Dean of Identity | Mr Charles Brauer

Ministry

That word “ministry” – we hear it a lot but what does it actually mean? What is in it for us?

Tuesday’s Campus Ministry Assembly provided our community with the opportunity to explore the purpose of our rich and diverse Campus Ministry program, as well as the concept of ‘ministry’. Ministry is supporting others when they are overwhelmed. Ministry is welcoming others who feel lonely. Ministry is building an inclusive community so that our diversity is our strength. Ministry is encouraging others who may feel nervous or lack confidence. Ministry is something we do at Terrace. Not just words. Ministry is actions. 

Each and every weekday, staff, students, parents, Old Boys and friends of our Terrace Family join with our local Spring Hill community with our Eddie’s Van Big Brekky program. Year 12 Terracians Luke Allen and Jack Gardiner shared how they believe the Big Brekky is an act of ‘ministry’ which builds ‘Inclusive Community’ for our local neighbourhood. Luke articulated his Eddie’s Van experience very well:

The power of a conversation is something that can be underestimated and although it may seem small to us, showing genuine concern and interest in others can turn someone’s day around for the better. Eddie's Van is very well regarded at Terrace as it gives us, the students, a chance to step outside of our comfort zones and do good in the greater community. 

For the past 20 years, our Terrace Family has been supporting the people of Railaco District in Timor-Leste. We followed in the footsteps of Old Boy Br Dan Courtney being in solidarity, being as one with the people of Timor as they aspired for independence and continue to grow as a proud and prosperous nation. Paddy Mullins and Will McIntyre, who have been fortunate to experience our Terrace-Timor friendship first hand whilst away on last year’s Timor Immersion, shared their perspective at Tuesday’s assembly on how our Terrace-Timor friendship is an act of ministry: 

On reflection, I realised that the people I met in Timor have altered my thoughts on how I should live my own life. One such person was a young girl called Erin, who invited Yang and myself to practice singing a song that she had written. It was a piece that openly conveyed the love that the Timorese people have for their land. Afterwards, Erin offered me the piece of paper that she had written the song on. I was touched and have since kept this in my wallet as a solid reminder of the Timorese people. Like so many other Timorese, Erin showed us unending kindness, sincerity and humility, characteristics that I realised we should all strive to live our lives by. The Timor-Leste journey was an amazing social justice experience and has undoubtedly formed a key part of my development as a Terrace Gentleman. Will McIntyre (Year 11) 

If the above stories aren’t enough to convince you of the heart of ministry at Terrace, perhaps the closing words of our College prayer truly sum up the purpose of the ministry work we do here at Terrace:

The power of your love and the joy of your friendship.