We facilitate cross-cultural relationships between church members and immigrants or refugees.
Due to the recent evacuation of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees, we have an urgent need for families and community groups from local churches that are willing to serve as “Co-Journers” with incoming Afghan refugees.
Co-Journing provides an avenue for families and community groups from local churches to come alongside newly settled refugee families and share the love of Christ in deed and word. Co-Journing with these families may involve:
- Helping to furnish their residence.
- Driving family members to doctors’ appointments.
- Helping with preparation for the driver’s permit/road test.
- Helping navigate the bewildering array of choices in the bath soap aisle, the laundry detergent aisle, etc.
- Explaining how to operate household appliances and washers and dryers at the laundromat.
- Explaining how to use the bus system.
- And much, much more.
An international friend can teach Americans many things including valuable perspectives and life lessons. Sweet friendships are formed while sharing meals and stories of one another’s journeys.
What is the commitment?
First, you are not expected to meet all of the needs of your refugee friend(s). We encourage you to enlist the help of others in your church. This will lighten your load in Co-Journing while extending the blessing of serving to others.
Second, the Co-Journing commitment is short-term—typically three months. During this period, the hope is that Co-Journers can help meet immediate needs and help their refugee partner make strides toward independent living. However, our hope—as always—is that friendships will develop that can continue beyond this initial period of service and that through these friendships the love of Christ may continue to be shown in word and deed.
How does Refuge assist you in this relationship?
- Refuge International trains volunteers in cross-cultural hospitality
- A volunteer guide that provides ideas for relating and abundant links to local community resources
- An introduction to a refugee family
- Ongoing assistance from Refuge staff
