Author: Kelsey Ueland

How do they hear about you?

When I talk with people about Jonathan House, they often want to know how asylum seekers find out about us. The most common way people find us is through someone they know. Allow me to share one of those stories with you now.

The Start of a Friendship

Hilary and Esma were neighbors who lived across the hall in an apartment building. Hilary noticed Esma for how she carried herself with such confidence, and because the brilliantly colored and beautiful clothes she wore were clearly from a different culture than that of her other neighbors.

They first met in the elevator on a day when Hilary had many things to carry. Esma offered to help. Over time, their friendship grew. Despite having very different backgrounds, they began to bond over shared life experiences.

Hilary had a sense that something was troubling Esma and asked about her living situation. This led to a three-hour conversation in the community room. Esma shared that she was struggling in her current living arrangement but due to her status as an asylum-seeker, she didn’t know of any other options.

Hilary knew Minnesota to be a place that was very welcoming to immigrants and refugees, and was optimistic that she could find a better solution. She offered to help. When her initial efforts didn’t pay off, she offered to pay for a bus ticket so she could live temporarily with a relative out-of-state. But Hilary promised to keep looking for a place for her in Minnesota. 

She kept her promise. After some weeks, Hilary connected with Jonathan House, we had an opening, and the rest is history. 

An Umbrella in the Rain

A year later Esma has become a valued member of our community. She demonstrates welcome and love to others and works hard to keep the house clean and comfortable. Now, equipped with a work permit and a job, she also contributes meaningfully to society at large, providing care for our elders.

Reflecting back, Esma used a metaphor to describe their friendship. “Hilary was my umbrella in the rain. I had no work permit and I didn’t know anyone at the time. She was a stranger who cared for me.”

Friends at Jonathan House shelter under an umbrella.

For Hilary’s part, she experienced deep joy by helping someone in a way that made such a direct and significant impact. “And it was really quite simple,” she said. “It didn’t require all that much from me.”

Who is Your Neighbor?

Hilary expounded that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scope of the problems we see around us. But what if, instead of focusing on complicated problems that feel unsolveable, we connect with the person next-door, and help them as we can? What kind of an impact would that make?

Today, many of our asylum-seeking, refugee, and immigrant neighbors live under a lot of pressure and fear. Will you stand beside them so that they know they are not alone? Follow the examples Esma and Hilary give us. Be a good neighbor. Who knows what good may come of it?

Written by: Josh Levin, Jonathan House Program Manager

When Deb first began volunteering with Jonathan House through her community at First Covenant Church, the friendships took time to get going. Deb and her friends felt nervous at first, unsure of how to connect. But the Jonathan House residents quickly put them at ease, and before long they were simply having fun together.

She and a friend started a regular pickleball outing with John, Yusouf and Mukama, and it was a blast. American and African friends found themselves on level playing field – laughing at good plays and bad ones and enjoying the fresh air and movement. 

As the friendships grew, so did the invitations. When a scheduled pickleball game got rained out, the group pivoted to an indoor birthday celebration—complete with a surprise video call where Deb met John’s wife and kids still in their home country. Another time, she organized an outing to a community theater play, introducing friends from around the world to Broadway classics. More recently, a resident who had already moved on from Jonathan House reached out to take her to his favorite restaurant. These simple moments added up to something bigger: Deb realized this was no longer just volunteering—it was life shared in community.

Deb plays pickleball with friends from Jonathan House.

“I’ve just learned to start doing my life and inviting them in, and sharing with them what I enjoy,” Deb said. “We enjoyed dinner—I have always been a firm believer that things happen around food. When we’ve done a play now I have them over, just having them around the table is wonderful.”

This approach of bringing her authentic self—rather than striving to be some “perfect volunteer”—has shaped both Deb and her friends at Jonathan House. As she put it: “The older I get, the more I realize that we have no idea how long we have with these people, or…our own lives.” When asked what she wants to make the rest of her life about, she answered simply: “Helping other people.”

