Refugee & Immigrant Ministry

A refugee has fled FROM persecution and violence on the basis of their religion, their ethnicity or nationality, or their political opinion. Immigrants today, very much like immigrants throughout the history of our nation, are moving TOWARD something such as: • Freedom of religion • Family already here • Work opportunities • Better education

Jesus taught that our attitudes and actions toward the stranger reveal our true attitude toward Him, with eternal consequences. (Matthew 25: 34-46) So, what should our attitudes and actions toward them look like? It begins with an earnest desire to understand and to care for them. “Understanding a person’s suffering is essential to having a God- honoring relationship to others.” – Paul David Tripp

Spiritual: First and foremost, their most important need is the same as ours – whether they know it yet or not – a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We all respond best to the gospel in the context of genuinely caring friendships with believers (such as you!) Relational needs: Recent arrivals from other countries are grieving the family and friends they had to leave behind, and are eager for authentic new friendships, especially with those who do not understand the culture of their new homeland, as you do. God uses simple one-on one friendships to build His church and His kingdom! Will you ask the Lord to provide the opportunity for you to come alongside one refugee or immigrant to develop a mutually caring relationship?

Your church could be the hands and feet of Christ to one or more of these refugee families. Contact your local refugee resettlement agency today to see how you can help a family. Or contact your state refugee office: https://acf.gov/orr/grant-funding/key-state-contacts English— Most refugees and immigrants are eager to learn. MNA ESL offers great training for starting a church English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Both online and in-person trainings are available. The only qualifications are speaking English and loving Jesus. Click here to learn more. Hospitality— Welcome them into your home and accept invitations into theirs. Reciprocal hospitality shows mutual respect and builds authentic friendships that provide the perfect environment for sharing our faith.

There may be Christian organizations in your area that already serve refugees or other immigrants, that are in great need of volunteers. Here is a partial directory by state or province: https://www.immigrantministry.com/usa https://www.immigrantministry.com/canada Many public schools in the US have a significant percentage of immigrant children. They are in need of volunteers, and may also have community outreach activities for families. International student outreach: Reformed University Fellowship International (PCA’s own ministry to internationals) https://ruf.org/campus/international/ https://ruf.org/campus/?tag=international CRU Bridges https://www.bridgesinternational.com/locations/ International Students, INC. https://internationalstudents.org/

Other tangible needs: Food staples and produce Furniture Clothing Household supplies Bus tickets or Lyft cards Grocery or discount store gift cards A smart phone for someone in the household A tablet or laptop Other practical help: Transportation to appointments, ESL classes, job interviews, etc. Help them learn their way around the neighborhood Introduction to good places to shop, including thrift stores and discount stores Driving lessons Computer lessons Help applying for jobs, practicing interview skills Help understanding paperwork from job or school Help going through mail to discern what’s important vs. junk mail Help making appointments Teach the difference between buying organic and non- organic foods Teach parenting skills, teach nutritional principles and/or budgeting skills