Great News

There has been some change in the status of the Bridging Visa E for Etienne, Adolphe, Papy and Martinse.

I will do my best to give you as much information as I can as I haven't had the opportunity to be present in the immediate conversations and immigration won't share a whole lot of information with me over the phone. However I have had some great conversations with Etienne and Adolphe about this and immigration did confirm this much. You ready for it...?

Etienne, Adolphe and Papy have been granted the right to study! Martinse wasn't interested in applying to study but I'll let you know where he's at in a minute.

This might not sound all that exciting but it is a huge move on immigrations behalf to allow them this right. They are applying for study in various courses at the Melbourne capmus of RMIT. RMIT are now offering full scholarships to successful applicants who are asylum seekers on brigding visa E. Vox Congo found out about this when they bumped into some people form the university at the Asylum Seeker Independance Day gig. Gig's for Vox Congo pay off in many ways. Opportunity for study is helpful in so many ways, it creates opportunities to learn a skill and will be more assured of ongoing employment if allowed to stay in the country. This is favorable for the process of immirgation.

In case you are unaware I officiated over the marriages of Papy to Aussie wife Rebekkah and Maritnse to Aussie wife Carmen in recent years. Martinse and Papy have recently applied to immigration for Spouse visas. Applications have been received and we are awaiting a response.

There is lots of hope and good news here and the 4 guys are in good heart. So now I bet you want to know what you can do to help.

You can pray. Please pray for the guys that they will be confident in undertaking tertiory studies. Pray for the processing of spouse visas for Martinse and Papy (Both now have baby daughters). Pray that the ministers office for immigration will be moved with compassion to change their response to these 4 and grant them asylum in Australia. Please don't underestimate the power of prayer for this situation, the 4 guys believe deeply that this will make a difference and that God will hear these prayers and be faithful in response. Their faith has undergone trials but has not wavered one bit. Their testimony in this difficult time continues to amaze me as they testify to the wonders, faithfulness and grace of God over their last 5 years of fleeing their country and seeking asylum in Australia. Prais God for what is happening.

I know you all want to do more and I'm working on that. Some people in the system are a bit cagey about releasing information as to how we can practically help. I remind people to please not write to the minister for immigration. This may cause the guys to lose work and study rights as their case becomes active again for processing as your letter is considered. However you can visit, email or call your federal MP and help influence policy on asylum seekers. Believe me the more people lobby politicians on issues the more likely they are to change policy. Never believe you can't make a difference, you can! Please remember to be polite yet honest in speaking with your MP.

I will let you know if letters and petitions are going to be necessary or helpful and will explain that process if we come to it.

I'll try my best to keep in touch.

Shalom
Mark Riessen