How to Locally Support Refugees

ALYSSA GLASGOW
Graphic Design Manager
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Imagine leaving the only home you’ve ever known to live in a country you’ve never visited. You’re surrounded by people and a culture you know nothing about. You don’t speak the language. You have no household necessities, let alone a house. You have a family to support with some in need of medical care, but no job. Even if you had a way to make money, you have no idea how to pay bills, open a checking account, or turn on the electricity and gas.

Those are just a few of the challenges facing refugees when they enter the U.S.; not to mention guilt and concern over loved ones left behind in dangerous, unstable situations.They are desperate and hungry for a new normal — and open to hearing about Jesus, which means the fields are ripe for harvest. Every one of them presents the church with a powerful opportunity to reach Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth — without ever leaving our Jerusalem.

But an important question is, “Once their immediate physical needs are met, are we willing to continue the relationship so they can encounter Him? If so, we’ll have the unique privilege of walking alongside them as they rebuild their life and hopefully, flourish in Christ. But how do we help in a way that accomplishes that?

I sat down with a missionary friend who works full-time with refugees in the States; and with Holly Tseng, the Regional Director of Volunteer Engagement at World Relief Chicagoland. They suggest four key things any of us can do to meet the great need and make an eternal impact:

Educate yourself so you can begin with the right mindset

Rather than view immigration as a political problem, it helps to think of it from a human perspective. Even in the church, many view it as a negative burden rather than an opportunity to change lives forever. If you’ve encountered this sentiment among your congregation — or even share it yourself — consider looking carefully at the topic through a biblical lens. Books such as Welcoming the Stranger and Seeking Refuge, written by experts from World Relief (a faith-based resettlement agency), will walk you through common misconceptions and offer practical ways churches and individuals can minister to their immigrant and refugee neighbors. World Relief also offers a guided study called Welcoming the Stranger, formatted for individual or small group settings. Likewise, you can access their expansive E-Course library with topics ranging from “Intro to Resettlement” to Culture Guides that provide wisdom on interacting with specific people groups.

Connect with a faith-based resettlement agency in your region

An ongoing relationship with refugees will likely start by partnering with one of 10 federally-sanctioned resettlement agencies. Within the first three months of their arrival, refugees are required to settle within 100 miles of one of those agencies. They serve as the main point of contact for needed resources, such as assistance with housing, filling out paperwork, and finding basic necessities for building a new life in the U.S.

Most agencies enlist volunteers for at least 90 days to help with those things, as well as how to pay bills, navigate public transportation, or enroll children in school. Other ways to be involved include:

Donating household items to the agency (such as furniture, dishes and towels) or purchasing items from their Amazon wishlists
Creating welcome baskets with comfort items or basic necessities
Setting up a house before arrival with donated furniture or household items
Greeting a family at the airport
Providing transportation to appointments
Being a language partner to help them learn English
Teaching developmental classes such as budgeting or ESL (English as a Second Language)
Assisting with their citizenship application
Finding local businesses willing to hire and work with refugees
Youth or English tutoring through World Relief’s virtual volunteer program

It’s important to note that each resettlement agency has different worldviews and will vary in their requirements and stipulations for volunteers. Be sure to research the agencies in your area before choosing one to partner with, and ensure they align with your organization’s mission.

Partner with someone who has more experience than you

Charity work that crosses cultures brings a unique set of challenges. One of them is that some refugees have no idea what a “volunteer” is. That means your first interactions will set the precedent for their expectations of you. Getting off on the wrong foot can lead to unhealthy dependence and toxic relationships. That’s why partnering with a church that has a well-established refugee ministry — or a local missionary familiar with a specific people group — will help you navigate cultural discrepancies to best edify the people you are serving.

Looking for a great partner with that kind of experience? World Relief’s Churches of Welcome program offers training courses, webinars, 24/7 discussion groups, and access to a network of other churches with years of experience.

Avoid “swoop and fix.” Instead, set empowering expectations

It’s easy to focus on the trauma refugees have faced, pity them as poor and destitute and therefore in need of immediate help only we can give. Yet, setting that precedent can quickly lead to an unbalanced relationship and burnout.

Instead, it’s wiser to acknowledge their capacity to overcome unimaginable suffering and help them realize that in Christ, they are far stronger than they know. Holly Tseng from World Relief trains volunteers to think of these individuals as they would any other neighbor in their community. For instance, if your next door neighbor forgot to pay his water bill, would you immediately step in and pay it? Chances are you wouldn’t. Instead, a more helpful solution would be to teach your neighbor how to read mail carefully and create a plan for paying monthly bills.

Granted, it’s more straightforward — and sometimes easier — to swoop in and fix the problem. Plus, it makes us feel better about ourselves. But it’s in everyone’s best interest to empower refugees to maneuver through life in the States with an appropriate balance of independence and healthy interdependence. In doing so, you can help them learn to trust God for their needs and build social capital in a loving Christ-centered community. And in the long run, you will be more likely to attain a true friendship, free from giver and receiver restraints.