HERO - The Fifty Dollar Face
Have you ever wondered about the story behind the faces on the Australian currency? One such face belongs to David Unaipon, who appears on the $50 note. David was an Aboriginal spokesperson and inventor, but also a man of faith.
David was the son of James and Nymbulda. David’s father was brought up living a traditional Aboriginal life, which included such things as initiation ceremonies and sometimes tribal fights. It was during a tribal fight that he lost the sight of one eye.
James’ life was dramatically changed when he was 26 years old. He became a follower of Jesus, was baptised and joined the Scottish Free Church. He was the first Christian convert in his tribe. A missionary taught James how to read and write using the Bible as the text book. Together they would visit Aboriginal camps and share with the people about Jesus.
At the age of 31, James married Nymbulda. Their wedding was the mission’s first Christian wedding. The couple went on to have nine children, David being their fourth child. When James died at the age of 72, only his wife and two sons were still alive.
David was extremely smart and started mission school when he was 7 years of age. There he learnt to read and write, using the Bible as the textbook, just as his father before him had done.
God blessed David with many gifts and talents. He wrote poetry and authored a number of books. For fifty years he travelled south-eastern Australia, combining this work with lectures and sermons in churches and cathedrals. He became the Aboriginal spokesperson to the government and institutions on many issues connected with the wellbeing of his people.
As well as being a spokesperson, David’s mind turned to inventions. By 1909, he had developed and patented a modified handpiece for shearing. In 1914 his repetition of predictions by others about the development of polarised light and helicopter flight were publicised, building his reputation as a ‘black genius’ and ‘Australia’s Leonardo da Vinci’.
He continued to preach until he was 87 years old. As he preached he would challenge his listeners to consider what God can do for those who are willing to follow Him. He would say to them, “Look at me and you will see what the Bible can do” – a transformed life.
Are you prepared to allow God to take control of your life?
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/unaipon-david-8898
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/unaipon-james-13227
This article was written by Graham McDonald
National Children's Advocate for Religious Education in Schools
Children of the World a Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia
www.children.org.au
