by Stuart P Robinson

St Mark's, Picton may not have all the creature comforts but believers are thirsty for growth.

Alan Wood grew up in what he describes as a "happy heathen family" in western Sydney. With modest exposure to the gospel as a child, Alan went on to study at the University of Wollongong. At the time, Alan considered himself to be somewhat unlovely.  A close friend drew him to one side and clearly explained the gospel. Alan immediately gave his life to Christ on a wharf in Port Kembla harbour.

Years later, Alan discovered that his grandmother had been praying daily for his salvation. Alan and his wife Helen serve at St Mark's, Picton.

SPR: Why full-time ministry, Alan?

AW: Well, we initially set up home on the South Coast and attended St Luke's, Warilla. Canon Rudolph Dillon encouraged me to preach. We later moved to Nowra where I completed some basic theological training and became a Diocesan Lay Reader. There were lots of opportunities for ministry; the parish had 14 outlying centres! It was in that period that we sensed a call to Africa.

SPR: Did you go?

AW: We did. In 1981 we went to Nigeria with the Sudan United Mission. When we returned to Australia I was appointed assistant minister at St Stephen's, Bomaderry in 1993.

SPR: My image of Picton is one of rural serenity.

AW: Picton is situated in a valley that is discreet from surrounding villages. Thirty years ago we were by-passed by the Hume Highway and the town came to life. It has become a destination for tourists interested in beautiful and historic buildings and for bikers who frequent the pub that brews its own beer. The population is around 4,000. Recent census data suggests that 30 per cent of residents are under 25 years old.

SPR: Your vision for the ministry?

AW: Well, I'm excited, Stuart. There are early signs of growth in the church " even though we have very poor facilities. Our building has no internal plumbing (read: no tap). Sunday School is held under the trees and creche takes place in a corner of the transept. That said, the vision is for church planting. We want to establish parallel congregations for families on other sites.
SPR:  Given your unique context, what missional initiatives have been effective in Picton?

AW: Some that come to mind are:

* Bush dances
*A series of Saturday "Family Fun' nights
* "How to drug-proof your kids' programs
* Door to door distribution of the Jesus videos
* Morning teas for Senior's Week
* A Mayoral breakfast
* Regular letterbox drops
* Editorial space in the local paper
* "Happy hour' with the Bishop (in the local pub)

SPR: Greatest joy in ministry so far?

AW: No single event other than the continual process of leading people to faith in Jesus and helping them mature in Christ. On reflection, seeing my daughters come into the Kingdom is my greatest joy to date.

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