History of ESA
On 22 July 1883, ESA was brought together “to declare the Good News of Jesus Christ to all Australians” (New Life, October 6th 1983)
In 1888, ESA ran a 6-month mission to Melbourne, country Victoria, NSW and SA. At least 100,000 people heard the Gospel and secular newspapers reported that thousands of lives were radically changed.
Back then, ESA was sending and supporting workers in Country areas to share the Gospel ‘simply and clearly’.
“Staff workers enthusiastically travelled to factories, beaches, isolated country homes, timber mills, shearing sheds, hop gardens, hospitals, country markets.” (New Life, October 6th 1983).
And ESA ran camps!
“E.S.A. was amongst the earliest pioneers in Youth and Family Camping. These camps matured and encouraged isolated country Christians and their friends. Leadership skills were developed and many thousands of Australians came to know Jesus as their FRIEND and Saviour” (New Life, October 6th 1983).
Those who attended our camps ‘often returned to their isolated communities stronger and more confident, equipped for effective service in their local communities, churches and homes’.
A lot has changed in 140 years, but what makes ESA’s heart beat fast has not changed! Let’s praise God for His kindness and faithfulness to ESA over all these years. And pray for another 140 years (and more) of faithful, fruitful and innovative Gospel ministry – so that hundreds of thousands will hear the Gospel and know the radical change that the Gospel brings!