Multiple Events | Mt Gambier SA

Monday: 15 December

A Day Overflowing with Love and Connection

Hearts United at LIME FM
What a gift this morning turned out to be! Kevin and Glenda made their way to the LIME FM studio, tucked lovingly within the Lutheran Church complex in Mt Gambier, where they were warmly welcomed by the delightful station manager Chris and his beautiful wife Donna.
From the moment we sat down together, it felt like being with dear old friends. We shared the treasured stories of Nevill and Greg’s remarkable journey, our voices full of emotion as we talked about how this adventure has been touching hearts everywhere we go. But here’s what surprised us most – we opened up about how profoundly this journey has been changing us too, drawing us closer to God and deepening our faith in the most unexpected ways.
Isn’t it amazing how one person’s story of faith can light a fire in someone else’s heart? And then that person passes the flame on to another, and another. This beautiful ripple effect – this is what the Gospel is truly all about. It’s the Good News that wraps around our hearts when we’re hurting, that lifts us up when we’re weary, all because Someone loved us so deeply that He gave everything so we could be forgiven, restored, and made whole again.
As we shared and listened to Chris and Donna’s hearts, we felt our own spirits being lifted and encouraged. When we joined hands and prayed together – for each other, for our families, for the ministries God has entrusted to each of us – there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. These sacred moments of connection are what make this journey so incredibly special.
Afterwards, we headed back to tackle the everyday tasks – washing and drying clothes, filling up the car with fuel, and lovingly washing and polishing every inch of Bubsie until she gleamed in the sunshine. Even these simple chores felt different today, like we were caring for her with extra tenderness, preparing her to bring joy to more precious souls.

Love in Action at Resthaven Aged Care
Our hearts were already full when we arrived at the Aged Care Home, but nothing could have prepared us for the outpouring of love we were about to experience! We carefully unloaded Bubsie and brought her right up to the door, and the response was immediate and heartwarming.
The staff and volunteers – bless their beautiful, caring hearts – jumped right in to help residents make their way outside. Some came in wheelchairs, some with walkers, some holding onto a friend’s arm, but every single face was beaming with curiosity and delight. We were surrounded by eager hands reaching for the Overlander books, and we felt such joy in sharing them! The staff gratefully accepted the QR cards so they could revisit the story again and again with the residents.
A sweet gentleman from the neighborhood came over, his eyes twinkling with pride as he showed us a photo of a car he’d lovingly restored himself. We could feel the passion and care he’d poured into his project – a kindred spirit indeed! His dear wife works at the home as a hairdresser, styling the residents’ hair with tender care. Meeting them both warmed our hearts.
The volunteers were absolutely wonderful – they knew each resident’s name, their stories, their preferences. You could see the genuine love and connection between them. This wasn’t just a job for these beautiful people; this was a ministry of love.
Then came a moment that gave us goosebumps! Tom came over, his face lit up with recognition, and told us he’d actually seen our car way up at Pardoo Station in Western Australia! Can you imagine? Thousands of kilometers away, and here we were, meeting again! He was thrilled to have his photo taken with Bubsie and to reconnect with Pastor Fabiano. These divine appointments never cease to amaze us – God’s fingerprints are all over this journey.
As we prepared to leave, the Lifestyle Activities Worker approached us, and we could see tears glistening in her eyes. Her voice thick with emotion, she thanked us from the bottom of her heart and pressed a box of chocolates into our hands. In that moment, we realized – this wasn’t just about a car or a story. This was about bringing hope, joy, and a spark of adventure.
We know that for days to come, the story of the little car that traveled all the way around Australia will echo through those halls. Residents will smile remembering their special afternoon, and perhaps in those smiles and memories, they’ll catch a glimpse of God’s love for them. What an absolute honor and privilege to be used in this way.

A Cozy Evening Wrapped in God’s Peace
As we made our way to the Library, we drove past the magnificent sink hole – the Cave Gardens are truly one of God’s masterpieces. The gardens were dressed in their evening beauty, though the gathering chill in the air meant fewer people were out and about.
The precious souls who stopped by were so special, and we treasured every single conversation. Each person matters, and sometimes the most meaningful connections happen in these intimate, unhurried encounters.
A lovely family paused while waiting to see Father Christmas in the Library, and the mother’s face softened as she shared something that touched us deeply. She told us how the Library creates a special Father Christmas experience just for children with special needs. Tears pricked our eyes at this – what a compassionate, inclusive community this is! These are the people who understand that every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas.
This gentle pace was exactly what we needed – it gave us unhurried time to sit with Pastor Fabiano, to really connect heart-to-heart, and to prayerfully plan tomorrow’s ministry together.
By six o’clock, as we packed up under the darkening sky, we could feel the temperature dropping considerably. The evening chill encouraged us to move a bit faster, but we were smiling, our hearts full.

Grateful Hearts After a Beautiful Day
What a beautifully full day God has blessed us with! From the sacred prayers at the radio station this morning, through the overflowing joy at the aged care home this afternoon, to the gorgeous Cave Gardens this evening – every single moment has been a gift from above.
As we settle in for the night, we’re wrapped in gratitude. Grateful for every hand we held, every smile we received, every story we shared, every tear that fell, every heart that was touched – including our own. This is what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Tomorrow brings new adventures, new faces, new opportunities to share God’s love. Our hearts are already anticipating the blessings to come.