There are more than 10,000 Nepalese speaking people in Hobart, mostly from Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim backgrounds.

We found the Nepalese migrants and students were coming to Tasmania without a driver’s license, but because they were living so far from work opportunities and the Hobart public transport is limited, they struggled to get a job.

The Hobart Nepali church prayed about this and chose to support and bless our community by starting a Learner Driver Mentor Program. This driving program has been a successful ministry of Hobart Nepalese Church since 2018. 250 students have gotten their P-Plates since we started, and we currently have nine volunteer driver mentors.

Driving student Jasmine (pictured left page) speaks of her experience, “I’ve been living in Hobart for the past year. When I first moved here, I found out the public transportation is not very reliable. Then I got to know about the free driving classes that the Hobart Nepali Church provides.

I have had ten classes so far, and I would like to thank the whole team of Hobart Nepali Church for providing me this opportunity. Thank you!”

Baptist Mission Australia Executive Director, Scott Pilgrim reflects, “It’s not always easy to respond to complex needs around us, but sometimes with the Spirit’s leading we can come across simple solutions. It’s so inspiring to hear this story of a local church seeing a need within their community, and responding with a simple, yet innovative, idea.”

The main reason behind our community support work is to get alongside the people, serve them where they have need and share Christ’s love.

We at Baptist Mission Australia have partnered with this practical yet profound expression of God’s love. Do you have a story of your church is responding to the needs of your community with love and innovation. Let us know!