By Jeremy Rensford, Shepparton Ministers’ Association chair
I LOVE travel – mainly because I really enjoy experiencing different cultures to my own. In my opinion, we have so much to learn from other cultures. I’m a regular visitor to Africa and am seen as “family” amongst my friends in Eastern Africa – and my life is the better from what I’ve learned from them.
Speaking of diverse cultures, I reflect on the church of Greater Shepparton – a place of great diversity! Not just ethnicity, but also age demographic, education, wealth levels, vocations, skillsets, ways of seeing things etc. etc. One of the last bastions of genuine community. A community that is a great leveller – no matter what our “status”, in the eyes of God we are all equal. A place where the beggar and the big boss can sit and worship next to each other as equals!
The book of Acts in the bible chronicles the remarkable growth of Christianity from a prevailing single culture (Jewish) at inception, exploding into a place of a plethora of cultures (from the near east). A true multicultural place for all people – just the way God wants it. A place for you and for me.
For more information on local churches go to www.sheppartonchurches.org.au
