May your faith flow through the rhythm of your life, woven into its very fabric and shaped by a sacred reverence. May you sense your connection to God as inseparable from who you are, as intrinsic as your own DNA. May your life itself be a living prayer.
It seems I was to be the designated chauffeur for the Mid North coast leg of Matt Frizzell and Rick Sarre’s recent journey. Between early morning ocean pool swims, almond lattes, abundant afternoon teas and laughter we talked in the car about our faith.
We travelled north following the successful WoW weekend, visiting Newcastle’s craft group, the Tiona Chapel, the Green Cathedral, Tuncurry church, Wingham church, Taree church, Community at 3 in Laurieton, an afternoon tea with Three Rivers Congregation at the home of Carol and Gilbert Potts in Kew and enjoyed a special visit with Pamela Thompson back in Forster before I dropped them off at Newcastle Airport to continue their travel to the Queensland leg of their journey.
All along the way we were greeted with warm welcomes, generous hospitality and smiles. It was a most uplifting trip and reminded me of how important it is to create opportunities like this to share and live our faith. We admired the new Tiona Chapel and I even had the time to check out the wonderful acoustics by playing my flute. Matt and John Rawson greeted each other fondly at Carol and Gilbert’s home having met before only over the internet. Tim Prescott showed us wonderful hospitality by catering for a community dinner one night in Tuncurry church and hosting Rick and Matt in his home. We made new acquaintances at Community at 3 and experienced their dedication to reach the vulnerable in Laurieton. Taree church and Three Rivers congregations hosted spectacular afternoon teas and Taree shared the project they will be running in their community with the help of Saints Care. Matt enjoyed singing along with Cameron’s wonderful accompaniment on the organ in Wingham church.
Some things I know about Matt Frizzell that I didn’t before. He has several tattoos (all inspiring), he doesn’t usually eat breakfast, he is used to swimming in cold water, he has a great tenor voice and you can ask him any theological question and you will get a well considered and cohesive answer.
At the end of our journey, I posed a lingering question to Matt about our connection to God. His response was simple yet profound: our bond with God is woven into the very fabric of our being, embedded within our DNA.
Best wishes to Matt and Rick on their continued journey this week in Victoria.
Anne Bonnefin
