Follow the Pacific Hwy up north, turn right on to the Oxley highway and turn left at the end. Straight ahead of you is Town beach where the water is a refreshing but bearable 20 degrees. The breakwall rocks that line the beach walkway (pictured above) are brightly painted time capsules bearing witness to the memories of hundreds of locals and tourists.
The tradition started in 1995 as an art competition attempting to mask unsightly graffiti and now you will struggle to find a free rock to paint over. The slogans and wishes of hundreds of amateur artists represent the culture of this city.
Life here is about experiencing the simple pleasures of surf and sun. You move here to retire. You move here away from the busyness of Sydney. You move here to enjoy life.
This is the context that ministry workers in Port Macquarie find themselves and it’s hard ground. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:30). But what does this mean for those who have turned resting into an art form? Who are not weighted down by the cares of the world? Perhaps God is not needed here at all?
On the breakwall there are two radically different messages sitting side by side. One a message of uncertainty, the other stating a profound gospel truth:
Here there are many sheep who do not know that
they need a shepherd.
Here there are many sheep who do not know that
there is a shepherd.