the wet carpet partner with them for emergency
and saved it. Across all our egress in the between alley.
properties there was no damage
exceeding our $1000 excess to Our vacant lot has been the
make a claim which was good. subject of various discussions for
temporary use with the youth
Pics Hail damage to 6Ilex, surrounding the slab, and the
Repaired, Proto Duct, Fabricated Men’s shed project for storage.
Duct, Acoustic tiles, Thomas
handles like a boss.

REFRESH Women’s Conference 2016

by Julianne

Refresh
2016 Refresh was hosted by Mildura Edge
Church this time, which saw around 195
women attend from various regional
churches.
This year’s speaker was Lynette Tobin who
spoke at our Refresh Conference back in
2012.
Lynette was impacting and was impressive
in her ability to relate to all generations of
women.
Her messages were filled with her own
testimony which really spoke to women's
hearts.
Her humour also made it easy for
everyone to relate to her which kept her
audience very engaged plus Lynette’s
stories were also very powerful.

Anna Legg has faithfully served again this
year in the finance and administration
area of this ministry. This is a huge task
and as always Anna is very gracious and
everything runs very smoothly when Anna
has her hand on it.
Thankyou for Dale Vaughan who assisted
Anna.

Being part of Refresh is a privilege and a
great opportunity for different churches to
work together.

Special Events 2016

Indigo Alice Scholar
was born 28/08/16

Dashel Phineas Milne
was born 14/04/16

Harriet Elisabeth Grace Milne Will, Kalechi & Bev became
was born 23/10/16 Australian Citizens in Feb 2016.
Glenn Milne became our Mayor
again for the 4th time-Well done!

Gaynor & Joseph Asirifi
were married 20/11/16

Training
2016

Stepping out over obstacles, our bible “I loved the way the course was • 2017
school students are to be highly DIPLOMA OF MINISTRY
commended for considering Christ and structured, it helped me focus my studies • MISSION - WORSHIP &
his kingdom worthy of their sacrifice, YOUTH STREAMS
forsaking other prospects to be and the camps where we got to meet See Pastor Steve Williams
sharpened for ministry amongst God’s
people. others doing the course as well” Ali
“He is no fool who gives what he can’t
keep - to gain what he can’t lose” Foreman

Congratulations to Dr Debbie
Obatoki having completed her
Diploma in Christian Ministry!
Also congratulations to Tom
Cameron, Zak Wilksch, Ali Foreman,
Aaron Lucchesi for having graduated
with the new CRC Diploma of Youth
Ministry under their belts. Well done
to all the families for their support.
Tom and Ali have decided to let the
plough cut even deeper deciding to
go a further 2 years foundational
formation with their Bachelor of
Ministry.
I am of the firm opinion that students
preparing themselves for a life of
service to the glorious gospel of the
blessed God (1 Tim 1:11) represent
the most important calling in the
world today. That makes our students
by association, some of the most
important people in the world today.
That in no way lessens the many
other callings/professions
undertaken, also with their own
attendant sacrifices, lived out by the
faithful in Jesus name.

The steps we all take are heavy with
destiny and as such will be taken into
account in our Lord’s final summation
of what we’ve managed to become
and do with His grace entrusted to us
(2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10–
12, 1 Peter 1:3-12).

Ushers / Offering Counters /

Sunday Setup team 2016 – Stu & Ruthie Maher

Thank you to Aaron for being the valuable main-stay of Sunday
morning set-up of communion and the kitchen area in 2016.
Wow what a faithful server you are. Gordon, Lynne & Vicki have
also blessed us by assisting Sunday set-up at times. Thankyou.

Sadly we say goodbye to Ian & Christiana Boulton. Ian was a faithful
backup 2IC to Stu in ushering and offering counting over many years.
Thanks so much Ian & Christiana!

This year we have had the pleasure of Rob & Marise coming back onto
availability! Our team of 25 continue to happily serve & be the welcoming face at our
church front entrance. In October we had our Annual Big Dessert Night Out at our
home – it’s a great night of fellowship for our Ushering Team.

