I am writing this on the train leaving Altenkirchen for London as I prepare for a few weeks break travelling around a part of Europe with some of my family. My mind is filled with all the 'stuff' of organising and conducting an international conference in, what is for me, a foreign land; the food is different, the language is different and the culture is different. And, for an Australian from the outback, the scenery is definitely different. But, yet, though we had gathered as many different peoples from different parts of the world, we gathered as one in both our faith in Jesus Christ and in our commitment to the rural people we serve. And in this all differences disappear as we discerned the commonality of our faith and humanity.

As we heard the stories of each others struggles and joys, we found, within our own stories, a connection with each other. Whether they were stories of the difficulties of working within city-based church structures or walking the path of despair with farmers who have fallen victim to the effects of climate change or economic downturn, we remain hopeful in the One who has called each of us to serve Him by serving those around us. But, it is not all gloom. There remains within the international rural community signs of hope and new life that speak of God's Spirit brooding over the land. Stories also inspire us to seek out the good and to spy the shoots of new life around us.

The 2010 International Rural Churches Association's conference has seen the coming together of years of gathering and seeking the mind of God as we continue on our journey together. Altenkirchen saw the passing of IRCA's Constitution and the passing of a Resolution addressing our concerns over the injustice surrounding the food industry, especially in terms of the effects this has on individual farmers, the communities that support them and, ultimately, the societies in which we live. The ongoing demands of international corporations to satisfy the needs of shareholders, corruption ingrained in governmental systems and a narrowed belief that science will continue to find solutions to the increasing demand for food, brings to focus the real need for organisations such as IRCA to be a voice to the voiceless people, the ones at the bottom of the, excuse the pun, food chain.

I thank those who gathered in Altenkirchen for affirming the work that I have done personally over the past three years as Secretary and pray that with Rev Catherine Christie as Chairperson, Mr Kevin Harper as Treasurer, and those who make up the leadership team, we can continue to promote shared understanding and to bring IRCA to the notice of international organisations and governmental agencies in order to ensure that the voice of the voiceless is not drowned out by the policies of greed, ignorance and expedience.

I also so wish to acknowledge the commitment that our past chairpersons, particularly Lothar Schullerus and Robyn McPhail, along with our past Treasurer, Dave Ruesink, have had to the vision of IRCA. Robyn brought her passion for authentic and grounded rural liturgy and imagery which has helped us form our theological concepts of what IRCA means, not only in how we interact corporately with God, but also how we find expression for our heart's yearning for the incoming of God's Kingdom of justice. Lothar has brought his many years of experience and commitment to the inclusion of the Eastern European Churches who struggle to rebuild their lives amidst the constant reminder of savage history. He has helped us in understanding European cultural practices and was a strong leader in ensuring that Altenkirchen was such a success. And Dave has been a wise sage. When Dave spoke at meetings, the words were often to the point and filled with great wisdom. We also thank Dave for the care and work he has put into negotiated the minefield of conference finances and being a rock in the midst of turmoil.

Finally, to the staff at the Evangelische Landjugendakademie, particularly Dieter Sonnentag and Anja Ersfeld who have tirelessly supported us in the process and brought immense experience in bringing the conference together. Also, a special thank you to Renate Schade who looked after us in “the house” by providing wonderful accommodation and meals that included international items that ensured we were all well fed and satisfied.
I look forward to communicating with all of you over the next four years as we dream together of where we will gather in 2014 and what might be our stories we share at that time. Once again, I pray for God's rich blessings upon the work that we do, upon the communities we serve, our families who support us and the land from which we all gain life.

In the name of Jesus, our Lord
Rev Garry Hardingham
Secretary IRCA 26/9/2010