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Tasmanian Anglican

May 2004

 

Tasmanian parallel with Lilliput

by David Le Sage

 

 

A lesser known fact about Tasmania is that the island is situated at approximately that location chosen by Jonathon Swift as the setting for the mythical land of Lilliput in his most famous text, Gulliver's Travels. Perhaps this is appropriate as, when teamwork is combined with drive and initiative, it is possible for the 'little people' of the world to challenge and defeat some of the 'giants' that appear to daunt us at other times.

Troubled nations

One such event that would prove this tenet was held on 27 March at Risdon Brook Dam: the second annual 'Run for Their Lives', designed to raise money for Community Support for Refugees, a group formed by some members of the Parish of Glenorchy seven years ago to provide continued support for newly-settled refugees once government funding ceases.

Immigrants from diverse troubled nations such as Liberia, Guinea, Sudan, Ethiopia and Bosnia have recently sought refuge in our community. They include Nedzed, a Bosnian who faces ongoing dental bills, his teeth having been smashed by the relentless pounding of the butt of a rifle; Mabek and Fidele had to flee on foot, hundreds of kilometres from Sudan to the safety of a United Nations refugee camp in Kenya.

Stories such as these prompted a local parishioner, also an athletics coach, to establish the 'walk-a-thon'-style event.

Shrouds of pain

In addition to raising funds for the refugees, the event serves three major purposes:

1. To enable parishioners to grow in fellowship with each other and the refugees, something much needed in a community where social bonds are becoming increasingly fragmentary;

2. To symbolically highlight the difficulties faced in refugees' daily challenge to survive, where even fetching a pail of water may require a walk of many kilometres;

3. To allow the refugees to experience the tranquility of the Australian bush, where they can begin to tear the shrouds of pain from their memories.

Mould

This year's event was supported by the Parish of St Paul's Glenorchy, the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and the Glenorchy City Council, the money raised allowing for the purchase of desperately needed necessities for the refugees.

The past cannot be altered for these people but we can help mould a future of hope and provide opportunities for those who have suffered so much; as they, in turn, enrich our community and teach us. In this way, the Parish of Glenorchy can enact its mission statement of 'reaching out into the community with God's love.' In this way, the Church can truly act as 'Christ's body on Earth.' Even the least amongst you can make a difference, provided that you act upon your initiative.

David Le Sage is a member of the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship.

To donate to the Community Support for Refugees program, please contact Mrs Betty Gurr, 8 Dodson Street, Rosetta TAS 7010. A receipt will be provided but please note that this is not a registered charity. If you are unable to donate please include the organisation in your prayers. Some of you may be inspired and encouraged to organise a similar event in your own local community.