Thank you everyone within Ushers for your efforts in 2016 ….it was invaluable.

Financial Admin 2016 - report by Ruthie Maher

2016 has been a year of change. A big change this year was that we took on assisting CRC Victoria
with their changeover to QuickBooks and we will continue to oversee their finances for a few years
through Bruce’s position on State Exec. Doing CRC Vic’s finances does benefit our church as it brings in
a sizable honorarium which assists our bottom line.

To satisfy banking requirements we opened 19 new bank accounts in the name of Diggerland Church
and closed 19 that were in our old name. Wentworth Outreach came under the oversight of
Diggerland in mid year and so OneRiver now has its own bank account too.

We took the opportunity of the new bank accounts issue, to detach Robinvale church’s finances and
set them up as a separate QuickBooks entity from 1/1/2016 seeing they are now fully incorporated.

Our Financial Admin team of Anna Legg and myself continues to assist our departments to run with
their vision. Thankyou Anna for your quiet yet diligent support.

OneRiver Report 2016

Pr. Marg Sharman

OneRiver Church has gone I would also like to acknowledge the
through many changes in this faithful saints who continue to travel
past year but it has made us to Wentworth to bless us with their
members even stronger as we gifts. We are so grateful and
have continued to seek God appreciative of your time and the
together. love that you are demonstrating .

The body has risen up to fill the Of note, we were blessed to have
gaps. We now have a roster that Alexander Foreman preach his first
is filled with members of sermon to us on the first Sunday in
OneRiver Church; - men and December. It is worth mentioning
women who are willing and able that this was after he lead us in
to lead worship, bring the Word, worship. Thank you Ali and well done
speak to the communion and you are now a firm favourite with all
offering as well as set up . of us at Wentworth.

Even our youngest members As we move forward into 2017 the
help out by collecting the vision is to
communion cups as well as
making our hearts melt. • Further develop the worship
ministers - Rosie Reid and Jade
As well as seeking God for their Millard are both practising their
own personal growth they pray guitars.
earnestly for the community of
Wentworth. • Host Community lunches once
a quarter to reach out to
Once a month we have a families in Wentworth.
fellowship lunch together and
we meet together on Thursdays • Access another room for a
to study the word and pray children's ministry so we can
together. accommodate more families .

As a pastor I find it exciting to • Seek God for spiritual
cooperate with Jesus as He breakthrough and direction for
builds His Church. Together we specific strategies to see this
provide an atmosphere that come to pass.
allows people to grow as
disciples and to exercise their • To see members enter a
spiritual gifts. Also we are training program to ensure
creating a place where families systematic and balanced
feel welcome to come to development is provided.
worship and learn with us.

I would also like to honour the
other pastors who have laid
such an excellent foundation at
OneRiver; thank you Lisa and
Josh Milne and Ann and
Andrew Cook.

OneRiver Report 2016

Testimony by Ann and Brett Gunn

Testimony from the Gunn Family
We started attending One River in early September after being invited a
few weeks earlier. Our lives had been greatly affected after attending a
dead church for 2 years and a new start was something we were asking
God about and God true to form kept His promise.
We find our small congregation intimate, and our children are enjoying
themselves greatly. The people are open and genuinely focused on going
somewhere in God's kingdom. Our home group compliments our Sunday
meeting and I know there are greater things in store as we keep pressing
on.
Thanks be to Jesus for His renewing work in our lives.
Brett, Ann and Kids

OneRiver Report 2016

Jade and Steve

Steve and I grew up with Christian backgrounds. We both went off under our own
steam for quite a few years in previous marriages.
Recently I decided to go to church after much soul searching and being lost. The
OneRiver church had started 2 weeks earlier on a Sunday morning. I knew it was
meant to be and I told Steve I was going and that he could come if he wanted to
but I was going right or wrong!
We both went and have been attending ever since becoming involved in setting up,
worship, communion and hosting a bible study home group at our home in
Wentworth.
I feel there is much growth that will occur both in our lives, in the church and in
the Wentworth Community.

