Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary in Australia

In 1979 the first sisters set out in faith from Germany to establish a branch in Australia. It would be the base for the sisterhood's ministry throughout the South Pacific, South East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In answer to prayer, God showed us that there would be a little church already standing at the place He had chosen. He then led us to a small farm south of Sydney at Theresa Park (near Camden).

The property had an old historic schoolhouse and schoolmaster's cottage (1882), and yes, it was adjoined by a church (1886)! In the meantime, the Lord enabled us to restore the old buildings, add accommodation and work facilities and develop a prayer garden similar to the one in Germany.

Mother Basilea gave our Australian branch the name "Canaan of God's Comfort". At a time when sin is flooding the world and countless numbers are falling away from God, it is our longing that Canaan would be a place where people not only experience God's comfort, but would come to know Him in a deeper way and be kindled to bring Him love, joy and comfort.

The little Australian Canaan has become a centre of worship and prayer, and a hive of activity. Through the literature ministry, speaking engagements, radio and TV programmes and the Canaan website, the message of God's love is going out into all the world. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and denominations come to visit Canaan of God's Comfort, to see what God has done and to participate in the prayer services, working bees and fellowship days. How we pray that Canaan may be a place of reconciliation and renewal.

At present we are twelve sisters from seven different nations, and a large family of day helpers and residential volunteers. Young people from all over the world come to be part of our discipleship training programme, staying from three months to a year and helping out in the everyday activities of the community while deepening their spiritual life.

Canaan is God's land, and it is our prayer that here many will have a glimpse into the heart of God, having experienced for themselves the reality of His love and forgiveness, which brings true happiness and joy.