Deb’s heart for welcoming others stretches back to her childhood. Growing up on a farm, her family once hosted a refugee family from Germany, and her father modeled quiet kindness toward neighbors who needed friendship. “I knew that he impacted people’s lives, but when he died and people shared how he had impacted them…I wanted to do the same.”

A day at the farm with a friend from Jonathan House.

Now, Deb is carrying forward that legacy in her own way. Alongside years of friendship and hospitality, she has chosen to leave a legacy gift to Jonathan House in her will—an opportunity for her love to extend beyond her own lifetime.

Her story reminds us that when we bring our truest selves—not polished, but real, with our passions, joys, and even our messes—God has a way of making something beautiful happen.

Written by: Bethany Ringdal, Jonathan House Ministry Leader

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

These words were written as a lament over the suffering of Jerusalem as it fell into the hands of Babylon while its people were forced to flee their homes in search of safety from violence, persecution, slavery, and death.

And yet they are filled with a deep and resounding message of hope. Because of God’s great love, suffering does not consume us. We hold onto that same hope at Jonathan House as we see the circumstances for our asylum seeking friends and neighbors continue to look more dire.

Those living at Jonathan House have suffered a great deal before arriving in the U.S. Our goal is to help them survive and recover from forced displacement, but ongoing changes to immigration policy are having ripple effects for our friends physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Some changes to be aware of that impact our asylum seeking and asylee friends include:

Limited Access to Safe Asylum Routes – Routes to begin an asylum claim have been almost entirely closed off (i.e. no chance to claim asylum at the border, travel bans making it difficult for many to enter for an affirmative case), leaving people in dangerous circumstances. In addition, asylum cases are being dismissed in a few different ways including, but not limited to: expedited removal cases in collusion with ICE and cases where no credible fear interview was scheduled being dismissed due to no fault of the asylum seeking individual.

Increased Fees – New and increased fees have been implemented for asylum seekers to file an application for protection as well as to keep that application active each year. Likewise, new fees are in place in order to file for employment authorization or renewal. In the past, folks could apply for a fee waiver based on financial need which is no longer available to asylum seekers, meaning that regardless of financial situation, they must pay full price.

Ineligibility for Benefits – Asylum seekers and asylees are no longer eligible for federally funded medical benefits including Medicare/Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, or ACA marketplace insurance coverage. Additionally, they are no longer eligible for SNAP cash or food benefits. The child tax credit will no longer be offered to people with the status of asylum seeker. (Click here for more information)

Shifting ICE policies – ICE has increasingly been arresting non-citizens at mandatory court appearances and routine check-ins, including at Fort Snelling, our local court. Additionally, ICE is able to conduct enforcement actions in or near spaces that were previously considered “sensitive locations” such as churches, hospitals, and schools.

Federal Funding Cuts – Several of our partner organizations where residents receive services such as English lessons, mental health therapy, case management, educational and employment services and more have been hit by federal funding cuts and forced to downsize or eliminate programs.

Direct Impact – With very sad hearts, we share that for the first time earlier this month, a former resident of Jonathan House was detained by ICE and deported back to their home country. We hope this is the first and last time something like this will happen to a dear member of our community, but uncertainty continues to grow.

As you can imagine, the combination of all of these setbacks deepens the sense of fear and uncertainty that residents feel and leads them on a slower track to long term stability. Our friends are at the end of the road with nowhere else to go. So what are we doing about all this?

First, we continue to offer hope. Because we are followers of Jesus, we hold hope in all things and we do our very best to carry that hope for those who cannot find it on their own. Second, we continue to move forward as usual providing practical and emotional support to residents through the Jonathan House program. Third, we are turning to our community to help us cover additional costs residents are facing due to increased fees and loss of benefits.

IAFR as an organization is designed to be flexible and to move with the changing tides of forced displacement. As a program, Jonathan House is no different, so in addition to the above, we are updating our strategy to adjust to the shifting landscape in which we find ourselves.

