Community Displays | Murwillumbah NSW
Sunday: 14 September
Ocean Shores Double Feature: Community Care and Coastal Adventures
Morning Prayer and Early Start
Our day began with team prayer at the caravan park gates before departing for Ocean Shores at 7 am. Starting each adventure with purpose and unity sets the tone for everything that follows.
God’s Wardrobe Setup and Staff Worship
Arriving at Ocean Shores, we parked in the church carpark and unloaded Bubsie as staff members arrived to prepare for the day. At 8:30 am, we joined Pastor Kolia Afagamasa and the team for staff worship – a meaningful way to begin serving the community together.
Early Birds and Quick Introductions
People were already lining up by 9 am! We distributed books to those waiting and Kevin delivered a quick five-minute story summary just before opening time, ensuring everyone understood the connection between Bubsie and community service.
Witnessing Community Care in Action
For two hours, we watched an incredible ministry unfold – families exchanging outgrown children’s clothing for larger sizes with simple gold coin donations. This practical approach to community support demonstrates how churches can meet real, immediate needs with dignity and care.
Special Moments with Expecting MothersThe most touching scenes involved expectant mothers just weeks from delivery receiving baby bundles filled with essential items for their new arrivals. Witnessing this church’s heart for families reminded us why community engagement matters so much.
Technical Improvements and Preparations
As the crowd tapered off around midday, our team used the quieter time productively – the men modified our bollards for better stability, hopefully improving future setups. Continuous improvement keeps operations running smoothly.
Lunch Break Before Coastal Adventure
After packing up and enjoying lunch, we prepared for our next destination: Byron Bay. Sometimes the best days combine meaningful community service with exciting new locations!
Sunday: 14 September
Byron Bay Accommodation Strategy
Upon arrival in Byron Bay, we quickly realized the church carpark wouldn’t accommodate all our vehicles for the night, so we pivoted to a local caravan park instead. The bonus? We secured a late checkout for tomorrow afternoon, allowing us to leave the vans connected to power while we handle town displays – smart logistics in action.
Reconnaissance and Email Catch-Up
After settling into our accommodation and catching up on emails and messages, we conducted a reconnaissance mission to tomorrow’s display location. Knowing exactly where to unload in the morning eliminates guesswork and saves valuable setup time.
Australia’s Most Easterly Photo Opportunity
The day’s highlight came at Byron Bay Lighthouse, where we captured stunning photos of Bubsie at Australia’s most easterly point. The setting sun painted everything with a golden glow from the west, creating picture-perfect shots that capture both the geographic significance and natural beauty of this iconic location.
A Fitting End to Community Service
Standing at the lighthouse with Bubsie, watching the sun set after a day of witnessing community care in action, provided the perfect conclusion to a day that beautifully balanced meaningful service with coastal adventure. Some moments just feel exactly right.
