Packs reflect biblical mandate to care for refugees
Packs reflect biblical mandate to care for refugees
2 November 2016
The Maroochydore Corps was one of the many Queensland corps who made up welcome packs for refugees.
Bringing hope and encouragement to refugees and asylum seekers has been the focus of the Queensland Divisional Women’s Ministries project this year.
Women (and men!) in corps around the division raised funds and put together “resettlement packs” – including basic household appliances, linen and a mobile phone – to distribute to refugees settling into their local communities who came through their Connect sites.
Officially called the Leviticus 19:34 project, the packs reflect the biblical mandate Christians have to care for displaced people and refugees, as outlined in Leviticus 19:33-34.
“Since there is a growing concern in the community for a compassionate response to the asylum seeker and refugee issue, it was timely to involve the women from corps around the division in a project where practical support could be given,” said Lieutenant Leisa Humbley, Divisional Salvos Women Coordinator. “The practical support is a way to bless people with goods, and is in addition to the financial support we give the territorial women’s projects.”
Additional packs were distributed in the Brisbane area to Soundpoint – The Salvation Army and Sony Foundation Youth and Community Centre; The Salvos Life Community Church; and the Bundamba Corps. Captains Ben and Emma Johnson, Bundamba Corps Officers, operate programs to support refugees and asylum seekers in the area, including English classes, a social enterprise plant nursery, sports teams and general assistance.
“One of the packs went to a refugee family who had just received permanent residency but who lost everything in a house fire,” said Captain Emma. “We were able to give them a pack with the brand new appliances and fluffy towels, which was just so good to have on hand for them. It helps meets the needs which we knew were out there when we started this project. This resettlement packs project allows the corps people to invest in their local community and what is happening within their corps, and helps retain some of the joy and fulfilment in ministry as a Connect site.”
The mobile phones in the packs are especially appreciated by refugee mothers who are often at home with large families while their husbands are at work. It gives them contact with and support from the outside world.
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