Saint James' Afghan Refugee Family

Dear Saint James' Community:  Our newly adopted Afghani family, Mohammad, Sohaila, Rana, and Sana, are settling in a lovely small apartment in Manassas. Some of their furnishings were obtained by their refugee resettlement case worker, and Saint James has helped as well.  So far, we have provided many excellent kitchen and dishware items (their kitchen is now well stocked), new linens and pillows, two bikes with helmets and locks (for the girls), a vacuum cleaner, an iron, a laptop, a smart TV, stainless steel trash can, small rugs, and some fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts. The family is excitedly awaiting delivery of a donated treadmill from a St. James parishioner.

Mohammad and Rana (who is just turned 21) are now employed at a meat packing plant in Fairfax, working 1:00 pm to 1:00 am.  They are happy to have the jobs and are still waiting for green cards.  Mohammad would really like to work as a cook, or he loves farming!!   Rana is educated and ultimately wants to begin college. Christine Bobal from St. James is helping Sana with the right educational resources to earn her high school diploma.

Mohammad, Sohaila, Rana and Sana all visited Saint James last week and met Father Ben and a few other parishioners. They were given a brief tour of the Sanctuary, as well as Father Ben led us all in a prayer circle together in the Music Room. The Refugee Ministry Team hopes to host some sort of fellowship event at church in September to offer time for all of you to meet our new family.  

The family's biggest needs will be a car so they are not dependent on others for transportation, especially if the bus routes are not conducive to their destinations. They do have one mobile phone, but another would be very much appreciated.  Please consider make a monetary donation to the Refugee Ministry to help with these more expensive items.  

Peace,

Joanne Charles and Christine Bobal, Refugee Ministry Co-Leaders

Joanne Charles   757-373-6967  jcharles1331@gmail.comChristine Bobal 571-294-1425  christine.bobal@gmail.com

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