For…I was a stranger, and you welcomed me …Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did to me.
- Matthew 25:35,40
On Sunday, February 15 (rescheduled from January 25), the St. John’s Norwood Refugee and Immigrant Ministry will host a forum at St. John’s, with guests sharing perspectives on urgent issues impacting immigrants in Montgomery County and the work carried out to support them. Speakers will be Luisa Cardona, Montgomery County's Assistant Chief Administrative Officer responsible for overseeing County immigration policy; and Chris King of New Neighbor Interfaith Alliance (NNIA), an all-volunteer service organization dedicated to supporting the resettlement of refugees and immigrants in Montgomery County as they work towards achieving independent lives here. St John’s is a member of NNIA.
The speakers will describe situations faced by new arrivals in our communities and enlighten us on both public and private sector efforts being made on behalf of immigrants and refugees in an increasingly fraught context. Cardona will address a variety of issues and policies relating to immigrants in Montgomery County, including the recently passed TRUST Act (“Promoting Community Trust – Immigrant Protections Act”) and other pending legislation. Chris King will describe the hands-on work NNIA volunteers carry out to assist over 70 newcomer families transition to life in our community, the current increase in demands on NNIA’s resources for support in these more challenging and fear inducing times, and how they are responding.
These issues impact our own neighbors and their children—newcomers wanting opportunities to work hard, give their children good educations and contribute to making our community stronger. To learn more and ask questions, please be sure to join our February 15 Forum, at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall or via Zoom (bit.ly/STJNmain).
Background
St. John’s Refugee & Immigrant Ministry has a long tradition of supporting refugee families, starting with two from Vietnam in the 1980s and, more recently, families from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza and Latin America. The ministry is currently sponsoring two families from Afghanistan and one from Venezuela while providing occasional assistance to two additional Afghan families. As Christians, we can sympathize with the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants who arrive in a new land fearful, vulnerable, and without resources. Our Ministry volunteers respond to St Matthew’s call to welcome the stranger by offering a warm welcome, then dive in with hands-on help to navigate the daunting tasks required to access food, housing and furnishings, schools, transportation, medical care and government benefits. Without English language skills or familiarity with basic technology, tasks like enrolling kids in school can be overwhelming.
Besides helping address practical needs, the ministry’s mission also includes: educating our parish and the wider community about the complex realities of the US immigration system and the experience of immigrants; advocating for appropriate, adequate services; supporting and coordinating with local partners to broaden our impact; and as a foundation of it all, affirming the human dignity of every immigrant.
A big part of the ministry’s work is connecting immigrants with other service providers and helping those organizations deliver critical support. Key partners with whom SJRIM coordinates are NNIA, which works with faith communities in Montgomery County to assist newly arrived refugees and immigrants with both emergency and long-term support; and Identity, which provides immigrant youth and families with case management services, ESL classes, and workforce development.
The mission of our Refugee and Immigrant Ministry could hardly be more compelling today, with the threat of arrest and deportation posing an overwhelming stress for immigrants and all who endeavor to help them. It is disheartening to see immigrants struggle after initial successes, as when SNAP benefits are stolen, or when a participant finally gets a job, only to be disqualified from essential benefits. But volunteers report that while it is challenging to help immigrants navigate occupancy regulations and work through language and culture differences, they feel it is worthwhile. In the words of one volunteer: “If we here in Bethesda can’t help, who can?” Volunteers are amazed at immigrants’ eagerness to work and study and are gratified by the appreciation expressed for the assistance received. Simple things like driving to medical appointments or English tutoring can make such a difference to help newcomers thrive. Children especially adapt quickly—some even joined the St John’s choir!
It feels good to see the faces of people who have been lost, but are now truly seen and treated with humanity. Ministry volunteers are also inspired by others working with immigrants in the community--teachers, health care workers, and social service providers do so much to serve these populations. They were touched by a sympathetic landlord who was herself an immigrant who helpfully rented a house large enough for a family of 10. It is also a great feeling to have random people approach them when volunteers are accompanying immigrants at places like the library, grocery store, or schools; they take an interest and express appreciation for the work this church ministry is doing. Volunteers also appreciate the friendships they make with newcomers in the community, and the rewards of working with such wonderful people at St. John’s as part of a team on a shared mission.
As our Ministry serves the immigrant community, we also enrich ourselves. By listening to their stories and learning about partners’ work, St. John’s Refugee and Immigrant Ministry helps us all to learn about migrant experiences and the many ways community groups and service organizations are helping.
- Mary Packard-Winkler
Questions?
Complete this form to connect with the leaders of St. John's Refugee & Immigrant Ministry: parishioners Christie King and Liz Jones.