We live on a continent filled with picturesque and diverse landscape.

All of it telling stories of ancient changes and modern impact. Much of our landscapes are dry and sunburnt country. In many places, landowners, rangers, and traditional owners work hard to care for their country, in many places bringing it back to life after years of neglect or misuse.

Dhiyaan, shepherded by Aunty Vicky and Uncle Billy Jangala WiIliams, is one community that is bringing to life a beautiful regeneration of country. Located on 40-acres in Dalby, Queensland the Dhiyaan community have spent 12 years beautifying a property called Bethel. This property operated as a children’s home from the 50’s until the 80’s, but sat dormant and in disrepair for years.

A beautiful part of this story is the regenerative practices that Aunty Vicky utilises on the property. Using permaculture techniques from ancient practice and modern science they are bringing life to dead soil, growing sustainable food and creating renewed habitat for birds and restored native plantings.

Dhiyaan is not just restoring place, but people as well. They integrate faith, culture and community, and have become a beautiful extended family. Making room through generous hospitality is a Christ-like feature of Dhiyaan as they live out the way of the Creator who is good, gracious and kind. A significant focus of their work is disadvantaged young people. With a particular focus under their True Fella ministry. Young people are invited into the rhythms of community life on short term experiences or sometimes long term commitment.

Flowing out of Dhiyaan’s beautifying work are wonderful stories of transformation and healing. Watching the Dhiyaan community and being included in as family, you can’t help but experience rest and restoration.

Dhiyaan are living as beautifiers on their country, with their people and pointing to the wonderful overflow of the Creator.

Give thanks for this thriving community. Pray for them and for all First Nations people seeking to bring restoration, healing and hope in complex spaces.

Restorer’s Prayer

Our God, renew us everyday.

Forgive us where we have failed to be good stewards and to be good neighbours. Give us the courage to think beyond our own lives; to live and consume responsibly so that our near and far neighbours can experience their full dignity,

Our God, renew our world.

Give us and our leaders the courage to think beyond our own economies; to seek genuine partnerships so that all people can experience the fullness of life, and that our planet is known to be the common home for all creation and future generations.

Amen

This is a modified version of a prayer published by Tearfund