Jade expressing worship through prophetic art.

OneRiver Report 2016

Testimony by Brian and Rosie Reid

Since services changed to the morning time slot in 2016 Brian & I have been able
to get to church on a regular basis. Yey, so essential to be part of the body of
Christ and we get to go to church, what a privilege.

We leave at 8:30am Sunday morning to arrive about 10am with a bit of time to
help setup before for the start 10:30am service. It's a fun church, & a bit like the
river there have been changes along the way but Jesus Christ is front and centre
as we all grow under Pr Marg Sharman's encouraging leadership.

We are participating in services and fellowship lunches with a strong family
atmosphere of inclusion. It's fun to be part of the body of Christ, because when
God is building His church, He's building people. As we are being built, we are
seeing the gifts and talents that God Himself has placed in us being birthed and
honed. That is brilliant!

A strong foundation, enables a marvellous building. Come out and see us
sometime and be part of this birthing of His body in Wentworth.

Much Grace
Rosie Reid.

Women’s Ministry 2016 – by Julianne

2016 has seen Women's Ministry Mothers Day
experience some wonderful times
throughout the year. In May was Mother’s Day which is
always a huge and lovely event
This year I focused on Psalm 1:3 that Women's ministry coordinate.
where it talks about us being like a This year we honoured Kathy
tree planted by streams of water, Phillips as ‘Mother of the Year’
yielding its fruit in season and which was received with such joy
whose leaf does not wither, and and appreciation.
whatever they do prospers.
The team decorated the
With many of our women working auditorium with impressive paper
full time and our young mums going flowers through out and gave all
back to work, I was very intentional the women a beautifully presented
in the events I planned during the gift.
year.
Circle of Security
Vision Night
In June Margaret Sharman
To start the year off in February we presented to a group of people the
had our vision night where I invited Circle of Security Program.
a lovely young lady - Rachel Gilmour
from CRC Narrandera. The group loved it as it gave
strategies to enhance attachment
She heard the call to go to China security between parents and
where she pioneered a new ministry children.
focused on mobilising the church to
serve children with Autism. Women’s Connect Groups

This was a faith filled night with her Steph Robertson has done brilliant
laying hands on women to see fruit work with having weekly meetings
be released in their lives. with a great group of women.
Teaching on life skills and bringing
Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton hope into their lives. Steph has
also done a lot of one on one with
In March we had Lindy Chamberlain this group of women as well.
come and speak at a huge Night
event. This saw many women from Thankyou Steph for encouraging
the community and from different these women and for being a great
churches attend a night that was support to them.
impacting and life changing.
I have done a fortnightly meeting
Hospitality where a group of women have
gathered from the ages of 19 to 60.
Thankyou to Gaynor Astriffi and her
team for raising funds for Women’s The nights have been full with
Ministry by cooking scheduled fellowship, worship and God’s
Sunday lunches throughout the year. Word. I have had a blast doing this
group.
You have done a brilliant job!

Women’s Ministry 2016 – by Julianne

Women’s Retreat @ The Lake

October Women’s Retreat would have to be my favourite event of the year.
This year we glammed it up (casual style) at Lake Cullulleraine where we had Ruth
Tankard share.
There was something significant in her speaking this year and now we sadly say good bye
to her as she heads to Wyndham Vale with Roland at the end of 2016.
There really is something special in going away together. You cannot help but form
stronger friendships which makes it so worthwhile putting that time aside to break away
from our busy lives. It was also great in taking time to hear what God was saying to us.
I would like to acknowledge these wonderful people : Debbie Obatoki, Dale Vaughan, Jan
Herrmann, Donna (S) Williams, Bec Arnol and Ruthie Maher.
Thankyou for always being ready to help and for making this ministry an impacting one.
It’s a privilege leading Women's Ministry.
I am honoured to do life with our wonderful Diggerland women.

