Hi Vox Congo fans, Mark here again. It's been quite a while now since my last post. 
Back in December I finished as manager of Vox Congo and moved from ministry in Victoria to a new ministry position in South Australia. However, with my change of location, it doesn't mean I have lost touch with the members of Vox Congo.
So here it is, some more good news. In December I posted that Papy was given the green flag by immigration to apply for temporary residency. Now on March 5th 2007, band member Martinse Kanda has also been given the same opportunity.
It's amazing what this news does to me, I just can't get excited enough for them. MARTINSE IS NO LONGER AN ASYLUM SEEKER!!! Can I say it loud enough?
In talking with Martinse and Carmen I have learnt more information about the process to applying for temporary residency. There are conditions which in my mind, continue to oppress asylum seekers who are trying to get a break. The window of opportunity for applying for a temporary residency visa is 6 months. I'm not sure what happens at the end of that 6 months if you don't submit an application, but quite frankly, I don't think we want to find out, Australian immigration isn't well known for its sympathy and grace. There is another condition. the cost of application is around $2500. This is a lot of money for anyone let alone an asylum seekers with a family to support, no medicare or government financial assistance of any kind.
Here's where I get on my knees of
behalf of these guys and plead for some kind of miracle. As I understand it to date, Papy has had nearly 4 months to apply for temporary residency but hasn't yet because, quite plainly, he can't physically financially afford the cost. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WITH ANY BRIGHT IDEAS? We've begun brain storming and we're thinking some kind of fundraiser of some sort but we need ideas and some genorous people maybe with some kind of skill or talent to offer. So I'm putting it out there. I said before I'd be willing to do anything to help these guys, I'm looking for some like minded people to brain storm with me.
Email me at mark@blackwoodcc.org.au
Shalom
Mark Riessen
Back in December I finished as manager of Vox Congo and moved from ministry in Victoria to a new ministry position in South Australia. However, with my change of location, it doesn't mean I have lost touch with the members of Vox Congo.So here it is, some more good news. In December I posted that Papy was given the green flag by immigration to apply for temporary residency. Now on March 5th 2007, band member Martinse Kanda has also been given the same opportunity.
It's amazing what this news does to me, I just can't get excited enough for them. MARTINSE IS NO LONGER AN ASYLUM SEEKER!!! Can I say it loud enough?
In talking with Martinse and Carmen I have learnt more information about the process to applying for temporary residency. There are conditions which in my mind, continue to oppress asylum seekers who are trying to get a break. The window of opportunity for applying for a temporary residency visa is 6 months. I'm not sure what happens at the end of that 6 months if you don't submit an application, but quite frankly, I don't think we want to find out, Australian immigration isn't well known for its sympathy and grace. There is another condition. the cost of application is around $2500. This is a lot of money for anyone let alone an asylum seekers with a family to support, no medicare or government financial assistance of any kind.
Here's where I get on my knees of
behalf of these guys and plead for some kind of miracle. As I understand it to date, Papy has had nearly 4 months to apply for temporary residency but hasn't yet because, quite plainly, he can't physically financially afford the cost. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WITH ANY BRIGHT IDEAS? We've begun brain storming and we're thinking some kind of fundraiser of some sort but we need ideas and some genorous people maybe with some kind of skill or talent to offer. So I'm putting it out there. I said before I'd be willing to do anything to help these guys, I'm looking for some like minded people to brain storm with me.Email me at mark@blackwoodcc.org.au
Shalom
Mark Riessen
