Austin Church Offers Hope To Refugees

August 24, 2022223 views0

Austin Church Offers Hope To Refugees

2022-08-24T10:44:55+01:00

By Marie

The Hope of Life Baptist Church in Austin has reached out to new arrivals from refugee camps in Kenya.Paul Sebineza who helped plant the church in Austin and immigrated to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo said, “I understand the fears and frustration of coming to America and starting a new life. Once, I was in their place.”Sebineza serves alongside Pastor Dieudonne Ratabagaya at Hope of Life Baptist Church in Austin. As coordinator of church programs, his responsibilities include ministries geared toward children, youth, men and families, as well as camps.When Sebineza and Ratabagaya started Hope of Life Church in 2015, they began with six people. Today, the average attendance is 140.The church’s name, Hope of Life, explains its purpose and ministry, Sebineza said.“These refugees have lost everything, many have been in refugee and resettlement camps for five to 10 years. The church is helping them fit into the American culture. It is difficult.”The Hope of Life Baptist Church gives those who attend the opportunity to dance and sing familiar music and hear sermons in their native language. Ratabagaya often allows ordained men in the church to preach, which gives them experience in speaking and sermon preparation.In addition to helping new arrivals learn English and become more familiar with American food, customs, culture and recreation, the church also assists with transportation.“Imagine being in a large city like Austin, and not understanding the language,” Sebineza said. “What bus should I take to go to work? Which bus takes me home? This is only one example of the problems faced.”The church also helps resettled refugees find jobs as the city needs workers and the people can learn skills needed for labour, Sebineza noted. But completing applications and developing a resume can be daunting for a new arrival.In September, Ratabagaya and Sebineza will journey to Kenya to help plant a church and spread the gospel.Sebineza offers encouragement to refugees and often points to a favourite Bible verse, John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”ALSO READ Lambeth Conference A Success – Justin Welby