JourneyOnline
A SPECIAL Emmaus Walk took volunteers from throughout Queensland and New South Wales to Fiji in early May.
Jasper Williams School in Lautoka, Fiji, played host to the Australian team as they assisted the local community in the organisation (including permits) of two Emmaus Walks.
Bayside Uniting Church’s Elaine Rae took on the role of logistics and IT provider, battling pot-holed roads, blown tyres and torrential rain as 30 local women and 23 local men shared the lifechanging Emmaus Weekend.
Rev Iain Watt (Gympie Uniting Church), Greg and Jennifer Shea (Sunnybank Uniting Church), Rev Louise Edwards (Broadwater Road Uniting Church) and Ms Rae’s husband John Rae (Bayside Uniting Church) were also among the small group who joined the Fiji community in worship, and to discuss and share their Christian journeys.
Ms Rae said the presence of God and the power of prayer was clearly evident.
“One of the most inspiring elements was seeing people from five denominations and four ethnic groups enjoying one another’s fellowship and worshipping together,” she said.
Many of the pilgrims hold influential roles within their local churches, pointing toward a big future for Emmaus community activities.
The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders.
It was introduced to Australia in 1984 and in 1985 the Uniting Church Board of Mission (NSW) became the movement’s official sponsor.
Prayer support teams for the Fiji walks were oversubscribed as local churches blessed the pilgrims with total support.
The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion.
Photo : Lindsay Jones and Iain Watt. Photo courtesy of Elaine Rae
