My Time at Wesley Comes to an End
Christmas Day marked one of my final days as Superintendent of Wesley Mission after 27 years in the role. Despite the inevitable pains of knowing my time there was coming to a close at the end of the year, I will remember it as a wonderful day of giving and celebration.
For almost three decades we have always started that day, as a family, serving and feeding and conducting a service with Sydney’s homeless people. Then it was quick visits to our children’s homes, hospitals and Life Line, then playing Mother and Father as Beverley and I hosted a Christmas Dinner in Wesley Centre for those without families. It was late in the afternoon before we returned home for our own celebrations. Beverley and I, together with our children when they were unmarried, devoted our entire lives to the welfare and blessing of the people of Wesley Mission and of Sydney. Nothing else took precedence.
Today Beverley and I followed the same routine, presented our last Television program from Wesley Theatre with a packed congregation and lots of children and the Wesley Institute Choir. This was broadcast to the whole nation. Then it was back to our Greenwich unit to pack and leave for our own home at Tumbi Umbi with out work at Wesley finished at last. The work has grown by more than fifteen times what it was when we arrived, and we have today 4000 staff to help in the largest ministry in the nation. For me to be head of the Wesley team for so long has been a real joy and a privilege, and I want to thank all those who have contributed in some way to making the work of Wesley Mission a success.
Three and a half years ago, I said the end of 2005 would also mark the end of my time at Wesley. However it is not only the end of my 27 years at Wesley, but the end of 49 years of active ministry. My leaving is at the time of my choosing, at the height of our work, when we have more centres, more staff, and more money in the treasury than at any time in 194 years.
My other office at Parliament is just two streets away. There my staff and responsibilities await and my term continues until 2011. I pray God’s blessing on the continued work of Wesley Mission and Rev. Keith and Carol Garner as they assume their new roles.
Beverley and our children join with me in thanking all who are involved with Wesley and we wish you God’s richest blessing in the future. I have returned everything belonging to the Mission and finalized my accounts. We leave with good health and a clear conscience. We have been privileged people to serve at Wesley Mission, through the radio and television to speak to the nation and beyond, and to provide advice for the Prime Minister, the Premier, and for other office bearers of the State.
Our children grew up in this church and they too have called it “home”. On their behalf I thank everyone who has made a contribution to our lives. Good bye and God bless you all.
GORDON MOYES
