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Incredible Stories of Forgiveness from Memory Mountain

by | Fri, Apr 14 2023

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The launch of the Forgiveness Cross on Memory Mountain during Easter, 2023, was perfectly timed by God to fall on the 100th anniversary since four young indigenous evangelists first preached the Gospel at Memory Mountain. Their message of forgiveness to the Ikuntji community had a positive impact, and hundreds gave their life to Jesus and were baptised in the creek.

Memory Mountain is named in memory of the Gospel coming to the Ikuntji people in 1923, and has become sacred to many locals because of its Christian heritage. The foundation scripture for the establishment of the cross is Isaiah 61:1-3.

‘The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.’ Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV

As well as the cross itself being the focus of forgiveness, there were living examples present who shared their testimony of forgiveness. One of them was David ‘Jipurla’ Ison, who told his story to Vision’s CEO, Phil Edwards.

Another living example of the power of forgiveness was found in Indigenous Elder James Dargin, who travelled from Wollongong in NSW to be at the launch. In the video below, he shares his testimony of pain, suffering and the healing power of forgiveness that saved him from a life of misery.

In it, James shared a quote from Watchman Nee, a Chinese Christian evangelist, that had a huge impact on him. He said, ‘The biggest door we open up for Satan is unforgiveness.’

‘Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.’ (2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NKJV)

Pastor James joined eight Aboriginal guides and others from across Australia on top of Memory Mountain at dawn on Resurrection Sunday morning to pray and declare God’s blessing on this nation. He is one of three seen in the video below blowing the Shofars. (Footage courtesy of Chris Tangey).

The video below gives an overview of some of the events that occurred on this historic weekend.

Related articles:

Let There Be Light! Forgiveness Cross in Central Australia Dedicated

The Cross on Memory Mountain

Ray Martin Supports the Forgiveness Cross

The Impact of the Forgiveness Cross on Memory Mountain

The Cross Has Been Raised On Memory Mountain