At the end of the day all the stops were pulled out as we listened to 'God is our Strength and Refuge,' (the Dambusters tune). DP's song 'Don't back out on the Outback' was sung with great gusto by Clive Way, to the tune of 'Take me out to the Ballgame.' The Wurlitzer rythym drove the song along with great enthusiasm.'

Well-known Christian journalist, Donald Prout, wrote words for 'Don't Back Out on the Outback' that takes Les Nixon's Patrol motto as it's theme. Click HERE for the lyrics.

self amongst a cluster of 'stars' of Outback Patrol.' The art deco of the hall was adorned with massive twinkling starry lights and ribbons reaching up like a circus tent to the high colorful ceiling. It made him feel quite at home.

making it an alley rally.' He also talked of the numerous people outback who'd let their barriers down when he approached, heard the Gospel of Christ gladly, declared they'd always believed Christian faith was a practical thing, and considered the claims of Christ on it's merit for a change.' He follows them up by phone often.

cal nature of the Gospel shone through, and explained why the workers are so well received in difficult places. He told of his ministry entertaining the Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

during Christmas week; as he shared the Gospel there, as well as going into outback towns with the patrols.

The highlight for city friends was to finally meet some of those faithful pilots whom they have prayed for over many years ... Phil Lamb, Steve Ward, Jenny Avery, Lawrence Gillett, John Cross, Bill Smart and the patrol director, Les Nixon. David Maddock and Garry Thompson were called away, but they were mentioned with affection.

scores of remote and isolated towns, and of aviation fuel, around $2 to $3 per litre, a cost always difficult to bear.

They cover an area equivilant to most of western Europe. Bill quoted Psalm 8 as he described the pilots charting their way through the paths of the air or sea.

pilots and teams ready to carry on, an even expand this ministry.

Nixon spoke of the first pilots who evangelized the outback; The Revd. Len Daniels in 1929 (the world's first flying padre), Keith Langford in 1932, with John Flynn of the Flying Doctor fame, Vic Pederson of the Flying Salvationists, Shepherdson from Elcho Island,' and Es Morse with the Brethren Assemblies from Longreach (where Qantas Airlines began).

Flying With Early Sky Pilots in Australia, 1929. Click HERE.

Mr. Nixon challenged all with his closing words.' 'When Jesus winds up all the loose ends of time and calls the invisible church into eternity; that is to be the greatest flight of all.' God began it all by flinging the planets and stars into space, and keeping them in their orbits without a change,' but the greatest flight of all is the one when Jesus comes through the air for His Own.' Meanwhile, we are to 'occupy, till He come ....'

"It was a wonderful day", said Mrs. DP. 'And,'what a mighty day that will be, too!'

For further information contact:
Outback Patrol
Georges Hall, 2198 N.S.W.
Phone: 02 9727 2759
www.outbackpatrol.com.au
flyhin@outbackpatrol.com.au

Click HERE to see Barbie Prout's photo at Don Prout's Memorial story.

Photos by Ramon Willliams, Worldwide Photos.

Click HERE for Voices and Choices