“As followers of Jesus we’re called to care for the vulnerable, displaced, forgotten – and I saw that (this) was a practical and powerful way to live that out.” – this is the conviction of the new refugee support group which began this year at NewHope Baptist Church.
The group is part of CRISP, or Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, a Federal Government-funded program where professionals work alongside volunteers to welcome refugees to Australia and help them set up a new life here. When they arrive, many refugees are contending with the effects of trauma and violence, have no possessions and know very little about Australian society.
“In Australia many of us live in such incredible privilege, and the contrast to these families that are fleeing their home, losing loved ones – the contrast is confronting,” said group member Liss Baldwin.
Another member, Queila Augusto, aims to offer refugees the care and community shown to her by NewHope when she first migrated to Australia – although she did not face the same struggles. “Listening to all the testimonies and the profiles from the families, our heart just breaks. It’s very hard to see that happening and not do anything.”
The group has completed training and is looking forward to coming alongside new Australians as they learn about the nuance, worldview, language and practical systems of their new country. In this way the group hopes to fulfil Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 25 to feed the hungry, invite the stranger in and care for the sick and imprisoned.
Several members of Kyneton Baptist Church were also involved in two CRISP groups. Both groups welcomed refugees from Guatemala City in 2023. Co-ordinator of one group, Allan Semmens, said each refugee situation was different.
One group welcomed a mother and two teenage daughters who are integrating well into Australian society. “They have been learning English and one of the daughters is now going to university here. We are so grateful that many people from our church and the local community were very generous in donating funds, food and furniture to both refugee families,” Allan said. We have nothing but praise for the program. We think the concept of government professionals and community volunteers working together is very good. Many of the refugees whom CRISP groups have helped thought it was great – they loved it. Professionals are constantly in contact with the group to provide support and be a sounding board for ideas and issues. Overall, it is a very positive experience.”
If you or your church has an interest in finding out more about this program, you are welcome to contact Lance Blythe at Newhope Baptist Church or Allan Semmens through Kyneton Baptist Church or find out more here https://refugeesponsorship.org.au/what-we-do/crisp/
CRISP involves around eight months of preparation and training, including around 10 meetings before refugees arrive. Setup involves fundraising, organising basic needs, and completing paperwork for things like Centrelink and health care on behalf of the newcomers. The aim is to support a family for a year, after which professional agencies can assist if needed. After 12 months the CRISP group can either disband or begin another cycle of accepting a new refugee family.