Your support means more to us now than ever. We are grateful to God that so far the residents at Jonathan House and our program as a whole have been doing well. However, we ask for your continued prayer and support as we seek to be faithful with what is in front of us. If you are interested, click below to read through our updated strategic plan or visit our giving page to stand with us financially as we love and welcome our asylum seeking neighbors.

Strategic Plan 2025

My name is Rayna, and I am the summer intern at Jonathan House. Over the past month, I have had the privilege of spending time building relationships with some of the female residents. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality the women have shown me as a newcomer.

After circumstances I cannot begin to imagine, I continue to see courage and resilience. I have also been overwhelmed by the pain of legal setbacks and the weight of frustration over the slow pace of systems. But hope insists on showing up at Jonathan House. It shows up in laughter around shared meals. It shows up in tears turned into prayer.

God’s goodness is reflected by the friendships formed and contagious joy. Through the cracks of uncertainty, light keeps breaking in. Thank you for welcoming me into the Jonathan House community and for being part of this story of shelter, hope, and healing. I have written a couple of reflection poems below based on my first month as a Jonathan House intern. 

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Written by Rayna Welch, Jonathan House Intern. Apply for an internship today at: https://jonathanhouse.org/jonathan-house-internship-program/.

This month, in celebration of World Refugee Month, we are sharing stories that highlight the strength, resilience, and courage of the men, women, and children who have called Jonathan House their home through the years.

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Ayantu fled her home country for her safety, leaving her two small children with her mother.  Her husband had attacked her with acid while she was sleeping and faced no legal consequences.  This left her with visible scars on her face, neck, and arms.  When we first met her, she expressed feeling ashamed about her scars and being afraid to eat publicly with others, afraid of how others might react to her.  

On her move-in day to Jonathan House, other residents warmly welcomed her with hugs.  A faithful volunteer dropped by with a gift bag and embraced her.  Ayantu was moved to tears by the warm welcome she received.  

Later that day, when I thanked the volunteer, she responded, “You are sooo welcome! It was nice to meet her…I had tears in my eyes as I drove home. Thank you for what you do, allowing us to walk along these dear children of God.” 

They made me forget my scars…

A few days later Ayantu joined us for her first community meal, in which members of the community are invited to join Jonathan House staff and residents for brunch.  She came with a face mask and later removed it.  Afterwards, she commented, “They made me forget my scars. I could feel that everybody there loved each other.”  

One of my favorite memories of Ayantu is of her inviting me to join her for lunch that she had prepared.  As we sat and ate together, we didn’t have lots of common language, so we found other ways to communicate.  We showed each other photos of our families on our phones.  She proudly showed me a photo of her beautiful children back home that she loves and misses.  I felt privileged to be welcomed into her world.  

Over the months, she has settled in, developed relationships with her housemates, started taking English classes, made plans for upcoming surgery, and has renewed hope for her future.  It is a joy to see her smile!  

I feel an indescribable peace…

Recently she said, “I feel an indescribable peace when I am at home (at Jonathan house)…Though there are things that stress me out, I feel that I am able to find joy and purpose in my life. I feel that I have created a family here where I have love and support…Wherever I go, I feel that I have the confidence to say that I have a home that I can go to.”  

She also shared, “Coming to Jonathan House has changed my life so far. Before coming here, I used to regret living life, and now I’m loving life, because of the love you show me.” 

Your support of Jonathan House has helped Ayantu find shelter, hope, and healing.  Thank you for your financial and prayer support which has enabled Ayantu and others to move forward with hope!

Written by: Linda Lang, Resident Support Coordinator

June is World Refugee Month, so we are featuring stories of some of the remarkable displaced people in the Jonathan House community and highlighting ways you can show them love.

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A few weeks ago I received a text from my dear friend and Jonathan House alumnus Pastor Timothy: “Hello dear Bethany, God has made a miracle for me. Celebrate God’s goodness with me 🙏♥️”

I dropped everything in excitement and shock. Was this the good news we had been praying for? 

