From Small Seeds: A Christian School Blossoms in Brewarrina

When Pastor Isaac Gordon speaks about the journey of Brewarrina Christian College, it’s not with pride in his own efforts—but with awe at what God has done.

Key points:

“We give it to Him,” Isaac says simply. “This is God’s school. This is not our school.”

What began as a series of conversations and prayers more than a decade ago has grown into a vibrant place of learning, faith, and community for young people in a remote corner of New South Wales.

The story of Brewarrina Christian College is one of vision, partnership, and a deep belief that God is working in the hearts of children and families—even in the most unexpected places.

A long-held dream takes root

How does a busy pastor find both time and resources to build a school in the middle of outback NSW?

It starts with vision and the vision for a Christian school in Brewarrina first stirred in the hearts of Isaac and others during visits from Greenpoint Christian College in Gosford.

“We formed a partnership with that school,” Isaac recalls. “They brought students out twice a year, and I went down to their school and spoke a few times to the whole assembly.

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How does a busy pastor find both time and resources to build a school in the middle of outback NSW?

“Me and a bloke by the name of Andrew McGillivray talked about how we could have a Christian school in Brewarrina.”

Those early conversations planted a seed—but it would take faith, prayer, and the right people to see it flourish.

One day, a man named Philip Nash came to visit Isaac. “He said, ‘How would you like to open your Christian school in Brewarrina?’ I said, ‘Brother, if you could do that, it’d be incredible.’”

Philip met with the local community, stirred up excitement, and carried the vision forward. “Phil continued to push it and it happened,” Isaac says, with deep gratitude.

“We’re just blessed to be part of it.”

Faith and learning, side by side

Amber Erasmus, the principal at Brewarrina Christian College, enthusiastically speaks of the school and of her commitment to both education and ministry.

Under her leadership, the school currently serves students from kindergarten through to Year 10.

“Most of the kids get on a school bus at Brewarrina,” Amber explains.

“It’s about a 35–40 minute drive into school. We have breakfast together, we do devotions together—and they have lots of fun.”

“It’s about a 35–40 minute drive into school. We have breakfast together, we do devotions together—and they have lots of fun.”

Set on a 1200-acre property, the school offers more than classrooms and textbooks.

Students fish by the river, ride bicycles, and learn in orchards.

It’s a space where learning and life blend together in rich and meaningful ways.

Transformation You Can See

The impact of the school is visible not just in student grades, but in their character.

“Children have come here and have really changed and turned their lives around,” Isaac shares.

“Their parents can’t believe how far their children have come—just their attitude and the way they care for one another.”

For Isaac, who knows many of the students and their families personally, the transformation is deeply moving.

The impact of the school is visible not just in student grades, but in their character.

“To see the change, especially in the older ones, and see them with a real Godly attitude—it’s greater than what I thought it would be.”

That transformation isn’t confined to the school grounds.

It flows into community life, especially through the youth’s involvement in regional Christian conventions.

“To see our youth witness for Christ to people they didn’t even know—praying, singing, testifying off the back of a truck to a community—it brought tears to my eyes,” Isaac says.

A Ministry of Many Hands

The success of Brewarrina Christian College and the wider ministry is rooted in relationship with churches, individuals, and communities who share the vision.

“We’ve got good partnerships,” says Isaac, listing churches and organisations from across Sydney, Brisbane, Tamworth, and Moree.

Like Soul Revival at Kirrawee, One Family Church at Granville, multiple Scripture Union teams, and more! “They’re a big part of what we do.”

These partnerships shine most brightly during the conventions held in the region.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

“We were close to 300 people at the convention in Bree [Brewarrina]. We had 150 people at the church in Goodooga—usually there’s less than 50.

“People were parking on the main street, sitting on the back of their utes, taking photos.”

The atmosphere is one of unity and peace. “If Australia wants to see reconciliation, come and look at us,” Isaac says.

“We don’t talk about what colour we are or where we come from. We’re just all there together—brothers and sisters, serving God.”

A Place of Hope and Healing

In a world where trauma and division often make headlines, the story unfolding in Brewarrina offers a different vision—one of healing, family, and faith.

“This family we have is for eternity,” Isaac reflects. “We just gotta keep praising Him and doing the will we do.”

Amber agrees. The sense of calling and community shapes every part of school life. And it’s clear: this is not just a school—it’s a sanctuary.

Isaac puts it best: “God has just put the right people in the right place.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image: Photos supplied by Brewarrina Christian School and used with permission.