St Stephen’s, Belrose has expanded its support for local and overseas missionary work to include a humanitarian ministry for refugees.

A refugee steering committee has been established which has directed St Stephen’s members to become active in new ministry activities. A Refugee Assistance and Interest free Loan Scheme (RAILS) has been set up to help refugees with an approved visa to obtain a loan to travel to and settle in Australia.

The scheme, which has been established under TEAR Australia, is working initially with the Sudanese community to sponsor refugees. Twenty have benefited from the scheme so far.

Other new ministries include sponsorship of refugees identified by the Anglican Refugee Support group. A reunion of a child separated from his mother during the war in Sierra Leone, and now a refugee in Australia, was successfully completed in June.

Sponsorships of other refugees and their families from Africa are now underway. A close relationship has also been established with the Ethiopian Evangelical church in Regents Park.
Last month the church held a ‘World Café’ evening to launch the RAILS scheme. Around 250 people attended, including a large contingent of Sudanese and Ethiopian citizens. About 150 people came from other churches and the wider community.