Flying Padre Service
Captains David & Jennie Shrimpton
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PO Box 43289
Casuarina NT 0811
Phone: (08) 8945 0176
Fax: (08) 8945 6796 - not to be used for direct marketing purposes
Mobile: 0428 342 974
Email:David.Shrimpton@aus.salvationarmy.org or Jennie.Shrimpton@aus.salvationarmy.org
The mission and purpose of the Outback Flying Service — better known as the "Flying Padre" — is to carry the Christian message to remote communities and isolated people who live on stations across the top end of Western Australia and Northern Territory.
Christian Education classes are held in many isolated community schools, with the aim to conduct classes once each term. Classes are also conducted for individual students on their stations at the request of parents.
Church services are often held on stations to celebrate Easter and Christmas, and at other times as requested.
The Flying Padre is often called upon to conduct funerals, memorial services, wedding ceremonies or child dedications.
"We visit a lot of cattle stations and those people are fairly remote," said Captain David Shrimpton, the Flying Padre. "We don't go with any agenda, we go as a friend to the people that are there and if they have some need, then we endeavour to meet that need in whatever way it might entail.
Assistance to families is provided in many ways including transportation, delivery of goods, as well as a listening ear and word of comfort or support.
"Often the conversation may come around to talking about spiritual matters, why God allows things to happen, why God doesn't allow things, and what the Bible says."
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2008 the Flying Padre:
- Piloted 'SVA' for 460 hours
- Made personal contact with 3200 people
- Assisted almost 1000 people with travel and material aid
- Held 34 Christian Education lessons with 540 young people
- Visited 370 NT & WA cattle stations and indigenous communities
- Conducted 2 School Holiday Programs, funded by an NT Community Benefit Fund Grant
