Greetings from HMAS KUTTABUL

In particular, one shy and reticent young man “K,” is our most frequent visitor. Originally from the Victorian border, he has been in the Navy for four years as a steward, befriended by Marc (our Chief Commissioner) during his time in Sydney. Roni and I have since gotten to know “K” quite well during the last year. We were aware that he had some recent family distress which Marc had been helping him deal with. He seemed receptive and responsive to light spiritual discussion, whether alone or in a small group.

 

Talking with “K” (who is a private person) early this year, we found out that he had been suffering from insomnia for quite some time and had also been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and depression which would most likely affect his naval career. He had previously attended church with Marc, so he was open to our invitation to attend ours also. He enjoyed his visit and intimated after the second visit that he would like to continue coming. But, about two weeks later we lost contact with him. This, in itself, was not surprising as he sometimes had to perform duties or work functions at the Officers' Mess. Our attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. Then about five weeks later, we last saw him; he walked in all smiles. Sitting with Roni, he admitted to being hospitalised, treated for depression after trying to seriously injure himself. We gave him our contact details and asked him to call us if ever he needed help or just wanted to talk. “K” again began to regularly attend the centre and joined us in church a few more times. But again, he was admitted to hospital for the same condition, although this time for an adjustment of his medications. We visited once, but he was moved to another private hospital and was discharged before we could visit again. We visited him when we could (as did Commissioner Ken Matthews), who supplied him with the Anzac biscuits he loved. With his medication change, “K” was limited to working three days a week. He managed to bring up his own car from home, and drove himself to church. Three weeks later he was back in hospital.

 

Visiting him one Sunday afternoon, “K” again admitted to cutting his arms with a razor. Though he has never allowed us to pray for him when offered, he seemed comforted in the knowledge that there are people (us, the Church, EWS etc.) indirectly praying for him and his condition, and that Ken, Roni and I (Bob) would be there for him. Our last contact with “K” was by telephone, Friday the 2nd of December. He is now at home on indefinite leave until the Navy organises a medical discharge. At this point we are unsure whether we will see him again, although he may try to contact us when he returns to Sydney for his discharge. In light of this, Roni and I believe our mission here is quite valuable. Not all who come in need our immediate support and counsel, but all seem to appreciate our friendship. We may never know how deeply our words (spiritual and natural) affect those who have contact with us extensively or ever so briefly, but we do know that we are being used, in whatever capacity, by the Holy Spirit for His purpose. As proven, it is for people such as “K” that Everyman’s Welfare Service for the Defence Force exists, and we believe that we have been positioned by God for such a purpose. Thank you for your continued prayer. 

Rep’s Bob and Roni Palmer