Resources | House of Refuge

Based on true events, I'LL SPEAK FOR YOU is a short film that depicts the suffering many women and men endure following an abortion. During production, it became more evident to us that these stories need to be told as those suffering feel they cannot speak out. The film emphasises this truth — you are not alone — and for some, this is the encouragement they need to take the first step towards healing.

I'LL SPEAK FOR YOU has won 7 International Film Festival Awards.

Viewer discretion is advised as some scenes may be distressing or confronting for some viewers.

www.illspeakforyou.com

FAQ

1. How much time will it take to be a Rep?

Once the House of Refuge Training is completed, the Rep should allot 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours per week on the work. The training is self paced videos covering fetal development, abortion procedures, prolife apologetics and 3 modules of HR specific training; total time approximately 3 hours.

2. Our church already partners with a pregnancy help centre, should we also be a House of Refuge?

Yes! Partnering with a pregnancy centre and being a House of Refuge are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it would benefit both the church and the pregnancy help centre to be recognized as a House of Refuge by identifying women who need a mentor in the church as well as the other services of the pregnancy help centre.

3. What is the pastor’s role?

The pastor submits the application which signals their desire for the church to become a House of Refuge. The pastor appoints a Representative (Rep) to be the liaison with Love Australia and to initiate the House of Refuge as a ministry within the church. The pastor reads the House of Refuge Statement to the congregation twice each year. The pastor/church leadership stays in touch with the Rep for encouragement and to provide direction, as needed. The HR ministry has been designed to confidently support churches to speak about and actively support families in need through the engagement of the congregation — without further adding to the current pastoral teams workload.

When the pastor is ready they can sign the pastors agreement here; https://unqlink.com/widget/survey/iMveqGr2jpKktoMl3gLT

4. Is a House of Refuge a political group?

No. A House of Refuge church is not a political group and is not associated with a political movement. That being said, life issues—including abortion—are spiritual, biblical issues. The Bible speaks of life issues from conception through natural death. It’s true that some of our spiritual, biblical issues have been made into political issues, but they originated with God. Love Australia encourages speaking to local members of parliament to find out their stance for life issues to enable wise choices with voting. If you would like more information about this please email; info@loveaustralia.org.au

5. Does my church have to provide a Baby Shower for each family they are supporting?

Love Australia have left this up to the discretion of individual churches. There is no expectation that your church will throw a Baby Shower and it is not mentioned in the HR Statement. However, ideas and how to find support for throwing a Baby Shower are all provided in the Mentoring Roadmap Training.

6. Is a House of Refuge an actual house?

No, this is not an actual house or building. A House of Refuge is what we call a local church where a person could run to in a time of crisis—a safe place where the body of Christ can minister to someone in need. This is particularly important for women experiencing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy. Your church as a HR could more accurately be described as “People of Refuge” for those in need.

7. Does it cost anything to become a House of Refuge Church?

No, there is no financial commitment required by Love Australia. As a voluntary charitable organization Love Australia and the House of Refuge relies on the generous donations of our supporters to deliver these resources. Churches are not expected to make any donations but they are warmly welcomed if you would like to pay it forward for other churches to receive this information.

8. Does my church have to participate in a Love Australia Walk for Life in order to be a House of Refuge?

No, a church can be a House of Refuge regardless of where they are located. If your church is located in a city where there is a prolife public gathering, we encourage your participation. Most capital cities hold annual events, if you would like more information please email; info@loveaustralia.org.au

The next step to become a House of Refuge is signing the pastors agreement; https://unqlink.com/widget/survey/iMveqGr2jpKktoMl3gLT

If you have any questions please email; info@houseofrefuge.org.au

Love Australia is praying that you will be blessed beyond measure as a House of Refuge church. Our hope is

that your support for families facing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy will help enable them to overcome their

fears—guiding them along a path to self-sufficiency. Welcoming children into the world with confidence that

they are not alone, and for those suffering from a past abortion that they too will find refuge in your church

and be supported to find hope and healing.

Building a Team

There are various roles in which your church members can be involved in House of Refuge (HR). It is very important that you have this team trained and ready before reading the House of Refuge Statement. That way, when a family needs guidance, encouragement and assistance or women and men come forward seeking healing for a past abortion, the HR team will be equipped for action.

Once you have chosen a team, get in contact with Love Australia and we will help equip your volunteers.

Please email info@houseofrefuge.org.au

The Roles

House of Refuge Representative

The HR Representative is the main point of contact within your church. This person is responsible for managing the HR mentors and volunteers, and is also the liaison between your church and Love Australia. The HR Rep should stay in regular communication with the Pastor/Priest as they lead their volunteer team.

They are also the first point of contact for all new connections to the support available through the House of Refuge.

House of Refuge Mentor

The Mentor’s role is to be a friend, support, and a listening ear with the aim of being a guide to self-sufficiency for families. If formal counselling is needed this must be referred immediately to a qualified counsellor. We also recommend that even if the Mentor has counselling qualifications, they do not take on this role. This separation helps to define roles and allows the Mentor to simply be a friend. The Mentor and Mentee should meet regularly in a public place as they get to know each other and do life together, walking through the pregnancy process.

The Mentor will report back to the HR Representative.

House of Refuge Post Abortion Bible Study Mentor

Healing from a past abortion will take time and support, one of the ways to find healing is to be guided through a bible study. Recommendation of resources, support and equipping will be provided by Pregnancy Help Australia pregnancyhelpaustralia.org.au and Restored Life lovelife.org/restoredlife

House of Refuge Volunteer

At times there will be a need for other volunteers. These people can be called upon as needed. This might include special events such as planning a baby shower, or on days where the House of Refuge Statement is read from the pulpit.

House of Refuge Prayer Team

It is essential that prayer plays an important role in your House of Refuge. Pray together as a team — for the HR and for each other; pray for the families in your care, and if they are open to it pray with them. Please know that the team at Love Australia are also praying for you. If you ever have any specific prayer needs, please contact us and we will pray with you.

Prayer requests can be sent to info@houseofrefuge.org.au

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Support the Australian Creed
for Sexual Integrity

Love Australia is an Initial Signatory of the Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity and we encourage the House of Refuge churches to sign the creed and utilize the resources available on the website.

australiancreed.org

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

FAQ

Building a Team

The Roles

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Support the Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Support the Australian Creed
for Sexual Integrity