Our Stories

The beginning of 2020 was filled with excitement for the leaders and members of the Westgate Karen Baptist Community Church (WKBCC).  The church’s 20^th anniversary was coming up along with two weddings. The church anniversary was planned to be a large event held at a conference centre with over 500 expected to attend and speakers invited from overseas.

Despite having experienced a great deal of hardship, when the Bushfires hit our state (and beyond) just a few months ago, many of these churches gave generously to the BUV Bushfire Appeal.  We asked a couple of them to share with us why they were inspired to give so sacrificially.

During Refugee Week (Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June) we will share with you some inspiring stories from our refugee communities. Some of these families started their journeys supported by the BUV Refugee Airfare/ Car Assistance Loan Scheme (RAALS) and today, they are growing and flourishing as people of God with stories to tell.

Crossway LifeCare is a community services organisation passionate about helping people in tough places flourish. Although some of their services have been suspended due to COVID-19, LifeCare has found ways to fulfil its vision during this time.

Yes I just used hyperbole to grab your attention – but it is true.  We know some people have really struggled being “stuck” at home, and our campers kept expressing their frustration at missing out on camp.  It’s crazy just how much camping is a highlight of the year for many people from school kids, to church families and youth.  People need and rely on those incredible times of connection, community and encouragement.

Thanks to the generosity of our Baptist Family, we are supporting our pastors and volunteers with bushfire recovery efforts through COVID-19.

3 commitments towards a flourishing Church (even through a pandemic)

Views from the Manse celebrates all women and men who have tirelessly and prayerfully supported their spouses in pastoral ministry through the years and, in the present.

We’ve had a fantastic May Mission Month, highlighting and celebrating our cross-cultural workers as they join God’s mission throughout the world.  We’re especially grateful for your partnership and encouragement during these difficult weeks and months.

Today the disruption caused by COVID-19 has cast us all into a different world beyond many of the secure familiarities of life as we have known it. This presents challenges, opportunities and temptations for individuals, families, nations – and churches. As churches venture into this disrupted world, it is good for us to remember who we are – remaining true to our identity, beliefs and values as we seek to continue living faithfully and fruitfully with God – still being the Church in our new contexts. To encourage us in this, over coming weeks, members of the BUV’s Church Health & Capacity Building Team will offer short reflections on some biblical images of the Church.
Part 1: Remember Who You Are: The Church In An Unfamiliar World by Rev David Devine
Part 2: Remember Who You Are: God's Flock by Rev Mark Wilkinson
Part 3: Remember Who You Are: The Temple of God by Rev Marc Chan
Part 4: Remember Who You Are: Family of God by Rev Meewon Yang
Part 5: Remember Who You Are: God's Field by Christine Wanstall
Part 6: Remember Who You Are: Golden Lampstand by Peter Botross
Part 7: Remember Who You Are: Bride of Christ by Vicky Dyer