In 2017 we helped refugees get jobs, pray with them, take them to English classes, deliver them to doctors appointments, give driving lessons, help them with groceries and utility bills, and a variety of "life issues". We've also become trusted friends they can ask any type of question to.
But there are still approximately 400 refugees families who need a family to connect to, so 2018 will be a great challenge and opportunity. God is sovereign in the ministry to refugees and He has a great, great plan!
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Hope springs eternal
We have been encouraged this past year while building friendships with refugees and we're grateful to be with these families in their ups and downs during their new life. One example of the ups and downs is a family of seven I am especially fond of.
They arrived in St. Louis January 24th, 2017. They were depressed, lost, life was in chaos. I could see the strain on the mother's face, Khadija. She forced a smile all the time. Their apartment was sparse, they still keep it tidy and "minimalistic" but, throughout the year, all of their furniture needs have been met. Earlier this year I remember them saying they miss their friends from the refugee camps. They were sad and lonely in St. Louis during the early part of this year. But they knew there was no life for them in the camps and the U.S. promised so many new opportunities. And yet they all doubted being here was the best thing once they arrived.
I told them they would need time to build new friendships, that it will happen, to be patient and persevere in trying their best everyday. In time, they will make friends, get jobs, and pursue education. I remember saying something to the effect of : God brought them here for a reason and it was not to see them sad and without purpose, they need to have hope for a brighter future.
Nowadays they are a lot happier, have new friends, and are working hard at learning English, work, and school. The father has kept his commercial cleaning job since June, they're enjoying the progress they're making in English, and the 23 year old daughter is now volunteering at a Christian ministry. Khadija has a great smile and giggles quite a lot nowadays! She had a new scarf /hajib on the other day, when I commented how nice it looked she smiled super big! I am so excited to interact with them during our Christmas parties and see how they react to the Christmas message.
This is just one of many stories of refugees assimilating. But we must be their to help them and to prayerfully share the message of Jesus Christ. This is the time we've been given to step up and share the Gospel with all the refugees in St. Louis.
They arrived in St. Louis January 24th, 2017. They were depressed, lost, life was in chaos. I could see the strain on the mother's face, Khadija. She forced a smile all the time. Their apartment was sparse, they still keep it tidy and "minimalistic" but, throughout the year, all of their furniture needs have been met. Earlier this year I remember them saying they miss their friends from the refugee camps. They were sad and lonely in St. Louis during the early part of this year. But they knew there was no life for them in the camps and the U.S. promised so many new opportunities. And yet they all doubted being here was the best thing once they arrived.
I told them they would need time to build new friendships, that it will happen, to be patient and persevere in trying their best everyday. In time, they will make friends, get jobs, and pursue education. I remember saying something to the effect of : God brought them here for a reason and it was not to see them sad and without purpose, they need to have hope for a brighter future.
Nowadays they are a lot happier, have new friends, and are working hard at learning English, work, and school. The father has kept his commercial cleaning job since June, they're enjoying the progress they're making in English, and the 23 year old daughter is now volunteering at a Christian ministry. Khadija has a great smile and giggles quite a lot nowadays! She had a new scarf /hajib on the other day, when I commented how nice it looked she smiled super big! I am so excited to interact with them during our Christmas parties and see how they react to the Christmas message.
This is just one of many stories of refugees assimilating. But we must be their to help them and to prayerfully share the message of Jesus Christ. This is the time we've been given to step up and share the Gospel with all the refugees in St. Louis.
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Assimilating Refugees