Ten people from the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal, Queensland, Australia, located 71 kilometers south of Cooktown, became members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on September 3, 2023. The nine baptisms and one profession of faith were the result of ongoing ministry over the past six years, supported through Global Mission funds.
A highlight from the special ceremony was the testimony of baptismal candidate Dion Williams, who has a history of substance abuse and, before knowing Jesus, described himself as an “angry person.”
During the program, Williams shared a video of his “cardboard testimony.” Recorded at Mamarapha College, the video is a visual account where he used pieces of cardboard to highlight key moments from his life before and after finding Jesus.
Currently studying pastoral ministry at Mamarapha, Williams is also a full-time caretaker for his brother, who has a disability. Since getting to know Jesus, Williams has been a source of encouragement and support to those around him.
Pastor Eddie Hastie, Mareeba Adventist Church elder and former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries director for the Northern Australian Conference, said Williams’ journey is a “testament to the power of faith. His life has been transformed, and the community can clearly see the positive change that Jesus has brought into his life.”
Pastor Hastie further explained, “Dion’s cardboard testimony speaks volumes about his journey. It tells of his life before he found Jesus and the joy he now experiences in following God. His story serves as an inspiration to all who witness it, reminding us that faith can truly transform lives for the better.”
Wujal Wujal, located on the Bloomfield River, has a population of 280 residents and is known for its significant crocodile count.
The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.