Nixons flew to Australia’s remote outbacks for decades to share their Christian faith

For more 55 years, Les and Martha Nixon have forsaken the comforts of home for several months each year to spread the message of Christian love to the harsh outback.

Martha and Les Nixon.

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FOR more 55 years, Les and Martha Nixon forsook the comforts of home for several months each year to spread the message of Christian love to the harsh outback.

The first trip began in 1961 from Bankstown Airport when the Georges Hall couple had what they said was, “ a divine calling from God to spread the message of Christianity”.

They established their Outback Patrol to reach out to remote communities across Australia.

The remarkable commitment to reaching out to the people in those remote areas continued faithfully — featuring at least 10 trips each year — until four years ago, when they officially retired from their roles of missionaries.

Les Nixon, 82, behind the controls of his plane.

“I still have the picture of the first light plane which took us from Bankstown Airport to the outback and it’s been an amazing journey for us,” Mr Nixon said.

“For more than 50 years we spoke about the word of God to many people, who lived Godless lives and also visited several schools on each visit.

“There was different reactions to our message with many zealous supporters and also some who were arrogant and didn’t like to hear the truth about the Gospel.

“We were verbally abused but not physically harmed.

“Around 90 per cent of people were met ere white and the thing about the Outback is that it is so immense, it is physically impossible to have a church on the ground.

“There is a very small population in this very large area.”

The Nixons had strong Christian roots before they embarked on their spiritual and physical journey to many parts of Australians most people may not have heard of.

The couple have three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of them now living overseas.

“Martha was a travelling Gospel singer and that’s how we met,” said Mr Nixon, who studied theology at the university after a stint as a cabinet maker.

“Martha was invited by the Anglican Church to undertake TV shows and also appear as a speaker, which she did for 30 years.”