After morning worship on Sunday 10th January , Ian Campbell and I met with a group of Sudanese at 35A Alma Street, Chadstone. Even though this meeting was pre arranged and some of the group had visited Belmore Road we had no idea of what to expect. We walked into the lounge room and was enthusiastically met by 8 adults and about 13 kids. After some general introduction and discussion we were thrilled to learn this group were part of the Church of Christ brotherhood. They spoke of their baptism into Christ, their journey from a refugee camp in Ethiopia to Australia and their willingness to stay faithful to God. Impressed with their love, dedication and desire to serve our Father we continued to talk.

Reason was given to why they wanted to say together and meet as the “Sudanese Church of Christ, at Chadstone”. It was because of the language problem experienced by some in the group. A minor concern was the travelling.

The leaders in the church John , Daniel and Thomas presented three needs. How Belmore Road could help

• Provide the church with the Lord’s Supper (Cups, bread and wine)
• Help the church find a another place of worship within 6 months
• Someone at Belmore Road be available to help with any future questions (mentoring)

Two weeks later on the 24th January (Sunday) Roger Donnelly and I visited these brethren. We were met with the same enthusiasm, love for God and willingness to develop an ongoing relationship with Belmore Road. Belmore Road will be committed to meeting their requests.. Fellowship with Belmore will take place on our luncheon Sundays. Today you will have an opportunity to meet them. Belmore Road has invited them as our guest to attend camp on Sunday 7th March. Their presents will assist our multi cultural theme at camp.

In Galatians 2:9 Paul speaks of receiving from James, Cephas and John the right hand of fellowship. We look forward to the same fellowship with the Sudanese Church as we support and encourage their work, their love for the truth and their openness to us. This is an exciting moment in the life of Belmore Road as together we embrace the power of God.