Indigenous suicide rates in the Kimberley seven times national average. Jesus is the answer.

May 26, 2017
Steve

In the natural, finding a way to fix the problems that lead to Indigenous suicide has proved to be a complicated issue, without a simple, sustainable, long-term solution.

Statistics tell a tale that is, sadly, all-too-familiar across the Top End of Australia. Rates of Indigenous suicide in the Kimberley region over the last ten years are seven times the national average.

While the national rate is about 12 people dying by suicide for every 100,000 people, rates in the Kimberley region were 74 people per 100,000. We also found the rate of suicidality (people talking about or threatening to suicide) among Indigenous populations in this region was about ten times that of the general population in Australia.

This ever-rising tide helps confirm that two worlds, with widely differing experiences of life (and death), are living in this country.

Elevated Indigenous suicide rates may be seen as perhaps the most poignant marker of the psychological and physical burden many in the Australian Indigenous population, especially in a rural and remote setting such as the Kimberley, face.

But tragic though these rates are, they are just the tip of the iceberg.

As we widen out our field of view, we encounter suicidal behaviours (such as self harm) at rates of ten times those experienced by the non-Indigenous population, Indigenous incarceration rates at 2,253 people in 100,000 compared to 146 in 100,000 in the non-Indigenous population, severe housing problems including overcrowding, more infectious disease, more chronic disease, and a lifespan that is ten years lower than the non-Indigenous population.

The situation the findings attest to is not unique to the Kimberley, or for that matter Australia.

As the world looks for solutions it is clear well-intentioned organisations and individuals have been searching for an answer for a very long time. But the answer cannot be found in the world. Jesus is the answer.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” [John 16.33].

In  May 2017, Instal-Life are on a mission, in partnership with GOD TV, Chariots of Fire Ministries and Kingdom Aviation, to spread the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian TV to more than 30 remote Indigenous communities across the Kimberley region.

Through Christian TV, people in remote Indigenous communities can be instantly connected to the transformative power of the Word of God, and we have seen many lives changed and transformed as a result. For example, one remote community in the Kimberley region, Mulan, had become known for its very high suicide rate. However, since Christian TV has been installed into this community for over 24 months now and there have been no reported incidents of suicide.

Jesus is the answer and Christian TV and radio is an effective way to share Jesus with people living in remote Indigenous communities. Without it they have limited access to church services, guest ministers and biblical teachings. The visual and audible nature of Christian TV breaks the barrier of illiteracy, which is a widespread obstacle to Bible reading and study in many remote Indigenous communities.

You have an opportunity to make an eternal impact by spreading the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who need it the most. You can support this mission with a one-off financial gift to reach these communities for Jesus.

We need your support, please give to Instal-Life Missions calling to “Donate” on (AUS) 1300 543 388 (NZ) 0800 543 388 or you can email us at: info@instal-life.com.au

You can also support these types of outreach initiatives by connecting to Christian TV & by remaining on the “Missions Plan” with Instal-Life, the Christian TV People.