Santa Teresa

Roby Curtis, Director of Emmanuel City Mission reflects on his recent time spent with the community of Santa Teresa...

"Emmanuel City Mission continues to affirm in me that relationship and people are truly the pinnacle of life and creation.
 
Over 10 years ago I set out with the blessing of Emmanuel Community to explore a passing connection made with a community in central Australia called Santa Teresa, a community of approx 500 Indigenous Peoples of the Arrernte culture and language.

I had no clue that this season of my life would totally transform the course and priorities of my future. At first in my innocence and inexperience I felt I was meant to coordinate immersion experiences for other like-minded people, however after having trialed this approach a number of times soon realised that my focus and purpose wasn’t program driven but a pursuit of meaningful relationships and ultimately community. I no longer coordinated immersions but found rich family in this remote community. 

My wife Kathryn, my children and myself were loved and welcomed into the Ronson and Flowers families, and established many connections across the community always acknowledging Traditional Owners and taking time to build those relationships at the same time.

This has been the richest foundation for my life, my family and our mission. 

Our second youngest daughter Lucy received a Bush blessing from her God-mother Farrah and her mother whom my children call Nanna Celine. This was an incredible experience and one that we will treasure for life. Faith and traditional culture have opened my eyes to the immensity and vast nature of my God and his plans for humanity. I am learning.

We visit most years when we take time out from our life in Brisbane. We find that taking the pilgrimage out to Santa Teresa is a sacred time that we are reminded of whom we truly are, and what life’s purpose is, for our family.

The Country is spectacular and I am in wonder and awe at our Maker when I visit the desert each time. God of the vast plains and rich earth speaks to me, and I learn about the power of the message of Jesus through these my people.

We recently visited in Naidoc Week and it was a special time."

- Roby Curtis