EXPLORER STURT… and the Christian Connection.

GOOD TO HAVE FRIENDS

Danger and possible death were constant companions. On one occasion Sturt was confronted by war-like Aboriginal warriors.

Fortunately some other Aborigines came by who had earlier met Sturt and they calmed the situation.

SEARCH FOR INLAND SEA

Sturt’s expedition was to determine and confirm if there was an “inland sea.”

Eventually he traced several of the Westward flowing rivers and established they merged into the Murray River and then into the sea. The mystery was solved and no “inland sea.”

TRAVELLING THE DARLING

Sturt spent time mapping the Macquarie River and he discovered another large river he named the Darling.

THIRD JOURNEY

On 10 August 1844 Sturt set out from Adelaide. The team headed north-west from Menindee on the Darling River. They travelled over 4800 kilometres into unknown territory, but when they reached the Simpson Desert 113 kilometres from the equator, they were forced to turn back.

DISCOVERIES

In his journals, Sturt had documented his great discoveries and numerous scientific observations. He wrote about his faith and how he took all his plans, difficulties and sorrows to God in prayer.

PEACEMAKER LEADER

Always recognising the providential care and intervention of God. He was known for his ability to inspire and maintain the loyalty of his men, even under the most adverse conditions, and for his conciliatory manner towards the Aboriginals.

RELYING ON GOD

Like many Australian explorers faced with a hostile environment, Sturt leaned hourly on God’s mercy. He slept with a Bible under his pillow, and when he had to throw away most of his possessions in the desert, he kept the Bible in preference to an oil lamp.

DOING WHAT HELPS ALL

Charles Sturt learned the secret of the Christian life – to always trust in God and to look at how he could promote the public good.

What about you?