Women’s Retreat @ The Lake

Women’s Retreat @ The Lake

Worship 2016 by Alexander Foreman

A few major changes took place this year gave the department a gentle shake, but the
worship leaders rose to the challenge. The first change of the year saw the morning
service and Zion services have different worship leaders as the church vision was to see
each service cater specifically to different demographics. We have seen that there has
been a refreshing of the worship and also a greater scope of ministry for both services.

The other major change was that of the ministry team rostering systems being
overhauled. This change has presented its own set of challenges, but we are seeing fruit
as we see a greater diversity in our worship and also an upskilling for all within the
worship teams who ’brush shoulders’ as they grow together in different musical
scenarios.

All in all it has been a wonderful year of growing and I am looking forward to what 2017
will bring.







Oversight by Bruce Sharman

​Last year we made a massive Kingdom personnel investment in Along with other strategic changes it
to CRC Wentworth, Wyndham Vale and the local schools. This has yielded a better and more
significant permanent transfer of ministry really heralded the
need to engage and get going. You can’t lose that much ministry consistent partnership with the state
power and not crash, without responding to the need to engage corrections department.

new leaders, in new ways, for our very future. In turn this has led, on a practical
We are praising the Lord to end the year positively in almost level, to engaging in major

every way. We levelled in the first half, and have climbed renovations and advancements that
significantly to be in a better place than a year ago in many were and are being undertaken, that

ways. have, and will, better balance the
We were blessed to be able to engage a new Oversight member outgoings on our investments for

in elder Shayne Tonzing, and also to engage a new elder in future ministry ventures.
Werner Ullrich, as well as a number of new leaders.
We engaged a new enlarged events
New Oversight Team: Andre, Andrew, Bruce & Shayne management team and strategy, that
included new graphics support, for
The level of engagement in the International Home ministry has
been amazing with record events and increasing participation all Sunday events, promotions and
special events.
and opportunities.
Men’s ministry found a new level and successfully liaised These are just a few of the new
internationally on a number of occasions. It is likely we now levels of engagement undertaken
have the most significant men’s ministry in the district. this year. Be sure to read details as
well as all reports on a great year. As
Likewise, engaging Thomas in a new property management a postscript The Kingdom is now
strategy and role began to address a major deficit in that area enlarged in great ways. Andre is
being used with great new programs
with the loss of Andre & Roland. to benefit students, Wentworth was
secured under Margaret, Wyndham
Vale is surging with Roland & Ruth
and Diggerland is back with rising

new leaders.

Next year, with our better
positioning, we will begin to build on
our engagement with a new era to
Prepare the church and membership
for the next level of life and ministry.

For example, we will prepare to
integrate as many internationals as

possible into every level of

church life.

Ministry Team by Bruce

​Our new Trainee Ministers were The following Ministers took their
engaged to regularly minister this vows during the year.
year. This included Thomas and
Zac who took their ministry vows Thomas Cameron (Trainee)
Zachary Wilksch (Trainee)
during the year.
The following is the list of all Debbie Obatoki (State)
members who ministered the
word at a Sunday Service in 2017 Werner Ullrich was engaged as an
in order of first appearance elder at our APM and has gone on
to develop an excellent ministry to
in the year.
farm workers.
Bruce
Victor Margaret Sharman became the
Thomas delegate for Wentworth and
Julianne Julianne Ullrich became our
Zachary Diggerland CRC delegate. Each
Andre
Steve church, in addition to the Ministers
Garry qualified, may have one delegate
Rebekah who may vote at CRC State and
Perry
Debbie National Council meetings.
Alexander
Jack The following new leaders were
ShayneT engaged at our APM
AndrewL
AndrewG Thomas: Risk Co-Ord, Events Co-
Ord., Assist Prop Manager
We were also blessed to engage Margaret: Wentworth
others in ministry from various Jonathan: IT promotions
Alexander: Worship Dept
places as follows. Natalie: Vocals
Ugo Egesi (Perth) Zachary: Bands
Godswill Soma Ruth W: KC Team
Mebratu (Wyndham Vale) Rebecca A: Kinder/Crèche
Esayas Tefera (Wyndham Vale) Paul: Connect Grp
David Branscombe (Canada) Toby: Connect Grp
Judy Branscombe (Canada) StephR: Connect Grp
Phil Cayzer (Cranbourne)
Victor Gonzales (Hoppers From Top: Julianne teaching it, The Leaders & Teams are called
Zachary, Debbie and Tom at their together for a general meeting
Crossing) ordination, Victor preaching it, each quarter which is always
Dan Vogler (Mareeba Qld) and a scene from Quarter 4
leader’s breakup. enriching.

