The Smith family, Presbyterian Minister Reverend Sam, Michelle and their five children Grace, Mikayla, Belinda, Elizabeth and James have been farewelled by the St Stephen’s congregation and friends as they set off for their new home near Ardlethan on Wednesday.

The family moved to Narrabri from Armidale four years ago.

“We are going to Ardlethan to manage a property for the Presbyterian Inland Mission,” said Rev. Smith.

“It’s a new ministry being developed as a training centre and ministry centre.

Rev and Michelle Smith will be the inaugural property managers on the 600 acre farm.

“We are looking forward to it but we are not looking forward to leaving Narrabri’” Rev Smith said.

“Life has been good here and the children have enjoyed it.

“The children will go to school in Ardlethan, about five kilometres away.”

The Presbyterian Inland Mission’s ‘New Dunesk’ at Ardlethan will be capturing some of the ‘flavour of its origins under the legendary Reverend John Flynn of

‘Flynn of the Inland’ fame’ said Rev. Smith.

“In fact Dr Flynn was based at the Dunesk Mission in Beltana, South Australia, and the new property will be called New Dunesk’” said Rev. Smith.

The Smiths will be engaged in their two great loves – gospel work and country life.

The New Dunesk property includes areas of arable land and a bush covered ridge that is ideal for four wheel driving and camping.

“There is an old piggery that will be set up to serve as our training facility, and there is a good family home,” said Rev Smith.

The plan is to lease out much of the arable land to generate an income, and use the rest of the property to pursue the vision of New Dunesk, which is to “establish a rural facility from which God’s people will be inspired, equipped and sent out for ministry to inland Australia”.

Members of the Narrabri St Stephen’s congregation have been saddened to say farewell to Rev Sam and Michelle Smith, but pleased for them to be moving into an exciting chapter of their lives with the development of New Dunesk.

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