By Anna Lisa Gross and Leslie Sperry
We’ve all read the statistics: record-setting numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons throughout the world. Reading the statistics may tug at your heart, but one family’s story can call us to action.
Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., worked with Welcome Corps, a new US Department of State program, (a public-private collaboration) to sponsor a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (read about it in the Jan./Feb. 2024 issue of Messenger).
A film crew spent two days with our Welcome Team and the family of four and produced two beautiful, inspiring short films: The Ripple Effect and Someone Who Can Help Other People. Also check out the article with stunning photos on the Welcome Corps home page at https://welcomecorps.org.
“After Welcome Corps posted this story, the church was inundated with requests from all over the world for help. They’re heartbreaking to read. I didn’t want to ignore them, so I requested a meaningful response that I could use that would honor the needs they have, and send them in a helpful direction. Welcome Corps helped us write a response. What Welcome Corps needs to help these families is churches and groups to sponsor them,” says Alexis Shoda, office manager for the church.
Aimerance and Meshack have received a huge wave of requests, as well.
We urge you to consider sponsoring a refugee. Welcome Corps provided thoughtful and thorough information and guided us through the process. It was extremely helpful for our group in providing information and tips to be successful. They fully vetted our group members and plan for sponsorship, as well as the refugee family. Refugees accepted into the program have a new immigration status and a more direct path to citizenship. They can start work immediately rather than having to wait a year.
Welcome Corps will walk you specifically through requirements, such as finances to support the new neighbor(s) for three months of housing, food, clothing, etc. Depending on where you’re located, this may be easier or harder with regard to finances. A Brethren Faith in Action (BFIA) grant was our powerful seed money of $5,000 of the around $17,000 we raised. Your congregation can apply for that, too! (Find out more about BFIA grants at www.brethren.org/faith-in-action.)
The need is so great, and the reward equally great. We ask you to consider: Does your congregation sense a call to sponsor a family? Or even an individual, which would likely be simpler and definitely more affordable? Sign up to be a Welcomer!
— Anna Lisa Gross is a pastor with Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren and lives in North Manchester, Ind. Leslie Sperry has coordinated Beacon Height’s Welcome Team and lives in Roanoke.
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Registration closes Feb. 1 for FaithX older adult service trip to Camp Ithiel in Florida
- Intercultural Ministries Advisory Committee encourages churches to help members know their rights
- Brethren Disaster Ministries and two Church of the Brethren districts announce collections for those affected by California fires
- Brethren bits
- Children’s Disaster Services begins caring for children in shelters in Los Angeles area