“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26–28
Defence Anglicans gives thanks to God for the ordination of Tamara Gill and Dr Tawk Kap as Deacons in the Anglican Church of Australia, marking the beginning of their ordained ministry as Anglican Chaplains serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
The ordination was held at the ANZAC Memorial Anglican Chapel of St Paul, Duntroon, on Saturday 25 July 2026. The service was led by the Right Reverend Grant Dibden, Bishop to the Australian Defence Force, with the sermon preached by the Right Reverend Dr Mark Short, Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia.
Different Journeys — One Calling
Although their paths have been very different, God has faithfully prepared both Tamara and Tawk for this unique ministry.
Tamara Gill
For the past ten years, Tamara has served as a Mental Health Chaplain with Anglicare, faithfully walking alongside people during seasons of vulnerability, crisis and transition. Her ministry has been marked by compassion, wisdom and a quiet confidence in the hope of Christ.
Together with her husband, the Reverend Dr Malcolm Gill, she has shared in parish ministry while also serving in Kairos prison ministry among women and contributing to the Human Research Ethics Committee at Concord Hospital.
Tamara’s ministry reflects a deep love for the Lord Jesus and a desire to care for people with integrity, humility and grace. She and Malcolm are blessed with three adult children and a growing family, and she is deeply thankful for God’s faithfulness in leading her into Defence chaplaincy.
Dr Tawk Kap
Tawk’s journey is a remarkable testimony to God’s sustaining grace.
Raised in a Christian family in Myanmar’s Chin State, he began sharing the gospel from an early age before studying theology in India. Returning to Myanmar, he established churches, a theological college, a medical clinic and an orphanage, bringing both practical care and the hope of Christ to communities in need.
In 2006 his ministry led to his wrongful imprisonment under Myanmar’s military regime. Sentenced to prison on false accusations, he endured harsh conditions while continuing to pray, trusting God and witness faithfully to fellow prisoners.
Following his release, Tawk and his family eventually found refuge in Australia, where they were granted humanitarian protection and later became Australian citizens.
Since then he has planted churches, served in parish ministry, founded Grace Community Church in Melbourne and now serves at All Saints Anglican Church, Mitcham.
As he begins ministry as an Australian Army Chaplain, Tawk sees this as both a privilege and an opportunity to serve the nation that welcomed his family and gave them a new beginning.
Serving Those Who Serve
Defence chaplaincy is a distinctive ministry.
Chaplains serve alongside the men and women of the Australian Defence Force wherever they are called—on bases, at sea, in the field, on operations and alongside families at home. They provide pastoral care, spiritual support and a compassionate presence, serving people from every background while reflecting the love of Christ through word and action.
The stories of Tamara and Tawk remind us that God prepares his servants in many different ways. One has spent years caring for people through mental health ministry. The other has experienced persecution, imprisonment and the gift of refuge. Yet both now share the same calling: to serve those who serve our nation.
As Defence Anglicans, we rejoice in God’s provision of these two faithful servants and pray that their ministries will be marked by wisdom, courage, compassion and steadfast faith.
May they always reflect the servant heart of Jesus Christ as they care for Defence members and their families across the Australian Defence Force.
A Prayer for Tamara and Tawk
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your servants, Tamara and Tawk, upon whom you have poured out your Holy Spirit. Thank you for calling them into ministry and for giving gifts to your Church to equip your people and build up the body of Christ through their service as deacons.
Bless and strengthen them as they minister to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and to their families. Grant them wisdom, courage and compassion, and may they faithfully reflect the servant heart of Christ in every place to which you call them.
We ask this in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