Pastoral Care Report 2017
by Julianne

Pastoral Care for 2017 has been FreshCo
challenging but a great year Lorraine Webb and Jamie-Lee
settling into this new role. Webb have done a wonderful job
cooking beautiful lunches and
I love that God has surrounded me cakes once a quarter for our
with wonderful leaders. Newcomers Lunches.
Well done for always providing
Shayne Tonzing has done a hospitality on these Sundays.
brilliant work with Men’s Ministry
with his special events organised Acknowledgments
gathering the men. I would like to thank Kiah Sos and
Bec Arnol for volunteering in this
Andrew Graham has been leading ministry. Their administration
our Connect Groups this year so skills has been so valuable and
that has been great having such a blessing.
Andrew over this area.
I would like to thank the Pastoral
Debbie Obatoki with Victor has Care team: Andrew Graham.
been brilliant in growing Debbie Obatoki and Shayne
International Home. Tonzing for all their efforts and
always being ready to serve in this
So many different areas to this ministry.
ministry with:
I would not of been able to have
• newcomers lunches, done it without these amazing
people.
• we saw many baptisms this
year, I look forward to what God has in
store for 2018.
• and a new ministry with
East of Sixty.

First area I want to report on is:

Newcomers Lunches

I love this part of Pastoral Care
and that is gathering our new
people for a lovely lunch provided
by FreshCo.

It’s a great time for them to hear
from Pastor Bruce about the
history of our church.

Also at the lunch we make folders
available containing: Connect
Groups, CRC strategies, and other
ministry events to encourage
connection.

Pastoral Care Report 2017
Baptisms

2017 was a wonderful year for baptisms.
Having a new baptism tank was an exciting addition
to this years baptism.
Baptisms have been facilitated in our Zion service
which is really turning into an exciting event each
quarter.
Below are our wonderful people being baptised for
2017:
1st Quarter baptised was:
Elizah Pretty, Dylan Lucchesi and Tricia Ibegbulem
2nd Quarter baptised was:
William Reynolds, Ashleigh Phillips, Timi Obatoki,
Rex Handy, Trudy Wright and Albert Makara
3rd Quarter baptised was:
Crystal Phillips
4th Quarter baptised was:
Shontea Leksas and Anna Brolese

Witnessing these people taking this decisive next
step in their walk with God has been wonderful.

Pastoral Care Report 2017
‘East of Sixty’

This year we launched this ministry called
‘East of Sixty’ where we are gathering our
Seniors in our Church and in the Community.
Once a month we would have cups of tea, cake
and simply connect in our Chapel which worked
really well.
It was lovely spending time with these
wonderful people and I look to grow this next
year with some activities to attract more
Seniors in the Community.
I look forward to what God will do in this
ministry in 2018.

Paul & Connie Gervasi CONNECT GROUP
“We give praise and glory to Jesus for a wonderful year, busy, but fulfilling.

One of the prayer requests that we were pressing in for was believing for a
breakthrough in seeing a miracle for Mary Ietto, who had been having
regular injections in one of her eyes because of a medical condition. Well,
Mary has received the breakthrough, glory to God! She has not needed an
injection in her eye for the past 4 months now. All the glory belongs to God,
amen. He answers prayer.

Connie and I would like to thank the brothers and sisters that have been
faithful to the fellowship in our home. We are looking forward to a
wonderful 2018.”

The Obatoki’s Connect Group

Our Connect group has been reading through the bible chapter by chapter and
we have been so determined to get through it at least once.
We started from the books of Acts and are presently studying Colossians.

