Australia: Diaspora on the Doorstep

Source: Lausanne, September 19, 2025

When people move to a new country, they face unknown new streets, languages, and loneliness. Yet in these vulnerable moments, God works powerfully. In Australia, everyday believers are reaching out to diaspora communities—like Elena supporting international students, Pastor Tay serving seafarers, and Amanda walking alongside migrants in Sydney—opening extraordinary doors for the gospel through ordinary acts of kindness.

Elena is a teacher by trade and has her own business, which she started 10 years ago. While working, she noticed the challenges international students face when they arrive in Australia. Most of them seek casual or part-time jobs, but the hurdles of documentation, resume writing, cover letters, and interview preparation often leave them discouraged and alone.

Seeing this, Elena had a vision in 2015 to help these students find their footing. She created four tailored programs and even secured a contract with the South Australian government to provide educational support for job seekers. Around 8,000 students have benefited from her work. Remarkably, 90% of these students came from countries where the gospel is restricted or Christians are a tiny minority.

Read the article. Each of the three stories it tells includes a short video.

For another story about the power of welcome, watch a video about the refugee ministry of Sugar Land Baptist Church outside of Houston, Texas (World Relief). 

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