In April 2025, a group of passionate young volunteers from Emmaus Christian College embarked on a transformative journey to the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, carrying with them a precious cargo: copies of Godaku Tjukurpa, the newly published Pitjantjatjara Illustrated Children’s Bible. This youth-led mission was more than a distribution trip — it was a living testament to intergenerational faith, cultural respect, and the relevance and value of God’s word.
A Vision Rooted in Relationship
Emmaus Christian College’s connection to the APY Lands spans decades, thanks to Aboriginal Studies teacher Neil Blenkinsop, who has led annual trips to Ernabella with Year 11 students for over 30 years. Neil’s deep ties to the community and friendship with the late Nami Kulyuru — an esteemed Pitjantjatjara Bible translator — played a pivotal role in bringing Godaku Tjukurpa to life. Inspired by Nami’s dream of a children’s Bible told through traditional Aṉangu paintings, Neil helped raise over $30,000 through a 1,400km bike ride from Adelaide to Ernabella, enabling the book’s publication and distribution.
When the launch of Godaku Tjukurpa was planned for Easter, Neil reached out to former students who had previously participated in the Year 11 Ernabella trip. Among those who responded were Evie and Neriah — two young women whose hearts had been deeply touched by their earlier experiences in the APY Lands.
Youth-Led Mission, Spirit-Led Moments
Evie’s journey began with her Year 11 trip, where she first encountered the warmth and hospitality of the Aṉangu community.
“I first became connected with Aṉangu through the Emmaus Christian College Year 11 lands trip and was so struck by the kindness and welcoming nature of the community,” she shared. “From that trip I then became very interested in learning about Aboriginal culture and continued my connection with Ernabella by returning as a helper on another Emmaus camp and now being part of the team who launched the children’s Bible over Easter.”
Her experience during the launch was filled with moments of spiritual depth and human connection. “Despite not understanding much language, I could sense the true worship and devotion to God through their songs and prayers,” Evie recalled. “One particular moment that stands out to me was a conversation I had with a lady at Yulara … she told me that that her son had been quite sick the year before and had spent some time in hospital … she said that through this time she felt Jesus with her helping her not to worry and that’s why she wanted to buy Godaku Tjukurpa — for her son to hear stories about Jesus too.”
Neriah’s Story: a Passion for Sharing God’s Word with the Aṉangu community
For Neriah, the invitation to join the launch was more than a reunion — it was a continuation of a calling. After graduating from Emmaus in 2022, she felt led to work alongside the Aṉangu community in a full-time position in Ernabella in 2024, a decision shaped by the long-standing relationship between her school and the APY Lands. Her return for the launch was a deeply personal and spiritual experience.
“I have since finished my position and had been praying for opportunities to further my relationship with Aṉangu on the APY Lands … After only being on the Lands previously for work, it was a privilege to bless the community through sharing God’s word and celebrating the hard work and dedication of the artists and translators that worked on the children’s Bible,” she said. “It brought me so much joy to reconnect with old friends … It was impactful to see Aṉangu’s faces light up with recognition that I had returned to celebrate Godaku Tjukurpa and that I shared in their excitement and appreciation for the launch.”
Neriah is passionate about Indigenous Bible engagement and sharing God’s word with the Anangu community.
“Bible Society’s Pitjantjatjara Translation project is something that I have followed since being in high school and was incredibly grateful to be a part of the [Godaku Tjukurpa] launch, particularly with Emmaus’ heavy involvement in its making.”
“It is so exciting that Aṉangu kids now have access to Bible stories not only in Pitjantjatjara but also alongside traditional paintings,” she said. “I have no doubt that Godaku Tjukurpa will be foundational in the faith and learning of Aṉangu kids across the APY Lands.”
“Whether they had the opportunity to visit the Lands in Year 11 or not, I would encourage Emmaus old scholars to make the trip up if they receive the opportunity, and experience the amazing ways that God is working in Central Australia.”
A Legacy of Faith and Learning
The creation of Godaku Tjukurpa was a four-year collaboration involving 28 Aṉangu artists and translators. Each painting tells a complete Bible story in the traditional Pitjantjatjara style — rich in symbolism, movement, and storytelling. This approach honours the oral traditions of the Aṉangu people, where stories are passed down through generations, often around the campfire.
“Pitjantjatjara people can tell a whole story on their canvas,” explained Dave Barnett, Bible Society Australia’s Bible engagement coordinator. “In contrast to English children’s Bibles that show only a single scene, these paintings represent the entirety of the story.”
The launch in Ernabella was a celebration of faith and culture, attended by hundreds of people. One of the most poignant moments was presenting a copy of the Bible to Nami’s son, honouring her legacy and lifelong commitment to sharing God’s word with her community.
Emmaus Christian College is now exploring the possibility of making this trip an annual tradition, continuing to support Indigenous communities with culturally meaningful Scripture resources. The impact of Godaku Tjukurpa is already being felt, planting seeds of faith in the hearts of Aṉangu children and honouring the vision of a woman who believed in the power of storytelling.
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