Discussion Boards - The Big Issues

Im wondering if anyone else watched the documentary last week on SBS "Go back to where you came from"

Where you impacted in anyway and what are your thoughts on the issues of refugees?

Hi Dave, I watched it and it did make a big impact. A certain amount of the content seemed to be aimed at manipulating emotional responses, but I found the transformation in some of the participants delightful (especially Raquel!).

The conclusion I came away with is that as Christians and as a nation we need to be GENEROUS. However, that does not mean being unwise. Faster processing speeds are definitely a must, and what a wonderful ministry opportunity for churches to welcome newly arrived refugees!

What did you think about it all, David?

Michelle, you can download the program from the SBS website. I watched it while doing dishes & making school lunches very early in the morning, LOL!

Was a three part doco-the first of its kind. 6 ordinary aussies with strong attitudes about refugees and boat people who are taken on a journey to give them a different perspective about the whole issue of displaced people. Have a look on youtube Michelle.

Im thankful for education(im studying international community development) so i already know a bit about why people become refugees but it was still pretty full on watching it. I was impacted in a huge way as i wasnt aware of just how bad the problem is on a global scale.

Im interested in what others have to say though

Thanks for your comment Linda

I am sad at what happens to these people while they are waiting to find out where they where they will settle. It seems like they are in no mans land. They loose their identities and there self worth. I want to get involved in making life more bearable for these people while they wait.

Thanks for bringing this up Dave. I missed the program but will look it up.

I have said for a long time that people really have no idea what it is like in the places refugees come from and that those who are against letting refugees come to Oz need to go and spend some time in their countries. I think it is appalling the way our country treats these people, inflicting more trauma on them by keeping them locked up for a long periods of time while we process their claims for refugee status.

Living in a third world country had a huge impact on me. And it wasn't a place that is torn apart by war and ethnic fighting. I never want to take for granted the things we enjoy here.

I agree. The documentary certainly was an eye-opener. Some of the refugee stories were quite heart-breaking. Seeing 50 people living in the one place and the children couldn't even leave the home as they might get arrested, very sad.

We really need to be grateful for allowing God to have His Hand on this country. We are truly blessed by being in a country where we do not have to fear for our lives everyday ... Thanks for sharing Dave, I'm glad I saw the show :-)