Hey friends-
The letter below is from Cal Uomoto, director of World Relief Seattle. I got this in an email this week and just wanted to share, since WR is close to my heart. World Relief is an international organization, and may have offices in your area if you are interested in getting connected.
Dear Friends,
World Relief is excited to celebrate our 30th year of impacting lives here in Seattle. And we could not have done it without you!
In 1979 World Relief began as an answer to the growing needs of refugees fleeing the war in Southeast Asia. Our services soon expanded to the resettlement of persecuted refugees from over 25 countries as diverse as Burma, Bosnia, Iraq and Sudan.
We are thankful for you – our partner churches, community members and volunteers. It is encouraging to see that our work is having an impact. People are thriving! I’d like to invite you to join us in reflecting upon a few of the inspiring people we’ve met…
Rosa fled the war in Sudan after losing two of her four children. She arrived in 2001 and, with help from the Seattle community, found employment and a home. Because she knew how much a home meant after being uprooted, she wanted to give back to others. Rosa is now a licensed foster mother and her home is a safe place for orphaned refugee children.
Sergei and Alla fled the former USSR after Sergei was imprisoned for his Christian faith. Once settled, they founded the Slavic Gospel Church in Federal Way. The church has grown to 1,200 members and has sent teams to help rebuild communities in Ukraine, Russia, India, Mexico, and Argentina.
Eric was a teenager when bombs exploded around his home in Freetown, Liberia. He grabbed his 6 year-old brother and fled, not knowing if other family members survived. They lived alone on the Ivory Coast for six years until joyfully discovering their mother was alive. As a family, they were resettled in Seattle, and Eric is now the proud owner of his own fleet of rental cars.
These stories are a celebration! When we – as a community – give to strengthen refugees, refugees are successful at strengthening others and giving back.
As we look ahead to the next 30 years we are keenly aware of the vital role that our partners play. Please consider giving to directly meet the needs of refugees and further our work. We thank you for joining us in impacting lives!
No comments:
Post a Comment