The Victorian Conference has recognised two of our Groups as Companies this year.
This took place in July for the Victoria Adventist Wantok Group (pictured) comprising of Melanesian Adventist people from the Pacific Islands living, working and studying in Victoria.
The group was formed in 2006 as a bible study group to minister to fellow Melanesians in Victoria and has members mostly from PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, within the Melanesian region. Over the years it has grown from five families to about twenty, as more Melanesian migrants, residents and students came to Victoria.
Many Melanesians come to Melbourne and this company of believers has a target group which they can evangelise to and help smooth their cross cultural transition, and are determined to do that with God’s grace. The group thrives on its historical identity as ‘pidgin’ speaking Adventists from Melanesia. Wantok means ‘we are one’ and describes these people who share common, traditions and social values as well as their language.
During lockdown this year, the group used its online platform to conduct worship services and maintain spiritual enrichment of its members. It is working to grow its online presence.
These church members are determined to reach their wider community with plans to reach out to the 600 Melanesians they know of here in Victoria, with the love of Christ and the hope that belief in Him brings.
Back in May, the Conference saw the Zomi Group, which has been meeting since 2014, recognised as a company.
This congregation is committed to serving Zomi/Burmese migrants from Myanmar, helping with their physical, mental and spiritual needs. Most came to Australia themselves as refugees and are keen to learn English so they can take part in our Church mission in Australia. Their Women’s Ministry group raises money to help migrants and those in refugee camps in Malaysia and India. They also visit community members who are sick and needing encouragement and prayer.
The congregation was involved in a multi-denominational evangelistic program, reaching out to the whole Zomi community in 2018 and they are keen to do this again when possible. They hope for recognition as a church within two years.
Congratulations to these two communities of members. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow.