In Perth, we’ve been connecting with migrants from Iran, Nepal and Bhutan for a few years.
Some discovery groups have been postponed because of the new regulations about social isolation so we’re moving to on-line groups. Our plan is to use WhatsApp or Zoom, depending on how much data people have access to.
But right now there are more pressing needs for our friends, particularly our Nepali and Bhutanese friends. They have lost their casual jobs in hospitality and hotel cleaning so life is full of deep uncertainty.
To stand with these families some of our team are making daily contact to help them feel connected and to talk and pray with them about options for housing, food and health needs.
They need to register at Centrelink too, but the system is currently not able to deal with the demand, so we are considering help through food boxes provided by a local vegetable market who will deliver. Another option I am looking into today is how we can leave credit for these families at a local pharmacy where they shop.
Once we develop a new rhythm of ‘life in isolation,’ we’ll engage with Discovery Reading again.
Please pray for the team as we engage more and more people in need.
Jill Birt, WA