Gary DeVelder and his son Derek of Abounding Service https://aboundingservice.org/ share stories about recruiting volunteers to help refugees learn English and citizenship. He explains, “We develop a relationship and give them dignity. Refugees have been told ever since they left their home that they’re worth nothing. When they came out of their country, they had nothing but a suitcase.” Gary says about one refugee that he has helped, “The first time they felt good in the US is when somebody deliberately smiled at them. And we can provide that to them day after day.” Derek explains, “For example, Le Page, when helping with Thanksgiving boxes, beamed. She said, ‘I feel included, I feel important here” by helping others.'” Gary continues, “Our witness is not so much in words. A volunteer can sit together one foot away from each other, face to face. The eyes speak love, care, concern. This refugee has had a lot of case workers. They know who are paid; they know that the encourager that comes in for 2 hours is not paid; they know they’re volunteers who want to be there. Many of them have not been treated this way as a refugee in 10, 20, 30 years.” Derek concludes, “We’re simply backing in to the work that the Holy Spirit is doing.”
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How can God use us in this country?
Host Bob Moffitt interviews Gabriela and Jose Castaneda who moved to Phoenix from Guatemala 19 years ago. When they arrived, they were interested in a church that did more than just praying and reading the Bible; they started a church with 7 people who began loving and serving their neighbors in need: food for the homeless, beds for those in need, diapers, and bringing a toy to one of their Muslim neighbors.