The nuclear explosion at Chernobyl on the 26th April, 1986, was the worst man-made disaster in history. 50 tonnes of radiation were released into the atmosphere. It contaminated millions of acres of forests and farmlands, causing death and destruction.

The disaster provides insights into the devastating effects of sin. It also provides insights into sin’s cure and reminds us that one day soon, God will set things right and create a new paradise home for us.

Like most small towns and villages around Australia, Emmaville has its war memorial, complete with the names of those who volunteered from this area. But the name of Emmaville’s most remarkable son is not here, for by the time he enlisted, he had long moved away — Tom Richards.

Richards' grew up to be an athletic young man, and his speed, strength and intelligent play led to his selection in the Queensland team in 1905 as a breakaway. His light brown hair led to the nickname of ‘Rusty’, and over the next thirty-five years, Richards would become the only man to represent both Australia and the United Kingdom in Rugby Union, and eventually the trophy for Wallaby-British Lions contests would be named after him. He would win a gold medal at the 1908 Olympic Games in London, and then be awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry on the battlefields of France.