Like much of Western Europe the recognition that Wales could now be considered a mission field has seen Wales welcome missionaries from overseas to help the local church in mission.
In recognition of this, the Baptist Union of Wales has responded to enquiries from overseas to see whether we might benefit from mission partnerships. Where churches are unable to afford ministry and mission, we hope to connect mission personnel from outside the UK with potential projects.
With the agreement of BUW Trustees we have now successfully registered with the UK Visas & Immigration to sponsor both Tier 5 (Religious Workers) and Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) workers from outside the UK. This requires careful supervision to ensure that any workers sponsored to partner with the BUW understand the context and culture within Wales.
This scheme is open to individuals, churches or organisations who sense a call from God to work in Wales with the Baptist Union of Wales but no application will be considered unless the following criteria are met.
- All VISA supported workers must come with the commendation of an established sending organisation (a mission agency) together with letters of commendation and references that will verify the provision of support both in terms of finance and commendation.
- ALL our VISA sponsored workers must come fully funded from their sending organisation. This is a condition of the VISA and therefore we require financial evidence of your means to support yourself. Fully funded means that you are able to fully support yourself financially for the duration of your stay. This includes all travel and VISA related costs plus your living costs whilst here in the UK.
Before we enter into any discussions with a prospective candidates for VISA sponsorship we always establish these two essential criteria above.
Please contact the Director of Mission should you require further information.
Rev Simeon Baker, Director of Mission. Email simeon@ubc.cymru