Doing something Extraordinary

We have done, and continue to do the extraordinary.

Our model of guidance, practical support and friendship looks daunting – but it is not.

The idea of meeting a foreign refugee household, who speak minimal English, also seems daunting – but it is not, however, doing the extraordinary is a journey. Like any journey, we prepared for the trip.

We met, we prayed, we did the training.

We completed the Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia guidance, and developed a group operating agreement.

We read the Settlement Guide Book.

We developed a budget and did some fundraising.

We shared meals with each other, which we would also come to do with our Refugee Households. We developed trust.

We did the work of theological reflection. We felt compelled to assist refugees, having all met refugees in a number in various settings over time. We reflected on what the bible says about serving others and showing Jesus' love. We wanted a strong foundation for what we see as an ongoing ministry.

We reached out to others who help us along the journey.

We signed Settlement Deeds and made contact with the matched household overseas – before they arrived.

This is a journey, which involves learning along the way, but the journey starts with being prepared.

We did not dot every ‘i’ or cross every ‘t’, but we did make the commitment to sponsor a Refugee Household – including the essential element of developing a friendship with people we were yet to meet.

We know we are not alone in this journey. There are other Community Support Groups doing what we are doing. We are keen to see other Community Support Groups develop.

We experienced many answers to prayer.

To sponsor a refugee household is to do something extraordinary – seemingly daunting, but it is not.