Churches minister to refugee families as they adjust to life in United States

Families and individuals from around the world are legally immigrating to the United States, and many churches are stepping up to help meet their practical needs.

“There are pockets of these communities around with people moving in from all over the world, and it opened our eyes,” Pastor Aaron Taylor of Living Hope Church in Columbus, Ohio, told “Baptist Press.” “We opened a ministry center next to our church that now serves 12 to 20 families a month on average. It stays stocked through approximately 12 non- or for-profit groups, so it doesn’t cost the church.”

Sometimes new mattresses arrive by way of a nonprofit donation. Coffeemakers and toasters get to the shelves through Walmart overstock. Recliners and other furniture items with small scratches or dents that prevent them from making the showroom floor are more than suitable for clients of the Living Hope ministry center. “When we step in, in many cases we’re able to provide the large items for, say, a two-bedroom apartment,” he said. “It changes the game for families.”

One essential need has brought major benefits to children trying to acclimate to American schools.

“We’ve provided children with beds and have heard back from school counselors that the child came to their school and had low grades and was always tired,” Taylor said. “They would have a lot of emotions to process still. They’ll get a bed of their own, and six or eight weeks later the counselors will say it isn’t the same kid. Their entire demeanor has shifted.”

About 20 members of Pillar Church in Dumfries, Va., help with the English as a Second Language classes that benefit primarily refugees who have fled Afghanistan since the Taliban retook the country in 2021. Pastor Colby Garman said the benefits go both ways.

READ: Remaining Christians in Afghanistan persecuted

“The conversations with our people have brought another level of understanding for the situation,” he said. “It puts a face on what is a challenging problem and what it’s like to build a new life in America.”

Although the people his church serves are not believers, the time together has led to discussions about faith. “Many of them had family members who were killed, and they’re trying to figure out what’s next,” Garman said. “It has become an open door for the gospel.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice