Our Kachin brothers and sisters are facing hardship in Kachin land as the armed clashes intensify. Let's join with our Kachin Baptist churches here in praying for those facing persecution in their homeland.

On June 9, 2011, The Burmese Army broke a 17 year ceasefire agreement between the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) / Kachin Independence Army (KIA) by attacking KIA’s post in Taping Hka, Bhamo, Kachin State.

Since then, the Burmese Army has been conducting military campaigns against the KIA and Kachin people in Kachin regions, which has, and continues to result in the death and displacement of  thousands of civilians, and grave human right violations.

Over 120,000 Kachins are currently displaced and living in around 167 Refugee Camps across Kachin and northern Shan States.

In early April 2018, Myanmar ( The Burmese Army) has escalated the offensive action against  the Kachin Army (KIA). The new clashes have displaced over 5,000 more Kachin people, and of these more than 2,200 are trapped in the jungle held by the government troops.

The most vulnerable civilians trapped in the conflicts include pregnant women, newborns, children, wounded persons, elderly and those with health conditions.

NGOs and aids organisations cannot provide humanitarian support as the government is restricting access to the areas where people are in such desperate need.

We have a number of Kachin Baptist Churches who are part of our BUV. It is beholden on all of us, not only to be praying for them and their family, friends and others in their home country, trapped in such dire circumstances, but to become more educated about what is happening in this part of the world

Some news and other useful links can be found here:

As the Rohingya crisis unfolds, thousands of Christian minorities are also being displaced in Myanmar.

Myanmar Army killing Christians in Kachin

Myanmar bishops call for peace and justice in war torn Kachin state

U.N. Myanmar rights envoy calls for halt to violence in Kachin state

'What Future Do We Have?' Caught in the Crossfire of Myanmar's Northern Conflict, Civilians See Little Hope

In the middle of January his year, as part of a discussion about how to use for mission, the musical talents and gifts of church members, the Melbourne Bangjoo Church Leaders had the idea of conducting a praise school.

Since February, Byungsuk Lee has undertaken general planning, and been in charge of the proceedings and publicity to prepare the praise school. In March, he was able to promote the school of praise through various routes. 

The Praise School was aimed at children who had no experience of faith, or those who had been brought up in Christian families but were not living in faith. The intent was to make it possible for the children who participated to meet God naturally through praise and music.

The children participated in one of four Praise School programs:

Praise and dance Class for Prep

Rhythm Class for grade 1 ~ 3

Band Class for Grade 4 ~ 5

Choir Class for all children combined

Byungsuk Lee shared his excitement that he couldn't believe they could do so much in such a short time, '' but God was finally praised through the lips of the children. Hallelujah!"

The Evolving Face of BUV Multicultural Ministry

I have worked at the BUV in various roles in the area of Multicultural Ministry for nearly two decades. Initially the focus of my role was on the 1^st Generation, newly arrived and refugees and asylum seekers – visiting many churches and pastors. I visited many families with young children and those just starting to have babies. We were very busy supporting those churches, especially the first generation in helping them adjust and live in a new culture.

And now 20 years later, these babies are now our emerging young leaders! I have been gifted by facilitating the Ignite Conferences the last three years, and seeing these leaders step up and grow.

The 1^st Gen has no idea, including myself, how to lead them because the journey is different for these 2^nd Gen young leaders. But I realised that I don’t need to ‘’lead” them, I just need to support and give them ministry opportunities.

<insert ignite highlights video here>

During this Ignite17 Conference, I was delighted to see young people take more ownership, display their capabilities, their creativity and show new ideas and initiative. I was encouraged to see how much they are wrestling with what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and also their cultural identity. We can see the 2^nd Gen carrying our present and future. I have great faith in them.

Parking at BUV Office

Parking has changed at our BUV office. Please see the map below where street parking of various time limits is available.

Orange: No restrictions
Blue: 2 hour parking
Purple: 4 hour parking
Green: 1 hour parking (excluding various times – check signage)

• Please check all council parking signage and adhere to it. This map is a guide to assist you in finding parking and is not intended to be fully comprehensive in all instances. The Baptist Union of Victoria does not accept any liability whatsoever for the content, for any errors or omissions contained therein, or for any infringement you may incur.