Australia
The Land and the
People
Australia has always been a land of immigrants. Today, 23 percent of Australia's population is foreign-born, with the largest number of immigrants (32 percent) coming from Asia. Most of the population lives in one-third of the country in the southeast and along the coastal areas of the south and west. One-third of the continent is virtually uninhabited, with another third very sparsely populated.
Religion
With only 19 percent of all Australians attending a church of any kind, and a solid 25 percent of the people disavowing any religious beliefs, a spiritual vacuum exists in present-day Australia--a vacuum that is being rapidly filled by cults and Eastern religions.
Past and Current
Work
Baptist Mid-Missions started Baptist Mid-Missions of Australia through William and Glenna Grant in Australia in 1968. A church was organized in Benalla in July 1969. The work grew to include ten missionary families on the field, six indigenous churches, a Bible college, and a camp ministry. Victoria Baptist Bible College was begun in 1972. Several VBBC graduates are pastoring churches, and numerous others are involved as Christian workers in their local churches. Crystal Creek Christian Camp was started as an important ministry to the youth of Australia. Currently there are two church plants in process. We have four couples and one single on the field, with one family on deputation.
Goals
While the work is progressing, the challenges and opportunities are greater than the present personnel can adequately handle. Metropolitan Melbourne is a vast multi-cultural mission field. Workers are needed to reach these people and teach the truth of the gospel. The strongest opposition to the work is the apathy toward spiritual matters.
Workers needed
Church planters
Youth workers