New Ministry is deadly
Now we would all agree that sins are deadly - right? It certainly is scriptural, but it does come down to a matter of definition. In Aboriginal communities the word deadly is used to denote something that is good, so to say sins are deadly could send a mixed message in certain cultural contexts.
This is just one way in which a newly commenced ministry is attempting to consider cultural relevancy for Indigenous people. dhiiyaan northside church, a ministry of Bridgeman Baptist Community Church, is taking place in the North Brisbane suburb of Mitchelton.
The word dhiiyaan (dee-yarn) is from the Gamilaraay language and means 'mob' or 'family'. Pastor Billy Williams is an Aboriginal from the Kamilaroi people of North-West NSW who is leading this ministry that is seeking to reach Urban Murris (Aboriginal people) with the Good News of Jesus Christ. North-West Brisbane has over 1000 Indigenous people living in the Keperra, Mitchelton and Stafford areas.
"This is a ministry which is flexible and casual, yet focussed and caring", says Billy. Some of the activities of dhiiyaan are a Saturday get-together, a bread-run and family days to be held in various parks around these suburbs.
"On Saturdays we play a game of touch footy, have a feed, sing some songs and share a bit from God's yarn - it's the Murri version of the Fellowship of the Believers (Acts 2:42-47)," remarks Billy, "Church was, and should be, about sharing life together. The New Testament model really fits what dhiiyaan is seeking to be for the Aboriginal community - a family who cares for one another."
The ministry is keen to show that Christianity and Aboriginality are two identities that can go together, "You don't want people to compartmentalize their faith in Jesus, you know, act a certain way one moment but then change the next. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ and that, as far as I am concerned, is a 24-7 thing," says Billy.
Whilst Indigenous ministry is not new, there is a keen interest in dhiiyaan because of its specific target of the urban Indigenous community. Billy stated that the aim for dhiiyaan is to be theologically sound and culturally relevant, "Our catchcry is that we want to bring a spirit of hope and community - two things that can only truly take place with Jesus at the centre!"
For more information on the deadly ministry of dhiiyaan, contact Billy on mobile 0427 777 524 or visit the website at www.dhiiyaan.org.au.