“A PhD? For our pastor?” The whispering voices followed you into the Kingsville Zotung Baptist Church. You might have thought they were surprised, these members of the Zotung community, gathered for their weekly dose of faith. The Kingsville Zotung Baptist Church might not boast towering spires or stained-glass windows, but it holds something just as remarkable. In 2017, their pastor, Rev Dr San Lian, achieved something extraordinary. He became the first person of Zotung background in Australia, possibly the world, to earn a PhD. His thesis? It wasn’t about esoteric theological debates. It tackled the conflict and suffering in his homeland, Myanmar. He researched “Christian-Buddhist Dialogue in Myanmar: A Spirituality of Involvement in Social and Ethical Transformation.” See, the Kingsville Zotung Baptist Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of faith to bridge divides and inspire change, even across continents.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs