Refugee Ministry: Afghani Family Update

On Monday night, five members of Saint James’ Refugee Ministry Team met our new adopted Afghani family. We were welcomed into the family’s home with plates of food and warm smiles. The father worked as a cook in Kabul, making American food as skillfully as Afghan staples. However, it was his wife, who made this delicious dinner for us! Both parents would like to find jobs as cooks. There are two daughters in the family. The elder is 19 and speaks quite good English, now taking on the role as family translator. Her dream is to study medicine in the future. The younger daughter is 17 and will be a junior in high school. Education is very important to this family, and is one of the reasons the family was targeted by the Taliban in Kabul, as they were trying to educate their daughters. They were also targeted for being related to Afghan U.S. Government employees and thus received U.S. Special Immigration VISAs. Their journey took them to Pakistan, then Qatar, and finally here to Virginia where they arrived just a few weeks ago. This family is receiving some limited benefits from the U.S. Government and were fortunate to find an apartment in Manassas. The family also has a 25 year old son who is still in Pakistan and they hope he can join them soon. Both girls like to ride bicycles and play sports (tennis and volleyball). In fact, the whole family is very active with walking and jogging, and the mother would love a treadmill for their home so she can stay healthy. We are blessed to be able to befriend and assist this lovely family. They have many needs in order to become self-sufficient as refugees in the U.S. Please pray for this new ministry, stay tuned for more information on how to donate or get involved. “News and Needs” will be posted on the hallway bulletin board. Social media will be accessed as appropriate and safe for the family.

Ministry Co-Leaders: Joanne Charles jcharles1331@gmail.com | Christine Bobal christine.bobal@gmail.com

Right now, you can help by donating. To help with funding go to Realm Connect, using the drop down menu go to Refugee Family Support. Thank you for your help!

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