Let their experience be a guide for your congregation

Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Greensboro, N.C., has been working with refugees for five years, beginning with a Montagnard family from Vietnam, followed by a Afro-Colombian family. In 2004, our congregation received a request to help set up apartments for a large population of Liberians that would be arriving to live in one apartment community. Many church members participated in this activity with great enthusiasm.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
– Matthew 25:35

With housing at a premium, several two-bedroom apartments housed two unrelated families. The family assigned to us lived in such an apartment. Culturally all of the families in the community claimed kinship to each other. This created "family" and a sense of community for the new residents. It also created a greater challenge for the congregations serving them, as you could not help one "family member" without helping another "family member." We at Mt. Pleasant found ourselves serving five different households and seven different families. What a wonderful challenge!

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but … members of the household of God …
– Ephesians 2:19

In 2004, our church purchased a house next door to the church. We used this facility to collect all types of clothing, shoes, household appliances and supplies, and school supplies for the refugees. Church members came to help sort and organize the house and its donations. For one month, every weekend, we were flooded with new Liberians coming to get whatever they needed from the house for free. All of these refugees came to the city with only the clothing they had on, so their need was great. After serving 50 people, we lost accurate count as to how many we served.

I was naked and you gave me clothing.
– Matthew 25:36

Through 2005, we had four families that consistently worshipped with us. We assisted those families with job searches, getting medical attention, understanding any legal mail they received, and helping them apply for their green card. All of these families were split when they came here. Few women had living husbands because of the war in their homeland-only two women arrived with their spouses. Mothers were forced to leave without bringing all of their children. We are currently working to get the families reunified.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:21
One young girl came with a severely deformed arm. We assisted the mother in making the decision to have reconstructive surgery for the child in a neighboring city about 35 miles away. When she was in the refugee camp in the Ivory Coast, someone noticed the girl's deformity and took the girl to the hospital to treat the arm, but did not take the mother. They were separated for several weeks before the mother was reconnected with her child. This made the decision to have the surgery in a neighboring city a challenge for the mother. We offered transportation to and from the hospital for the mother and resources to be comfortable while she stayed at the hospital. Upon discharge from the hospital church members took turns to take the mother and child back and forth to the other city for physical therapy.

I was sick and you took care of me.
– Matthew 25:36

The Liberian children have had limited moments of pleasure in their lives, moving from one war torn country to another. Mt. Pleasant has helped expose them to some new and fun activities. Last year, all church youth participated in a sleep over and a 6 a.m. departure for a day trip to the beach. The children were so excited and noisy on our three-hour ride to the beach. None of the Liberian children had ever seen a beach. They had a great time and ate and rested little. They enjoyed a similar experience this year as we went to a local water park.

Then you…and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you….
– Deuteronomy 26:11

Within the last two months we have had four new Liberian families to join our church. They feel a sense of family here and seem to enjoy the worship service. The Liberians lead our Praise and Worship Service the fourth Sunday of each month. They present a genuine and free spirit of praise that we have learned from and appreciate.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
– Hebrews 13:2

God has really blessed our small congregation at Mt. Pleasant, to have such a fantastic opportunity to experience, share, and enjoy the fellowship with our Liberian sisters and brothers.

By Claretta Witherspoon, member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Greensboro, N.C.