Rev Steve Francis, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA, and Rev David de Kock, General Secretary, travelled up to Meekatharra over the weekend for the Induction Service of Rev Mitch Fialkowski as Patrol Minister in the Remote Area Ministry Murchison Patrol.
Mitch has been working in the area for around 5 years with Frontier Services. His role was previously under the umbrella of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church, however recent changes at Frontier Services mean Mitch’s role now comes within the Uniting Church Synod of WA.
Rev Steve Francis preached during the service on Mark 1:1-8: John the Baptist Prepares the Way. Steve used this passage to emphasise directions we can turn.
Firstly, we should turn back to God to repent. Secondly, turn to Jesus; and thirdly, turn on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Rev John Dihm, Remote Area Minister based in Tom Price, made the seven and a half hour drive to Meekatharra to attend the service and present Mitch with a beautiful stole.
Steve said that it was great to see how well-loved Mitch is in the Meekatharra community. Mitch is involved with the local ambulance service, recycling committee and radio station.
As the only minister living in Meekatharra, he also provides pastoral care for all the locals, including people living on remote stations in the region.
“Everyone knows him, trusts him. He walks down the main street and knows everyone’s name, walks in the shire office and they all know him,” Steve said. “To me, that’s really authentic ministry.”
Top image: l-r, Rev John Dihm, Rev Mitch Fialkowski, Rev Steve Francis and Rev David de Kock.