From under a leaky roof – Afghan Refugees in Australia.

Phil and Julie are family friends, both currently living in Perth after living in Afghanistan (on and off) since 1999. He has worked primarily with the UN, focusing on community development, governance and reconstruction.
Much has been written about the situation in Afghan over the years, the violence, bloodshed, injustice and treatment of the Hazara people. Much has also been written and televised about the boat trips, people smugglers and the treatment of refugees in detention centres across Australia, however very little has been written or made known about the treatment of people when they leave these centres and try to begin new lives in Australia.

This is the focus of Phil’s book, it is comprised of many first hand experiences, from within Afghan, within detention centres, and from interactions with Afghan’s here in Australia. Phil has included many interviews, stories and input from a range of others (refugees and those who work with them) to add support to his writings. He is fluent in Dari language and is able to share the Afghan’s experiences well.

Under a Leaky Roof is a compelling read, it details this journey clearly, careful not to only mention what is happening, but also to give understanding to why. The book paints a full picture, from the brewing and sources of conflict in Afghan, the extended trips to Australia, the initial treatment here in detention centres, the unfair processes Afghan’s must go through in applying for Visa’s, plus the treatment in the wider community.

Phil goes to great lengths to demonstrate the need for a fair and just system, but does not stop with only highlighting the problems. He also makes worthy recommendations, working towards a hope for positive change. He is a man who practices what he believes; his book is definitely worth reading… Fremantle Arts Centre Press.

The Church in Transition

Tim Conder’s recent book – The Church in Transition – The Journey of Existing Churches into the Emerging Culture, has been a helpful book in my reading.
Currently considering my role/or lack of role in an established church, my frustrations with this and my growing’s towards missional churches.
Tim’s book has aided some questions in possibly making that transition. It’s a well written book, that does not suggest a certain model is best/better, rather partnership with open discussions and dialogue concerning future trends is required.
Tim discusses 7 major fears or concerns est. churches seem to have over the emerging culture. There are well detailed, and rather then trying to ‘prove’ one is right or wrong, Tim is able to discuss the merits of each, and demonstrate theologically strong cases why transition from an established viewpoint needs to be discussed.

Postmodernism and the loss of Truth
Community and the loss of Personal Faith
Cultural ‘accommodation’ & changing the ‘changeless’ message of the Gospel
Watering down the Word of God
Condoning personal immorality and the abandonment of Christian Ethics
The Church Environment and the loss of Tradition
Church Heritage and the loss of Identity

There is a particularly beneficial chapter on transition in Spiritual Formation. Tim suggests the traditional view of SF/ spiritual growth being linear causes several assumptions and often works against a meaningful and true spiritual formation. He suggests true SF has more to do with a wider connection to community, care and hospitality practices than simply linear growth and increased knowledge.
Other chapters deal with transition in leadership, community formation, mission and worship. It’s a book I would highly recommend….

Sri-Lanka 2...

It’s not easy to find net access in Sri-Lanka… some days its hard to find computers, some days its hard to find power and other days finding a toilet is a struggle...
I have discovered a little more about this country now, there is more to it than the seemingly endless humidity, stray dogs and guns…
There is also good food, amazing forests, friendly people and fireworks!!!

Spending time in a developing country were it’s security, economy and ways of life have been decimated by natural disaster and were much of the country is declared a war zone – has helped stir many thoughts and inner wrestling. Obviously it has helped me realise how much I take for granted pack in little safe and secure Perth, how much I waste and how much time is often wrapped up in things that are perhaps not as important as I make them seem…or rather what important things do I neglect.
The best response? – totally unsure, it seems many who live here also are, but it’s something to wrestle with, something to change from and find better direction.