Understanding Refugees

Understanding Refugees that are brought into the United States has been something I've been trying to do. There is no way I could possibly grasp the hurt and struggles so many of the famlies have dealt with. Each time I see a new face, I wonder what the pain behind their eyes entails. Could someone have beaten them? Were they searching for food for their children and themselves? How many pairs of clothes do they have? Were they woman who have been severely abused and mistreated? Were they sexually abused? Did they separate from their family? Do they have children; do they know where their children are; did they lose their children to death? Do they have AIDS or are they HIV positive? What kinds of work do they know how to do? How long were they forced out of their homes and into a refugee camp? What was the refugee camp like? Do they speak any English at all? Are they afraid here? How many people do they know here; do they have relatives with them?

For many cases, the answers to my questions are typically very haunting. Sometimes Americans wonder why I have a heart to want to help people from another country when there are so many people here in America that need help. I believe that God has called us to go into ALL the nations helping ALL people, not just Americans. And for the most part, it seems to me that the needier of people are not always right here in America. The refugee situation affects so many countries. The refugee situation is affecting the United States now because so many of the refugees are fleeing from their own countries in hopes of being free from the political and religeous pressures in their own country.

I don't feel like it is my responsibility to ask, "Why they are here and who do I help?" My plea from the Lord is only TO help ALL. The families are here and I don't believe it is by chance. For whatever reason, I believe God allowed these families to come to America and my responsibility as a Jesus follower is to love them. My love for the Lord will spill on to them and will cause me to want to help them. I'll need to help them in many ways. And, I can't do it alone! In Christ I can do ALL things...but won't you come along and help me help them?

Here are some things we can do to help our local refugee famlies at Catholic Charities:

• Sponsor A Family (with prayer, financially, and through building friendships - giving time)
• Help find them a job
• Help them learn English (help with ESL classes)
• Bring them clothes
• Bring them food
• Donate Money to Catholic Charities
• Provide ESL teaching supplies
• Come along side of them and teach them our culture (paying bills, grocery shopping)
• Encourage them through building a friendship
• Help w/ their entry into the US by setting up their Apartment, furnishings, kitchen supplies, toiletries, etc.
• Teach them necessary healthy habbits: Brushing Teeth, Washing Hands, etc.

The needs of the displaced families in our Memphis area is huge. Once meeting a few of them, you will better understand how great their need is. Please consider going with me on Mondays and/or Tuesdays to Catholic Chatities to see how you can help.