NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING - 14th MAY, 2005

On this our National Day of Thanksgiving let us join together in praying for our nation and particularly for those involved in Education and Health Care who are the focus of our thanks this year.

This is a sacred land in the eyes of God, part of the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit - a diverse, unique and beautiful land of extremes. Because of these extremes both our Schools and our Medical services have a unique history.

As we honour our school principals and teachers on this National Day of Thanksgiving, let us remember that the first schools in this Nation were Christian Schools.

"The history of Australia's Day School movement is traced from its colonial beginnings to the year 1880, when Government education officially began. The Bible-based church related school of early colonial times was remarkably successful in meeting the academic and spiritual/moral needs of the younger generation of that day."

As we thank our nursing and medical staff in the Nation let us remember the unique history of our medical services in the bush. Rev John `Flynn of the Inland' "aimed to provide a mantle of safety to the people of the Australian Inland."

As a result of his vision, the Presbyterian Church founded the Australian Inland Mission in 1912 which created bush hospitals throughout the inland, the Pedal Radio was introduced, and in 1928 the Flying Doctor Service was begun which also hosted School of the Air.

Please pray thanking God:

• For the dedicated teachers and staff in all our schools and asking Him to increase the number and influence the Christian staff in our public school system. That through the chaplaincy movement religious instruction is again becoming dynamic in the schools of our Nation, and the "See you at the Pole" prayer event is growing and asking Him to protect these programmes and continue to grow them.
• For our unique School of the Air programme for isolated children in Australia, and the dedicated staff that teaches in this school. For the dedicated doctors and nurses, paramedics and health care workers in our hospitals, nursing homes, and community health services, and asking Him to bless them and the services they represent. For Care Flight, the Rescue Helicopter Service, the voluntary flying service for children, and the trained pilots, paramedics and doctors who man them.
  
• For the spirit of self sacrifice that has permeated this Nation from its early days, in order to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. - it is reflected in the ANZAC Spirit, the Spirit of the Light Horse and the recent Sea King disaster.
  
• For the spirit of generosity in this Nation toward those who suffer tragedy, as shown through the public's response to the Tsunami appeals and the Government's response.
  
• For the way that He has protected us as a Nation in the past and continues to protect us.
  
• For the way the Church is beginning to rise up within this Nation and the Christian voice is beginning to be heard.
  
• For the way we, as a Nation, are really starting to impact and bless our neighbours and move into the fullness of the destiny God has for us.
  

May God Bless Australia