Reverend John Armstrong blesses the feet of Aimy Thorne and Michelle Gianisis.
Yeoval chaplain John Armstrong has prayed for some pretty interesting things in his time but he says the blessing of the feet for Aimy Thorne and fellow walker Michelle Gianisis was an inspiration.
“Would you believe I am doing this via a Bible app,” he he told the pair.
“It’s amazing how technology even gets to heaven.”
Reverend Armstrong said he would use the app to “pray as you go” and get ladies in his Baptist parish to pray every couple of days for the walkers.
“I am very proud of you,” he said.”
Ms Thorne, her mother Valerie Newall, and Michelle Gianisis are walking from Broken Hill from July 18 to August 4 on a journey of more than 800 kilometres to Wellington in support of rural and remote autism.
Ms Thorne, who has an autistic child herself, has become the ‘banner
ambassador’ for the disorder speaking with high
profile politicians about facilities in the central west for autism.
“My ambition is to get facilities in the central west, so parents from Lithgow to Broken Hill can travel to a central location for help with their children,” she said.
Ms Thorne is overwhelmedwith the support of the communities from Broken Hill to Wellington.
“The mayors, police, Roads and Maritime Service, Rotary, Lions, schools in every town have been wonderful, together with federal and state members of parliament involved in every
section of the journey,” she said.
“From Liberal opposition treasurer Joe Hockey, Mark Coulton, Andrew Gee, Kevin Humphries in the National Party to Matt Thistlewaite in the ALP and also the mayors, it is amazing.
“School children at every town will be coming out to join us for a meet and greet.
“Wilcannia’s school has been incredible, likewise Nyngan, Broken Hill, Narromine and Wellington.”
She said support from businesses in Broken Hill, Wellington, Dubbo, Molong and Orange has been overwhelming.
The 800km is daunting but the young mother of two and her fellow walkers are not deterred and have been working out at a local fitness centre in Wellington.
“I think they are going very well,” Brett Conn of Market Fitness said.
“I have put them a rigorous campaign and they are holding up well.”