Our purpose is to ensure that the kids in our midst are able to develop a dynamic
and interactive bible study habit before they leave home for Uni.
So far it has been wonderful watching them come alive when they bump into
common scriptures and can now identify the importance of prayer and the
application of the Word of God.

We will miss our beloved brother Patrick Jones who went to be with the Lord this
year. He was a very faithful member of our group.

This year we had the birth of our youngest member Philip, who was born in
August to Alfred and Catherine Bosco.

We will continue to study, meditate and apply the words of God to our everyday
life as we grow to become all that God wants us to become.
Yours in Christ
Victor and Debbie Obatoki

Tonzing Connect group

What a great team of believers.
We had a huge group of people at times with
our Invite a friend BBQ nights, but even when
there was only a few, Jesus was there and oh
the worship and the God encounters.
Jesus rocks and He is our cornerstone, our
foundation and He was found. Our meetings
always started with Christ and He lead us.
Love you guy’s , God bless ya’s
Shayne & Connie

Werner’s Connect Group 2017

This year Our Carwarp connect group started with the Solomon and Fijian guys
and girls out at Carwarp on a Thursday night as per usual.

In June a group of Samoans arrived to work on farms (part of Pacific Island
approved workers scheme) and they have become involved. The Carwarp house
became too small so we relocated our meeting to the packing shed at NCF which
also solved transport issues and starting time issues. ( “Islander time “ is alive
and well and it is normal for meeting to start 40 mins late and still have people
rolling up 30 mins after we started).

Some of the themes characterising our group are: God and we LOVE ALL PEOPLE,
EVERYONE IS SPECIAL, GOD IS A GOOD GOOD FATHER WHO DELIGHTS IN US.

Language and different culture makes it both difficult and interesting at times ,
always asking Holy Spirit to move and connect with people and always leave with
a sense of it was “a good night”. Late in the year the core team started meeting
for prayer on a Monday night which was really beneficial.

Some of the highlights for the year were :

For a couple of weeks we had another group of Solomon guys join us and they
contributed with singing , dancing and playing on pvc pipes with their thongs.
Looking forward to them coming back in May 2018.

Samoans playing cricket. Every time a wicket falls the fielding team do a
celebratory dance

Many thanks to Basil and Onnochi for their support during the year.

Women’s Ministry
Report 2017 by Julianne

Women’s Ministry has looked Refresh
different this year in the way 2017 Refresh was hosted by
women have connected. Edge Church which saw around
180 women attend from all
So we gathered: in cafés, at the different churches.
movies, connect groups during Jacquie Hall from PlanetShakers
the day, connect groups at night spoke this year which was
and women's events. fantastic.
Anna Legg has faithfully served
Women's Connect Groups again this year in the finance and
administration area of this
Steph Robertson has done ministry.
fantastic work connecting with A huge thankyou as Anna is
some women on Tuesday always gracious and everything
mornings teaching on life skills runs smoothly because of her
and bringing hope into their efforts.
lives. Thankyou to Dale Vaughan for
assisting Anna.
Thankyou Steph for all your
dedication and encouragement Acknowledgments
you have brought into this I would like to acknowledge
group. these wonderful people for all
their hard work this year in
I continued with my group Women’s Ministry:
meeting fortnightly where a Kiah Sos
group of women from different Donna Steve Williams
age groups would gather. There Bec Arnol
was such great discussions and Dale Vaughan
great friends formed during the Jan Herrmann
year. Debbie Obatoki
Ruthie Maher
Lots of fun doing this group. Thankyou for always being ready
to make this ministry an
Mothers Day impacting one for the women.

This is such a lovely event to It is a privilege doing life with
organise. our wonderful Diggerland
women.
This year we honoured Steph
Robertson as ‘Mother of the
Year’ which was received with
appreciation.

Decorating and giving
chocolates to women as they
came on Sunday was so much
fun.

Ending the day with lovely
coffee and cake just really made
Mother’s Day very special this
year.

