History Made: Southern Perth Karen Church Officially Recognised

History was made as the Southern Perth Karen Church Plant was officially recognised as a fully fledged church. This marks a significant milestone in a journey that began in 2007, when the first Karen refugees arrived in Perth. They began attending Morley Seventh-day Adventist Church, where Pastor John Horvath was serving at the time.

As the community grew rapidly, the church voted to plant a new congregation in the Koondoola area, where many of the former refugees had settled. From that initial step, seven Karen church plants have sprung up across the Perth metropolitan area.

The Karen believers met in various venues over the years and are now worshipping at New Hope Church in Gosnells. Pastors Steve Goods, Brad Thomas, and John Horvarth shared in the joy of the official recognition service. Seventy-two members were transferred from company to full church status with great excitement, as they were formally welcomed into the sisterhood of churches.

The service was followed by a shared lunch and enthusiastic conversation about future plans for growth. Praise God for a well-organised, committed, and faith-filled group, eager to continue serving and expanding the mission.

Saung Soe