He came to the U.S. fleeing government persecution, told his story before an asylum officer and then… nothing. The final answer on asylum cases like his sometimes takes weeks or months; he waited for almost 3 years with no word. While he waited, he got work permission, a job and an apartment – the trappings of stability without the foundation of a secure immigration status.

Ready to Give Up

Pastor Timothy he had been ready to give up. He prayed over and over again: “God, your will be done.” In these days, he says, those who follow Jesus should not be surprised to encounter struggles – but that doesn’t make it easier. He became increasingly isolated, stopped calling his friends, not having any good news for them. As bad news for immigrants seems to come from every direction, it was hard to believe that any good news could come in his story.

Reason for Hope

Then something happened that gave him reason to cling to hope. Every Saturday his family back home gathers to pray. His daughter sent him a recording of a message from God shared during that prayer time: “this is the right time to demonstrate my power. You will hear good news within 3 months.” 

He hardly knew whether to hope – but he knew he wasn’t alone. “Throughout my journey,” he says, “God has been speaking to me like Abraham, saying ‘I am with you.’” 

It was almost exactly 3 months later that he got a text from his lawyer while at work. “Congratulations!” Surprised and confused, he checked his email and found there the good news he had hardly dared to hope for. He had been granted asylum, and now could receive permanent refugee protections in the United States and bring his beloved family to join him. 

He is Faithful

“I was looking at this again and again. Is it real? Finally God has done it. He is faithful.” 

When Pastor Timothy texted me back that yes, he had been granted asylum, I burst into simultaneous tears and laughter, overjoyed for my friend. Our record stands: so far, every single member of the Jonathan House community who has reached the end of their arduous asylum journey has been granted protection.  The whole Jonathan House community is celebrating, encouraged in the midst of so much difficulty by this gloriously good news.

Written by: Bethany Ringdal, Ministry Leader

June is World Refugee Month, so we are featuring stories of some of the remarkable displaced people in the Jonathan House community and highlighting ways you can show them love. 

John enjoys a day at the zoo with friends from Jonathan House.

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John* didn’t want to leave his country – especially because it meant a lengthy separation from his wife and three young children. But when persecution forced him to flee to save his life, he went with the hope that God would guide him to safety in the United States.  Unfortunately, his position as an asylum seeker made him vulnerable to exploitation and abuse from the very people he’d hoped would welcome him. “At one point,” he says “I had a disgust for life.” He was on the brink of homelessness when a teacher at his English class helped him connect with Jonathan House – proof to him that “the good Lord does not leave his children in suffering.” 

At Jonathan House he found hope and “kind people who gave me a smile and joy to live. The organization restored my life. I would like to thank them very much, and also the donors who have never forgotten us. May God bless and protect them.” 

Today, with Jonathan House volunteers walking by his side, John is rebuilding his life while he waits for an answer on his asylum case. He has become a much-beloved member of one of our partner churches, found employment at another, and has been introducing us to his children through video calls. 

I want you to hear this, and to really take it in: you, the community and donors of Jonathan House, fought back John’s despair. Your love for him gave him back his joy. Your generosity is proof that God has not forgotten him. And he is praying for you. 

Written by: Bethany Ringdal, Ministry Leader

Written by: Betty Ghebremicheal

Creating Belonging

I used to think belonging was something you stumbled into. You show up, and eventually, if you’re lucky, you find people who get you. But this past semester, during my internship at Jonathan House, I learned that belonging can be something you create- with intention, with care and with others who are trying to do the same. 

The beautiful moments that were created over breakfast, or the quiet moments of trust when someone told me about their journey are some of the things that I will treasure in my heart. One resident, out of comfort, commented, “I feel like I can sleep and rest better when I am at Jonathan House than when I am anywhere else.” Jonathan House supports asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in the U.S.—but more than that, it’s a place where strangers become neighbors, and neighbors become family.