Women’s Ministry
October Retreat 2017

This was our third year of having our October
Retreat and it was fabulous.

We had around 25 women come along to Lake
Cullulleraine which I thought was great.

Pastor Laura Masasso from Robinvale Christian
Fellowship was our guest speaker – she really
impacted and challenged our women.

It was such a great time of break through with a
real sense of freedom released over the whole
weekend and stronger relationships formed.

Natalie Wilksch led worship with Dale Vaughan
on keys – Natalie really tapped into what God
was speaking to us over the weekend.

I love how these times away have so many great
facets-

• The fellowship with one another

• Time with God

• Timeout from our daily routine

We have already booked another venue for next
year – Better beds!

Look forward to our 2018 October Retreat.

Women’s Ministry
October Retreat 2017

Women’s Ministry- End of Year Celebration 2017

This year we ended with a great celebration in our chapel
that inspired our women hearing testimonies from
Madeleine Campisi, Dale Vaughan and Kiah Sos who shared
their hope in Christ.
This really culminated the year nicely with fellowship, lots of
lovely food and celebrating with one another a great year
together.

Womens Ministry

Youth Ministry - Torque Youth
by Tom

This Year we have seen incredible growth of our
leaders in youth ministry with a load of changes
happening. The young team has taken on the
new roles and have really flourished.

Even though we have had a small team this year
we have been able to achieve a number of large
scale events!

Many nights have been a hit with some of our
themed game nights bringing: a great number of
people that don’t regularly attend; and a great
core group of youth that have been there at
youth every week. It’s been a pleasure to see
them Grow into all the incredible things God has
for them. Many of these come into the church
unsaved, become disciples of Christ. Many of our
youth have been baptised this year!!!

The youth have really captured the heart of
worshipping God, and many have begun to come
to Sunday church services as well.

We are looking forward to 2018 and seeing many
more come to the love of Christ!

God has got some incredible things in store for
the years to come and every prayer is
appreciated as the new year comes!
Thanks!!! Tom

Junior Band – Struth
Report by Matthew Mandica

2017 has been a big year for ‘Struth’. Building on from 2016, the musicians have
developed in skill and confidence by performing at Youth Events and also our Sunday
Morning Service. As a band, we journeyed to participate and compete in the 2017
‘Battle of the Bands’ which was well supported by our Youth and also family and
friends. We performed 5 songs which were amazing and being such a young group,
the other bands looked in awe at our 15-16yr olds smashing it!!!

Although we didn’t win, I was so proud of what we had achieved and I think it will be
something to look back on and appreciate. I also feel that as a group we became a lot
closer with those types of experiences. Our friendships are something we will hold
onto forever 

I have enjoyed teaching, getting to know and growing up with each individual in
‘Struth’ which has been going for 3 years. It is now time to build on this experience
and move on to bigger things!! Some of you are already in our Sunday Service set up!
Some of you will be leaders in other departments but I hope that ‘Struth’ has given
you what you need to be successful at whatever God has installed!! 

2018 will be a year of new beginnings and a new band awaits! It is sad to see you
move on but I’m also excited for the talent coming through! Thank you to the Parents
and Leaders - Your support is amazing and the job of raising our kids up in the church
environment is on show here  And a massive thank you to ‘YOU’ in the band!! A
hot chips/Big Lizzie Pizza catch up is a must!!

P.S (Sadly our wonderful singer Amy missed the photo). Thank you  Matt

Young Adults

With a focus on doing life
together, young adults this year

consisted of ‘hang outs’ on a
Monday night, taking part in Judah

Smith’s video bible study @ our
place, as well as casual dinners by

the river. With a passion for
connection, and doing life
together, Young Adults was a safe
place to come and be supported.
The first half of the year in Bible
Study, the focus was on the state
of our Souls. This gave a great
opportunity to challenge our
personal relationship with Father
God, and develop a greater
understanding of the need to be in
connection with the Holy Spirit.
The second half of our studies
focused on “life”, looking at
contemporary life questions and
issues, as understood through a

biblical perspective.

