5Q4 > A Karalundi chaplain

Dietrich Stahl graduated from the theology course at Avondale College last year and is now the chaplain at Karalundi Aboriginal Education Centre, near Meekatharra, Western Australia. He says the worst part of his job is putting kids on detention but the best involves shiny beetles.

1 How did you become a chaplain? > Short answer: by following the Lord’s leading. Longer answer: by much prayer and, well, a calling. I am certain the Lord directed my life in becoming a chaplain at an Indigenous school—that’s why I am where I am.  

2 What’s life like as a chaplain—what does it
involve? > Life as a chaplain—I can’t answer that one but life as a chaplain at Karalundi on the other hand. . . A lot of time, a lot of prayer, more prayer and the rest is effort. In a nutshell, time with the kids and time with the staff. I help out in the boys dorm a bit, pray with the kids, teach Bible classes, talk with them about their issues and cry with them. Administratively, I deal with rosters for Sabbath school and church and organise small groups, outings for Sabbath afternoon and socials on Sabbath night, Friday and Sabbath vespers.
That’s all I can remember for now but there’s heaps more.
 

3 What’s there to do in a remote country area?
(How do you keep yourself entertained? Is it
lonely? What are the challenges?) > Lonely? Well the staff here are one big family, which is great. Plus some of the kids work hard to make sure you do not get a lot of alone-time! Out here, there is either nothing to do or everything to do. There is always something needing to be done but Sabbath afternoon activities where we all go bush are a great release.  

4 What’s the best part of the job? >When one of the kids offers to pray for me, or one of the little ones shows me a shiny beetle or draws me a picture (I know, I’m an old softie).

5 Are there any special things you have to do for Indigenous people when it comes to chaplaincy? > Well, I’d have to say the amount of abuse these kids deal with as “normal” is more pronounced and higher than some mainstream schools. But because Karalundi is a boarding school, we see the struggles they live with at home in a more “out there” way. “Alcohol syndrome” is an all-too-regular acquaintance of many of the kids here. On the positive side of things, it helps to get known among the communities and families of the kids. It is not all that similar to mainstream schools or mainstream chaplaincy but I think I will ever be learning. :)

Bonus: If you were an animal, what would you be?> A wild horse or a lion. But according to Facebook, a badger.