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The Creation Bus ministry
From rainforests to deserts, from mountain heights to coastal plains, through everything from blistering heat to blinding snow they have travelled over 200,000 kms across the length and breadth of Australia to minister to over 100,000 people. Peter has given over 1,500 creation talks during this time, making him perhaps the most experienced speaker that CMI has. Peter is a trained science teacher with a degree in biology, and is also a licensed builder; Cathy is both a Registered Nurse and an experienced secretary. You can see when and where the Creation Bus is due to tour next at Creation Bus events. What is the Creation Bus?
The bus, affectionately known as Myrtle (the turtle), is a completely renovated former South Australian public transport bus. It serves as a mobile home for Peter and Cathy while they are on the road, sometimes for months at a time. It has a bedroom, bathroom, a small lounge/kitchen area, and even a dedicated workstation for Peter and his computer. Large doors open out on the side of the bus, which reveals storage for CMI’s life-changing resources which are disseminated into the far reaches of this great ‘sunburnt country’. Covering such enormous distances and difficult terrain has brought its share of mishaps and potentially dangerous situations, too. Peter has lost count of the number of blown tyres and ‘middle of nowhere’ repairs he has dealt with over the years. The ongoing ministry of the Creation Bus, with its required maintenance and servicing, is only made possible through the generous support of donors. (If you would like to support the Creation Bus, and CMI ministry in general, you can support safely and securely online by clicking support.) Making a small impact in a country town
Such a noticeable vehicle has led Peter and Cathy into many conversations and witnessing opportunities, which is ideal in small country towns where they can invite people along to their meetings. (Peter says, ‘When I rock up to a school in the Bug, the kids will listen to anything I have to say because anybody who drives that thing has to be “cool”.’) No one can miss either the Bus or the Bug due to their unique matching ‘paint jobs’. Each has brightly coloured stripes down the sides, and the bus is also adorned with a picture of a dinosaur. Each of the colours of the stripes represents a day in the Creation week.
It’s hard not to notice when the Creation Bus rolls into town, particularly with its ‘DAYS 06’ number plate!
Making a huge impact in people’s livesDue to the nature of their ministry, Peter and Cathy have the opportunity to minister in situations that are vastly different to most CMI speakers. Not only do they get to preach in the local churches, but they often hold public meetings in town halls, community centres and schools. Peter has even spoken to school children via the ‘school of the air’. He remarks, ‘Many books have been sold at the meetings. One minister told us his church people never buy books. He couldn’t believe it when his church members bought hundreds of dollars worth of books after the meeting. We know that each book is a little missionary that continues to teach this vital message long after we have gone.’
You can experience this unique ministryPeter is a no-nonsense yet gifted communicator. His down-to-earth style makes him easily understood by people of all ages, helping them to grasp the foundational relevance of Genesis and creation to the gospel of Christ. Here’s some feedback from pastors. ‘Brilliant, simple, concise, believable and convincing.’ Or ‘Excellent material, Peter and Cathy are great ambassadors for the gospel and CMI … We appreciate the vital ministry.’ If you are interested in having the Creation Bus, or any visiting CMI ministry, it is as easy as contacting our ministry department. |
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CMI-Australia’s Creation Bus ministry has been one of the most remarkable and effective outreaches conducted by creation ministry anywhere in the world. For over fifteen years, husband and wife team Peter and Cathy Sparrow have ministered to regional, rural and outback Australian communities that might normally miss out on the type of ministry that the major centres take for granted.
As the large size of the bus makes it impractical to ‘pop down the road for a loaf of bread’, they also have a car which is towed behind the bus in a fully enclosed trailer/workshop. When they started the ministry they felt it would be wise to have a car which was striking yet practical and suitable for both on-road and off-road work. The Creation Bug fitted the bill beautifully and was able to be purchased at remarkably low cost. Basically a highly modified 1969 Volkswagen sedan, its Baja body styling and large tyres give it a ‘dune buggy’ appearance. Originally built for off-road racing, it has many ‘sports’ features and an 1800cc motor with full race cam, twin throat carburettor, Donaldson air cleaner and extractors. This striking ‘bug’ leaves an impression, both visual and audible, wherever it goes. 
You can read a fascinating report that was written to celebrate the first ten years of Creation Bus ministry. Go to 
Peter and Cathy have particularly noticed the profound difference that CMI's ‘one blood’ message has amongst aboriginal Australians. Peter says, ‘Sadly, so many aboriginal folk have accepted the lie of human evolution, still believing today the idea that they are somehow less evolved or more primitive than the rest of the population. I have seen tears resulting from the realization that we really are all one race, descended from Adam and Eve, and thus all related and all equally made in the image of God our Creator.’