A team has been formed out of First Free to minister to an asylum-seeking family served by the Christian non-profit World Relief. Asylum seekers, like refugees, have fled their homes and countries because of threats to their safety and well-being. Unlike refugees, there are no financial provisions from the federal government while they await the decision on their asylum claim. Asylum seekers are unable to apply for a work permit until one year after submitting their asylum claim, and once they have, it can take many months to receive approval. In the meantime, they have no way to provide for themselves and their families.
In response to this need, World Relief created the HOME Program as a way to empower local churches to meet the needs of those who are in this specific vulnerable place.
World Relief provides case management and employment services. Churches provide relational, emotional and spiritual support and help family members acclimate to this new culture and city. As part of the HOME Program, the First Free team will take turns visiting the family on a weekly basis for 6 months.
The family will live near the church (if all works out they will be housed for six months in the open apartment unit in our 5239 building). Team members include Barb Cebulski, Jim and Darlene Conner, Stephanie Roberts and Fei Sheh. Please be in prayer for this team as they begin this ministry effort sometime this winter. More details to come.
Stephen Lepse
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