History (Cont)
The Boot of the Car!
The years 1993–1996 were foundational years for the new ministry. There was no "WellSpring Centre"—no building or focal point for the burgeoning work, but in spite of this a great deal happened.
Amongst
those involved from the beginning, this period is frequently referred
to as the time of "The boot of Jill's car".
The programs took place in many different venues and everything that was used had to be carried there—usually in the boot of Jill's car. But other car boots were also frequently commissioned for service especially Val Butler's, and Tess Veenker's.
Books, candles, art materials, icons, tape recorder, cassettes, bundles of material, Bibles, various art works, white board, flowers, communion chalice, plate, cloth and glasses, name tags, program notes, tea, coffee, milk, biscuits and whatever else was needed for a particular occasion was faithfully conveyed from place to place. It necessitated a great deal of carrying, packing and unpacking and packing again, and required a good deal of energy from those involved.
These years saw the beginning of the WellSpring program of silent retreats, quiet days, and spiritual direction as well as the establishment of the formation program for spiritual directors.
As the numbers coming increased, the Overseas Missionary Fellowship generously allowed Margaret Knight (who worked in the office) to take WellSpring bookings there. In the absence of an office of its own, and of a person regularly there to take phone calls, this provision was wonderful, and Margaret's efficiency and dedication gave a stability to the program which otherwise would have been lacking.
This period also saw the establishment of the Board. The first members were Ron Ham (Chairman,) Jill Manton (Director) Angie Carter (Secretary), Jack Dimond (Treasurer), Garry Stacey, Colin Hunter and Val Butler.
The Board worked hard on several foundational aspects of the ministry. The Constitution was drawn up with the generous help of Michael Jensen, a young solicitor interested in WellSpring. The Mission Statement was written, the logo designed, letterheads produced and membership established. The relationship of WellSpring to the Ashburton church was carefully defined in consultation between the diaconate, the church meeting and the Board. The first Annual General meeting was held and members welcomed.
Several people of great faith and generosity supported the new venture financially. In addition, the annual Assembly of the Baptist Union of Victoria, offered three years of "seeding" finance in a generous grant, thus affirming denominational support. A second grant was given at a later date. These gestures provided important encouragement and hope for those engaged in the fragile beginnings of this new ministry.
At the end of three years, several hundred people had been involved in the program in different ways and it began to look as if WellSpring might be viable. What next?
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