World Relief
Our city has seen an increase in the number of immigrants from various countries in recent years. We have shared with you the many reasons and circumstances that force men, women, and children to leave their homes, countries, and families. Sadly, over 100 million people worldwide have fled their countries due to war, famine, and extreme poverty, lacking basic necessities for themselves and their families to thrive.
Over the past few months, we have offered different opportunities for you to engage and respond to some of the challenges faced by these individuals. We have also started an official partnership with World Relief to learn and actively participate in supporting their work and the challenges of immigration. World Relief is devoted to creating welcoming communities across the country, and our church has an important role in serving asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants arriving by land at our borders.
Today, we would like to present you with ways to engage individually, as a family, or as a small group.
Consider taking time each week to pray and reflect on the realities and challenges of migration, particularly for those affected. Ask the Lord what role he may call you to play in supporting immigrants.
One impactful way to welcome and love immigrants is by volunteering 1 to 2 times a year to drive new arrivals from the airport when they first arrive in the country.
You can also donate specific items such as welcome kits, gift cards, furniture, or even a used car can make a significant difference. Our church will host a donation drive during our upcoming block party on Saturday, October 14th. For more information on how to donate, visit World Relief’s page. Financial donations can also be made through Calvary's giving platform HERE.
World Relief has launched a new program called HOME, which mobilizes churches to sponsor small groups of volunteers to serve asylum-seeker families in a team model. Churches can support these families for a 6-month commitment by providing rent while they apply for work authorization. Another option is to open your home to host a family for six months.
Many other opportunities are available to engage with as well, which can be found HERE.
Recently, we formed a team under Missional Opportunities ministries called ARI (Asylum seekers, refugees, and Immigrants). The team's purpose is to educate, lead, and mobilize the church to respond to the challenges of immigration. If you want to join this team or want more information, please contact Manfred at mkarolyi@calvarymemorial.com.