Flying Padre Service
Captains David & Jennie Shrimpton
PO Box 43289Casuarina NT 0811
Phone: (08) 8941 2159
Fax: (08) 8941 2136 - not to be used for direct marketing purposes
Mobile: 0428 342 974
Email:David.Shrimpton@aus.salvationarmy.org or Jennie.Shrimpton@aus.salvationarmy.org
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The mission and purpose of the Outback Flying Service — better known as the "Flying Padre" — is to carry the Christian message to remote communities and isolated people who live on stations across the top end of Western Australia and Northern Territory.
Christian Education classes are held in many isolated community schools, with the aim to conduct classes once each term. Classes are also conducted for individual students on their stations at the request of parents.
Church services are often held on stations to celebrate Easter and Christmas, and at other times as requested.
The Flying Padre is often called upon to conduct funerals, memorial services, wedding ceremonies or child dedications.
"We visit a lot of cattle stations and those people are fairly remote," said Captain David Shrimpton, the Flying Padre. "We don't go with any agenda, we go as a friend to the people that are there and if they have some need, then we endeavour to meet that need in whatever way it might entail.
Assistance to families is provided in many ways including transportation, delivery of goods, as well as a listening ear and word of comfort or support.
"Often the conversation may come around to talking about spiritual matters, why God allows things to happen, why God doesn't allow things, and what the Bible says."
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2010 the Flying Padre:
- Conducted 10 weddings
- Piloted 'SVA' for 388 hours
- Was away from home for 221 days
- Made personal contact with 2200 people
- Assisted 260 people with travel and material aid
- Held 46 Christian Education lessons with 570 young people
- Gave 1380 hours of pastoral support and friendly conversation
- Visited 325 NT & WA cattle stations and indigenous communities
