Australia is the smallest, flattest, and driest continent, yet it is known for its beautiful beaches, large Outback desert, and the Great Barrier Reef. Claimed by Great Britain as a penal colony in the 1700’s, it is now one of the wealthiest countries on earth. The nation also has many first world struggles, with some of the highest housing prices—and household debts—in the world. Over 60% of the population is obese, and almost 30% don’t practice any religion. Though materially wealthy and comfortable, many Australians need to experience the hope of Jesus.
Type of Government: Federal parliamentary democracy; Commonwealth realm
Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia
Religion: Australia is increasingly a story of religious diversity, with Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and Buddhism all increasingly common religious beliefs. Hinduism had the most significant growth between 2006 and 2016, driven by immigration from South Asia. Also, people who do not acknowledge any religion affiliation is growing rapidly.
Language: 70% of the population speak Australian English
Currency: Australian dollar
Different foods they eat: Vegemite is a staple in most Australian households; a savoury superstar, if you will.
Population: 24.13 Million
Cost of living: Australia is home to the 12th most expensive city to live in.
For example, the median property price in Melbourne is $1 million unless you are willing to live at least 25 miles away from the city.
Climate: Australia is called “The Land Down Under” because it is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are the opposite of ours, so Christmas is during the summer.
Fun Facts I’ve read:
1. Over 25% of Australians were born in another country. It’s one of the most multicultural countries in the world.
2. Some Aboriginal people believe that the camera takes a part of the soul with it. It is wise to ask before you snap a picture of them or their property.
3. If you’re on your own, sitting in the back seat of a taxi will make you seem stuck up.
4. Of the World’s most venomous snakes (26), 17 are found in Australia.
5. Three times more sheep than people live in Australia. I know that is hard to believe.
Prayer points:
1. Pray for divine direction and favor. Pray that we will have God’s heart for Australia and its people.
2. Pray for protection over my team while we are there. For all snakes, spiders and all deadly creatures to stay away from us.
3. Pray with me for hearts to be ready to receive the Lord. That we will be the light in the darkness. That people will see the joy and freedom in our lives and be drawn to ask about Christ. To show them that wealth and all the worldly desires are temporary fillers but the one thing they are looking for is God.
5. Pray for God ordained meetings / divine appointments with the people who cross our paths.
6. Pray for the missionaries we will be working with. That we can be a breath of fresh air to them, but also for God to align our team under the right leadership.
7. That I will be obedient to follow God’s leading and instruction. That I will increase in wisdom and understanding of God’s will for my life.