A New Encounter

I remember one sunny day when Carine and Alamnseh were outside taking pictures. I didn’t want to intrude, but I quietly hoped someone might want to go for a walk. Carine, who I’d come to learn loves walking—especially to pick up her son from daycare—looked over and asked, a little shyly, if I’d like to come with her.

That walk changed everything.

Up until then, I hadn’t felt deeply connected with the women. But that walk opened a door. Carine talked about her dreams—what she hoped to do for her kids, what kind of life she wanted to build. Her words were full of energy and hope. It reminded me that even when life feels unstable, hope for the future is what keeps people going.

Jonathan House intern, Betty, enjoys a sunny fall walk.

Growing Hope

That’s what Jonathan House does—it creates a space where that kind of hope can grow.

What would it look like for you to help build belonging—right where you are?

Whether it’s walking alongside a neighbor, supporting a program like Jonathan House, or simply choosing to see people others overlook—you can be part of creating a world where no one has to belong alone.

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Interested in a Jonathan House Internship?

Apply by May 30th – For more information visit: https://jonathanhouse.org/jonathan-house-internship-program/.

When I got the opportunity to be a part of this internship, one thing I was interested to see was how many opportunities I would have to be able to share about my faith that I care about so deeply and about the Bible, the book that has shaped and formed my life in so many ways. It turns out that I didn’t have to wait very long, for in just a few conversations with Mukama, one of the current residents, I found a very good friend who loved to talk about religion and faith, which is incredibly important to him as well. 

“If there was no love, there would be no reason to talk cordially about differences in faith; the only goal would be to be correct.“

One afternoon as I was giving Mukama a ride to work, I mentioned how much I appreciated the conversation we had had earlier about each of our respective faiths. As I finished thanking him, he said, “Oh yes of course… but I think I have made a mistake.” I asked what he meant by that, and he explained that he thought he was talking about religion too much and that I was probably getting tired of it. I quickly explained that this was not the case. On the contrary, I actually greatly appreciate anytime someone is willing to talk about faith. He shared my enthusiasm and said,

“It is because I love you.”

It was only fitting that the first time I received such words of affirmation came after this moment of evident shared love for our faiths and for each other. 

He also makes it clear that the reason he is so open to talking about religion is because he cares about me and loves me. If there was no love, there would be no reason to talk cordially about differences in faith; the only goal would be to be correct. But with Mukama, it’s been different. One particular moment has demonstrated this. 

Maybe some of you are like me, someone eager to talk about their faith and learn about others’ faiths. Maybe you’re eager to listen and learn from others’ stories and life journeys. In volunteering and interacting with our friends at Jonathan House, there are many opportunities to talk, listen, and learn in these ways. They all have a unique story and faith journey that we can learn from. I’d encourage you to take a step toward this, whatever it may look like for you. How can you take part in welcoming, encouraging, and listening to our asylum seeker friends today?    

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This story was written by Case Mulder, a Jonathan House intern. Looking for an internship with experience in cross-cultural ministry, nonprofit leadership, and spiritual formation?

The Jonathan House internship application is open now through May 30th. Click below for more information and to start your application!

Earlier this year, I returned to work after taking a few months off for my maternity leave. I came back to the warmest welcome from our friends at Jonathan House. 

“Best wishes for you, your family, and your baby, my sister.” 

It was a reminder to me that in this community, we all have a role to play. We all have a place. We all have capacity. We all contribute. We all belong. Our immigrant friends are so much more than people in need. 

As friends who pray with us, volunteer your time, and give financially, you are also a key part of creating a thriving community. As you think of our friends at Jonathan House or other immigrant neighbors in your community, I challenge you to think of a way they have welcomed you with the same warmth they extended to me.

How might you extend a hand of welcome in return?

Here are a few ideas that come to mind for me:

• If you have a personal connection with someone who lives/lived at Jonathan House, check in to see how they’re doing.
• Get to know Jonathan House better by exploring our volunteer opportunities here!
• Join the Keychain Collective, our group of monthly financial supporters who partner to sustain our work.