Developing Need For Help
Church,
Did you know that Texas leads the nation in refugee resettlement? All the major cities in Texas have organizations that assist in the resettlement of refugees, but San Antonio is favored for its lower cost of living and strong job market. San Antonians have been welcoming refugees from all corners of the globe for decades. People fleeing famine, religious persecution, war, and many other hardships have found a home and sanctuary in our city.
For the last few years, the Department of State has been prioritizing Afghan and Iraqi families who have partnered with our military and other government agencies. These individuals have served as translators, interpreters, analysts and provided many other capabilities that were critical to ensuring the safe return of many of our servicemen and women. If they and their families were to stay in their home country, then their lives would be at risk because they supported the U.S. Government.
After the recent security collapse and regime change in Afghanistan, there is an urgency to get these families to safety. Many of these families will end up in San Antonio. The current estimate is that more than 500 of the thousands of Afghanis will eventually call San Antonio home. A small, yet determined nonprofit, Center for Refugee Services, who is also a longtime mission partner of University, will be on the frontlines of the San Antonio resettlement process. They need our help now and for the foreseeable future!
Discussions and planning with the government have just begun, but based on past experience, they will need household items, clothing, transportation (to move people and things). Most of all, there will be a great need for people (planning, communication, logistics, sorting donations, translation, etc.). As plans are developed and evolve, the needs will definitely change, so we will keep an up-to-date needs list on our Events page.
Some of us have heard the news stories telling of the bravery and dedication of these Afghans. Others of us know the positive impact they have had on one of our family members. A few of us call these Afghanis brothers and sisters due to our personal experiences while deployed to Afghanistan.
It is now our turn to serve them, showing the love of Christ to those who’ve served with us on the frontlines and who are now coming to our community. We need all skills. Those who want to lead, to plan, who can keep us updated and coordinated, who can drive, sort, or pray – everyone has a role. We are all called to love, care, and grow as we help others grow closer to Christ. Let us continue to plunder the bound strong man, partner with our Church family, and love our neighbors.
If you want to get involved, please contact Taylor Mooney at . If you have questions, comments or concerns, please contact me at .
Peace,
Steve Ryan
Executive Director of Missional Operations