11th August 2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the beginnings of the CPRF. On 11th August 1983 about thirty people attended a gathering I held here and 5 people requested Baptism. In May 1984 my wife Valerie and I purchased a small underground home and moved from Adelaide to live and work in this remote opal mining town, and to minister to the small group.
Over the years we have had the privilege to preach the Gospel to residents of Coober Pedy, to tourists from many parts of the world (both nationally and internationally), to Baptise and see many Australian indigenous people receive the Holy Spirit, and to be a destination for members of various Revival Fellowships to come to for witnessing and 'R & R'. (To date we have seen 347 Baptisms).
As the township has such a small population (around 3500), it is impractical and unworkable to have a large single event or gathering to mark the passage of 25 years. We intend to set up a brochure for use during the next twelve months, highlighting the development of the town from primarily an opal mining outpost to encompass worldwide tourism. This will have on one side the dates of significant events (water, power, roads, hospital, etc.) and highlight the date of our beginnings. The reverse will be the Good News of the Gospel. Hopefully some of the residents will be interested to see that the continuance of our meetings and presence predates many things now taken for granted here.
We want to place on record our gratefulness for so much support over the years. Thanks to fellow Pastors for encouragement, thanks to so many saintly friends who have spent time with us to keep us going, thanks to visitors who have assisted with ministry allowing me to have the involvements I have been privileged to have in PNG, Bali and elsewhere, thanks to all brothers and sisters who have prayed for us.
A special thanks to my wife, children and grandchildren who have had to forgo much to allow all this to take place. May God bless you all abundantly. I believe that the harsh, remote conditions have provided a very special insight for us in life. (Attached are a few thoughts about the 'wilderness experience' which you may download here).
This has been an amazing adventure that we are happy to share with anyone if it can engender faith.
Keep on rejoicing and serving! Hebrews 6:10, Proverbs 25:25. Paul, whist imprisoned, wrote the wonderfully inspirational thoughts of Philippians 4:11-13.
God bless,
Deane
Deane Clee.
Coober Pedy SA
4th August 2008