It was fantastic to have a diverse Testimonies
group of young adults come
Josh “YA was great this year, it was a place where we could
together, in the pursuit of doing speak openly about life’s highs and lows in a non-
life as our Father God intended, judgemental setting”
despite the constant pressures of
Kyla “Young Adults was a place for us to come together and
society. connect, to set up our week and feel supported that
others experience the same thoughts and feelings as
We are looking forward to the we do”
years to come!
Aaron “I loved Judah Smith’s bible studies that we took part
Hannah & Jack Beasy in this year, it provided valuable resources for us as a
group to discuss life, faith and the gospel in a modern
and real way.”

Diggerland International Home Ministry
2017

Victor and Debbie Obatoki

International home 2017 has been so • So many pictures captured
colourful with maximal participation over the year and all can
from the various nations amongst us.. be accessed through our
Facebook page
This year alone we recorded an
exponential growth both in number

and international expression of
talents through the corporate
outworking of spiritual blessings from
both our local and visiting ministers.
We believe that there is more to
come and we see Diggerland
International Home becoming a
household name in all Sunraysia and

beyond.
As internationals we are here to join
God's generals and encourage, equip

and raise the next generation of
Internationals to fully impact the
nation God would have us call our

home away from home.

Yes indeed we are blessed to carry
the DNA of Diggerland wherever we

go… for we belong not just to a
church but to a place we can call

home.
We just want to thank our beloved
Senior Prs Bruce and Marg Sharman
for their dedication to everyone in
the church and to , the Pastoral Care
unit and Oversight of Diggerland
Church for creating such an enabling
environment for the nations to thrive.
Special thanks to Ruthie and Stu

Maher, Hannah and Jack Beasy,
Funmi and Ola Fanoiki, Werner and

Julianne Ullrich, Kylie and Will
Fangaloka , Gordon and Lynne
,Tempest ,Victor Obatoki and Rebekah
Milne… they all strategically assisted
to make this year a big success.

Thank you !!!
Victor and Debbie Obatoki

Tuesday Morning prayer meeting

Victor & Debbie

We have continued faithfully in prayer every
Tuesday since we started in 2014 and we are so
privileged to see the blessings pour forth into the
nations and also into our lives....

This is our war room. A place where we can
corporately influence our world. We come in as
we are but leave with our spiritual strength
renewed like the noon day sun.

Indeed it is a privilege to be able to join with
other prayer warriors in Sunraysia as we wait on
the Lord in season and out of season.

We will continue to stand in the gap on behalf of
our nation, community and church every
Tuesday morning so feel free to join us at
anytime as the Lord leads you..

Worship Report 2017

Alexander Foreman

This year in the worship department we took changes Testimonies
in our stride and sought to find deeper level of
corporate worship that would build and encourage Zak Wilksch
the Diggerland body. I love coming into worship with the
congregation and seeing where
As I looked at the structures that had been built God takes us each Sunday. Its
before I stepped in as worship department leader, I been a privilege again to serve as
felt that their strength allowed me to focus on a worship leader this year.
pastoring deeper levels of knowing the Father’s heart.
Will Fangaloka
The team & everyone involved in ministry rose week It’s been great to see through
after week in both skill and leadership, each in their worship leading this year, that it
own way. doesn’t matter what culture you are
It’s been a wonderful year and a total privilege from, when you are touching the
working with and leading such incredible leaders. But heart of God and when you feel His
now, due to medical reasons, I must pass on the presence His love manifests the
reins. Zachary Wilksch is taking over, and I’m so same way. It’s been great to see
excited for what he’ll bring. the cultures come together to
worship Him, especially at
Zak and I have shared vision and passions for International Home nights.
worship over the last few years as we’ve had
conversations working closely together. I know that Nat Wilksch
he’s brimming with the Father’s heart and so much This year I’ve loved watching the
vision. congregation express their love
towards our God through worship.
Looking into the next year, I am confident of how Zak It’s been a year of growing together
will lead, both in skill and passion. as a worship team and seeing our
church trust us more and more.