“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
As we sat with Mamade* in his living room, he beamed as he said, “I’m so thankful for all the volunteers, I could kiss them!” We laughed as he shared that is how gratitude is shown in Ethiopia, but it might be misinterpreted in American culture. He clearly expressed his immense gratefulness for the team of volunteers who have been faithfully driving him to and from work the last couple months, including many early morning and late night drives.
Reports of ICE detentions the past couple months have caused many immigrants to fear going out, even among those who have already attained asylum, refugee status or citizenship. We have heard reports of immigrants who have citizenship and green cards being detained by ICE, vetted refugees being sent to detention centers, asylum seekers who have never committed crimes being harassed, and even children being mistreated. Omar*, a man we had hoped to welcome into Jonathan House, was detained and is desperately hoping for release, and we are praying we can welcome him into the room prepared for him.
In the midst of all this, churches and volunteers have risen up beautifully to care for neighbors. Dozens of new volunteers expressed their desire to help and jumped right in to meet needs. We formed mutual support pods, teams providing short-term help for residents and other immigrants by providing rides or delivering groceries to those afraid to leave their homes. These new relationships have brought blessings to residents and volunteers alike.
True affection between a resident and her American friend
Cheryl, a dedicated volunteer, showed such beautiful hospitality and care that a resident said with grateful tears for the loving kindness she has been shown, “I have a new mother.” Cheryl too was blessed, sharing that it was a privilege to care for her. “It was also so beautiful to see others who have been part of her care team step in to support her and help with groceries, shopping, rides, and their friendship…She is a remarkable, loving, resilient, strong woman with a bright future ahead of her…I am so honored to be part of her journey and look forward to an enduring friendship. She has been such a role model of grace and hope and courage in the face of adversity for me and many others. Truly a gift!”
Another wonderful volunteer, Christy, shared, “It was a true gift to share meals, stories, and life … (They) are remarkable women, and it was a joy to hear the stories of where life has brought them and to learn about their families, faith, and dreams. I (was) hoping to provide something of value, and walked away having received something I couldn’t have planned or predicted…which is so often how God works. These ladies changed me for the better, and I will carry the joy of knowing them, and the reminder of God’s faithfulness, for the rest of my life.
Grace and Peace,
Linda Lang, Resident Support Coordinator
* Pseudonyms to protect the safety and privacy of forcibly displaced friends
If you would like to befriend and support an asylum seeker, you are invited to attend one of our upcoming Jonathan House Foundations trainings, offered Saturday, April 18th 12-4pm or May 9th 9am-1pm. Learn more and register at the link below.
Pray with us
- For continued safety for our residents and for immigrants in Minnesota
- For just laws that continue to allow work permits for asylum seekers
- For Omar’s release from detention
- For upcoming opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus as Easter approaches
Take Action
- We’re looking for a 2-3 bedroom apartment in South Minneapolis. Any leads?
- Gather an accompaniment team: 3-5 people to walk with a resident for 1 year.
- Attend Jonathan House Foundations volunteer training.
Did you know you can support shelter for asylum seekers through your retirement accounts?