Our Stories

It all started with a friendship—with a Syrian woman I met in Shepparton in December 2017. When I asked her how I could help her and other Syrians who recently arrived in Shepparton, she said they needed help practicing conversational English.

Events around the world over the past couple of weeks have brought back memories to many of us.  Some very good memories about how we treasure our heritage, our sense of belonging to a community that values taking care of each other and standing up for each other.  However, it has also brought back some very difficult and painful ones.

I was born in 1958 to a middle class family.  When I was 8 years old a series of incidences led me to start questioning the meaning of life…

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)