When families from the Westgate Karen Baptist Community Church arrived in Australia, many carried only what they could fit in a bag. As refugees from Burma and the Thai-Burma border camps, they had to rebuild their lives from scratch.
Now, with help from a loan by Baptist Financial Services (BFS), their community has taken a major step toward a permanent home—a 51-acre former horse stud farm in Beremboke. The church had long searched for a space where its members, many from farming backgrounds, could reconnect with the land.
Church secretary Say Htoo Moero shared, “When we first applied for a loan, we thought it would be easy. But the process was more complex than we expected. BFS walked us through it, believed in our ability to repay, and offered us more than the banks. That made all the difference.”
The land will become a small farm and community garden, a place for elderly members to gather, grow food, and stay active. “It’s not just about food,” Say Htoo said. “It’s about purpose, dignity, and keeping our community strong.”
With around 250 adults and 60 children in Sunday school, the church envisions intergenerational connection, where youth learn from elders and grow in belonging. Though they continue worshipping at Westgate Baptist in Yarraville, the Beremboke property offers a future full of possibilities.
“As Christians, we put our faith and hope in God,” Say Htoo said. “This land is part of His plan, and in His time, we will see it flourish.”