A sense of conviction is a hallmark of many of Honi and John’s life choices together.

They often picked up travellers and sat down with them, listening to their stories and praying together with them before wishing them well on life’s journey.

However, a chance encounter with a man camped alone, who confided he had planned to murder his estranged wife later that night until he had met Honi and John, prompted them to “want to do more than talk and pray”, as Honi expressed it.

After living in Western Australia, working on Baptist Aboriginal missions and with Perth teenagers – during which time Honi studied occupational therapy – the couple visited Coffs Harbour, travelling across the Nullabor with John’s parents from Switzerland.

After only three days in town they learned of an isolated 53ha farm between Glenreagh and Red Rock, which “we just knew was it” and perfect for the rehabilitation centre they had long believed they were destined to build.

Without any funds, they were given a month to provide a deposit.

“The money came miraculously,” Honi said. “From people who didn’t know why, but just felt this was what they had to do.”

Honi’s experience as an occupational therapist convinced her that people needed meaningful work, rather than mere activities.

A working ethic, complete with standardised working hours and a busy routine is an essential feature of the Sherwood Cliffs centre.

Despite their success, addicts perceive Sherwood Cliffs among rehabilitation providers as “usually the bottom of the barrel, as a Christian community”, claimed John, who believes many addicts choose not to come for that reason.

“A key to success (from addiction) is having a personal faith and when they leave they don’t leave the program,” he said.

“They find a relationship with God and the relationship continues.”

Anyone is welcome to join John, Honi and the community of Sherwood Cliffs at the signposted property on Sherwood Creek Road at 6pm any Saturday. Bring your own meat and they’ll supply the rest. No alcohol, cigarettes or drugs permitted.

6 things you didn’t know about John and Honi Reifler

I am afraid of …. Not being organised (Honi); swimming out of my depth (John).

My most treasured possession is … my happy, secure childhood (Honi); my family (John).

When I was six, I wanted to be … Annie Oakley – a wild west cowgirl (Honi); a pilot (John).

I won’t eat … red meat (Honi); Vegemite (John).

In a film about my life, I’d like to be played by … Meryl Streep – but really I would love Magda Szubanski, however her body size and personality are not mine (Honi); Danny de Vito, although lots of people say I look like Cheech from Cheech & Chong (John).

Something not many people know about me … I spent three months in a girls’ maximum security jail – as an occupational therapist (Honi); born out of wedlock when it was not popular (John).