Refugee mum finds renewed hope through Sydney gardening club
By Susan Akyeampong | Australia in Pacific Asia
Source: Juripozzi from Getty Images Signature
Kay, a refugee living in Australia, once lived a life consumed by depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medication and hospital visits offered little relief, and her children were taken away by the authorities. Freedom to Flourish, a Sydney ministry of SIM using counselling and creative activities to help refugees heal and find God's love, became her lifeline. Here, through their gardening, club Kay received unwavering support and began her remarkable journey back to wholeness.
Over four years, Kay faithfully dedicated herself to the programme, opening her heart to the love of those around her and to the love of God. The change this divine love brought into her life was nothing short of incredible.
Hospital visits stopped, medication lessened, and the flashbacks faded. And most wonderfully, God intervened in her personal life and she regained custody of her children, all while discovering how to love herself and rebuild her identity in Christ.
"Witnessing her growth has been beautiful," said Angela, a programme leader.
That's why Freedom to Flourish exists: to give hope to people just like Kay, all for the greater purpose of serving God.
PRAY:
• Pray for Kay and her children to continue their walk with Jesus.
• Pray for wisdom for the Freedom to Flourish team as they share God’s love to those attending the ministry.
• Pray that those who attend would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
Related stories
Today for Tomorrow is rooting the next generation in Christ across Southern Africa
Today for Tomorrow began with just five children when SIM mission worker Graham, Jessie and Chris Maphosa saw a gap in how children were being discipled. While serving in Zimbabwe, Chris and colleagues developed the T4T training programme to help pastors and teachers share Christ-centered lessons in ways children could understand. Today, the ministry has grown significantly and continues to shine across the region.
Our call to care for the planet goes beyond recycling: lessons on creation stewardship
As a child growing up in Canada, I thought recycling was the best way to help the planet. The world’s problems were much too big for us as children, but finally, there was something we could do as well, right from our home. But my understanding of all my efforts were turned on its head when I chatted with Ian Ratcliff, SIM's Ministry Point Person for Creation Stewardship and Care.
From Bible college student to Bible college Director
Joseph now trains pastors of the future, with help from one of his old teachers in West Africa. The joy and lasting value of Christian leadership training is epitomised by the long-term relationship between an SIM mission couple and a West African Bible college director.
