Broken Hill Mission Report – July 2025

Broken Hill Mission Report – July 2025

“To God be the glory.”

We’ve just returned from a week in the Far West, partnering with the churches of Broken Hill for a short-term mission - and what a week it was. The team from Gymea joined with local Anglicans at St James’ (Broken Hill South) and St Peter’s (in town), as well as community partners like Landcare, for a week full of gospel ministry, hard work, and deepening relationships.

About Broken Hill

Broken Hill is a remote mining town in the far west of New South Wales, sitting on the edge of the outback. It's over 1,100km from Sydney and more closely connected to Adelaide - culturally and geographically. Life here runs at a slower pace, with a strong sense of local identity and a community that knows what it means to look after its own.

The town has a proud history as Australia’s longest-running mining city, but with that legacy comes a unique set of challenges. Soil contamination from past mining activity continues to impact gardens and play areas. There’s also a demographic gap: while there are families and retirees, many young adults leave for study or work, and few return. As a result, Broken Hill can feel both close-knit and isolated, with a population that is ageing and slowly declining.

And yet, there’s great beauty and resilience here. You can drive anywhere in town in ten minutes. There’s a strong sporting culture, spectacular desert sunsets, and festivals like the St Pat’s Races and the Mundi Mundi Bash that bring colour and connection. Locals describe it as a place where, if you find the right people, you’ll find deep friendships and community.

Why Mission Matters Here

The Anglican churches in Broken Hill are small and faithful - but like many in regional Australia, they face the challenges of limited resources, fewer young families, and the ongoing need to reconnect with their wider community.

That’s why this mission trip was such a blessing. Through Kids Club, community projects, and Sunday services, our team was able to encourage tired saints, welcome new faces, and show tangible expressions of God’s love in word and deed. For the local churches, it was a week of renewed energy and support. For us, it was a week of humility, joy, and deep gospel partnership.

How to Pray

• Give thanks for the faithful Anglicans in Broken Hill who serve week in, week out.

• Pray for young families to connect and commit to church life.

• Ask God to raise up leaders and gospel workers for the Far West.

• Pray for deeper community ties and fruitful outreach after the mission.

• And give thanks for the seeds sown during this trip - that God would bring lasting fruit.

Kids Club at St James’

Each morning saw the church buzzing with kids, songs, games, craft, memory verses, and Bible teaching. Olivia opened God’s word with the children, helping them see Jesus as the one who calms the storm - a Saviour worth trusting. From tie-dye T-shirts to cricket on the driveway (thanks, Archers!), there was plenty of energy. One real encouragement came on Sunday when we saw some of the kids from Kids Club come back with their families for church. Praise God.

Evening Outreach

In the evenings, we looked for ways to connect more widely with the community. We hosted a State of Origin watch party at St Peter’s, inviting locals to join us for food, footy, and a friendly chat. It’s simple, relational ministry - but it matters. Several meaningful conversations grew out of it.

Building a Bush Chapel

Midweek, we joined churches and community groups at Imperial Lakes to help with a remarkable project: building an outdoor bush chapel using recycled railway sleepers, handcrafted into pews by local inmates. It was heavy work - made possible by a loader, and plenty of dust. It was a practical expression of gospel hope for the town and it's Christians.

Sunday Services and Sunset Praise

Our final day was the Lord’s Day. We shared in three services across the congregations:

• 8.30am at St Peter’s – a quiet, traditional prayer book communion service

• 10.15am at St James’ – a family service with kids’ church, singing, and stories from the week

• 5.00pm at the Sculptures – an unforgettable sunset gathering, singing Amazing Grace as the sun dipped below the desert horizon.

David preached from Luke 10 (the Good Samaritan).

Reflections and Thanks

There are so many moments we’ll treasure: dusty boots, tired hands, wide smiles, faithful prayers, and the simple joy of working alongside brothers and sisters for the sake of Jesus. We’re especially thankful for the Rev. Helen and the local church members who welcomed us with such warmth and gospel partnership.

It’s been a week of grace and goodness. And to God alone be the glory.