The WA Field Conference began with a few early arrivals to set up camp and make the campsite worthy of the spiritual weekend. Different members and friends had put a lot of effort into flowers, cooking, preparation of meetings and setting up and everything looked lovely when we all gathered to open the Sabbath and have the official opening of the conference. Br Ben Thiel gave the address entitled “The Divine Workman”. After looking at the blessings God wishes to pour on His people during camp meetings (our modern ‘Feast of Tabernacles’) and the spirit with which we should approach these meetings, we turned our focus on Philippians 2:13, “…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure”. We realised there are two master workmen on the earth, One lovingly working for our restoration, the other for our destruction. Both workmen have specialised tools and equipment; we need to recognise the tools and surrender to the Divine Workman who will use: “Afflictions, crosses, temptations, adversity and our varied trials…to refine us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner” AG 89. Let’s not complain, but thank Him when we feel His tools at work on us!
Br John Kraus, one of our welcome visitors from the eastern states, took Sabbath morning worship on the title of “Selecting Building Blocks”. We learned many valuable lessons as he drew our attention to Jesus and how He dealt with the woman of Samaria. One point that stood out from his worship was that we are our neighbour’s Bible and we show to the world our religion by the way that we live, how neat and tidy our gardens are, and how we carry out our day to day life.
The divine service was taken by the Union Representative, Br John Ciric, on the subject of “The Fire or the Grinding Wheel”. Here we learned that Christ takes us, rough stones, perhaps worthless-looking to the human eye, but He sees wonderful potential in you and me, and loves us so much He wants to include us in His building. The grinding, cutting process may be hard but the results are so wonderful that when Christ looks at us He can see His own image reflected.
Sabbath afternoon was spent in various activities along with items of praise to God following the subjects of “Spiritual Gifts”. We also had some time for spending in nature which was able to be enjoyed to its full extent as the surrounding bush gave a magnificent display of famous WA wildflowers. They were everywhere and it was such a blessing to be able to enjoy God’s handiwork with friends and family.
Closing of Sabbath, entitled “Now Just a Word for Jesus” was taken by Sr Naomi Thiel and Sr Linda Newman. This interactive meeting included two quizzes, one featured the lessons from the day and the other was a Bible quiz. We also shared items, as a few groups were called up to sing by surprise. In this way, close of Sabbath proved to be a memorable time.
Sabbath evening we enjoyed a further time of praise to God in the form of items, and went to bed, tired but thankful.
Sunday morning’s worship was entitled “Here am I, Send Me”. In summary these were the thoughts brought out—as Christ works on our character He wishes for us to become workmen for Him. Many characters in the Bible went through trying experiences yet were willing to work for God under varied circumstances. Are we willing to be sent—wherever God would have us be?
After breakfast, Br Southwell took the morning meeting on “Depend on Our Divine Advocate”. Here we realised Jesus is doing a special work for us right now. We need to lay all at His feet, and depend utterly on Him each step of the way in our experience.
After this we all broke up into groups to discuss various lines of work and education we may take, and looked at which trades and professions are especially needed to forward God’s cause on earth. The children also had an interesting time thinking what they wanted to be when they “grow up”, which school subjects are especially important in those professions, and discussed some of the job skills especially needed in God’s cause.
Br Jim Newman organised an interactive group study in the afternoon followed by an invigorating walk in nature along some marked trails, very fitting to the title of “This is My Father’s World”.
Sunday evening worship and close of camp were combined under the title, “More Precious than Gold”. We looked at the ways God works in our lives and the results He wants to achieve. Many bore testimony as to how God has worked in their lives, and the wonderful lessons we learned at the camp meeting. The WA conference was a real blessing to all who attended. We pray that we will continue to praise God as He polishes us to reflect His Character.

- Catherine and Ben Thiel