“All improvement and success comes from God. When we arrived in Australia from Myanmar as refugees, we started from zero. We faced language barriers, cultural adjustment, and many struggles. Looking back now, seeing our young people become professionals, leaders, and servants of God, we are reminded that these accomplishments are not ours alone. They are evidence of God’s faithfulness and His grace upon our community.”
Pastor John, Senior Pastor, Pwo Karen Baptist Church Victoria
These words capture the journey of Pwo Karen Baptist Church Victoria (PKBCV), a church founded by refugee families who came to Australia seeking safety and a new beginning. They were determined to preserve their faith, support one another, and build a brighter future for the next generation.
Many members of PKBCV came to Australia from Myanmar after experiencing displacement, uncertainty, and hardship. Arriving in a new country meant learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, finding employment, and helping their children succeed in an unfamiliar environment. Despite these challenges, the community remained steadfast in its faith and trusted God to guide each step of the journey.
PKBCV was established to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of the Pwo Karen community. Today, the congregation worships at Newport Baptist Church, whose generosity in sharing its facilities has provided an important home for fellowship, worship, and community life. The church is believed to be the only Pwo Karen Baptist church established outside the traditional Pwo Karen homeland, making it a unique place where faith and culture are preserved for future generations.
The church’s ministry extends beyond Sunday worship. Services are conducted in Pwo Karen, Karen, Burmese and English, helping younger generations maintain their language and cultural identity while growing in their Christian faith. PKBCV also participates in youth seminars, worship nights, Karen New Year celebrations, and traditional Karen wrist-tying ceremonies. These gatherings strengthen friendships, encourage cultural pride, and connect young people to both their heritage and their faith.
The journey, however, has not always been easy.
A few years ago, the congregation experienced the heartbreaking loss of a young member whose life was tragically cut short in an act of violence that made headlines. The loss deeply affected the church family, bringing profound grief and raising difficult questions about the pressures and challenges young people can face as they navigate identity and belonging growing up between two cultures. In the midst of sorrow, the church came together in prayer, faith and mutual support.
This experience reminded the church of the importance of walking alongside young people, not only celebrating their achievements, but also supporting them through difficult times and letting them know that they are valued, loved and never alone.
Today, there is much reason to give thanks.
Young people who grew up in refugee families are achieving remarkable milestones. Among PKBCV’s young people are two qualified lawyers who are already making valuable contributions to society. One of them completed a double degree and also pursued a career in healthcare. Others are emerging as community leaders in their respective fields.
For their families, these achievements carry special meaning. Many parents remember the uncertainty of their early years in Australia and the challenges they faced in building a new life. Seeing their children and young people grow, pursue their goals and contribute to society is a source of deep gratitude.
PKBCV’s young people’s achievements are measured not only by professional accomplishments but also by their character, leadership, and commitment to serving others. Through youth fellowship, worship ministries and leadership opportunities, the church continues to encourage young people to become faithful Christians, responsible citizens, and future leaders.
Leadership development within PKBCV has also been recognised beyond the church. Reflecting on the growth of PKBCV, the supervisor of the church’s senior pastor wrote:
“I’ve been honoured to supervise you this year. Reflecting on your ministry and leadership growth has been enriching. Thank you for your kindness and patience. I know it’s hard to reflect in Pwo Karen and translate into English, but your understanding of English keeps improving, and you surprise me all the time. Nothing is impossible with God, isn’t it?”
These words reflect an important part of the journey for many members of PKBCV. For people who arrived as refugees and often spoke little English, every step forward has required courage, perseverance, and faith, but the community continues to learn, grow, and create opportunities for future generations.
Today, PKBCV stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
From humble beginnings, the church has become a place where faith is nurtured, culture is preserved, families are supported, and young people are encouraged to grow. The congregation is grateful not only for the achievements they see today, but also for the many people who have quietly contributed to the journey along the way.
The story of Pwo Karen Baptist Church Victoria is ultimately not about what people have accomplished on their own. It is a story of how God’s grace has carried a refugee community through difficult beginnings and given them hope, purpose, and opportunity for the future.
There have been challenges, moments of uncertainty and times of deep sadness. But there have also been moments of joy, growth, friendship and answered prayers.
As the church continues its journey, it gives glory to God for all He has done and trusts Him for all that is yet to come.
God is good all the time and with us always.