Refugee Ministry

Refugee Family from Burma

Refugees are men, women and children who are forced to flee their homes, leaving behind all they have known for an unknown future. Decisions to leave their country of origin and flee to over-crowded refugee camps are not made easily or voluntarily. Lives are forever changed. It takes approximately ten years of living in a refugee camp to be resettled in a country where they can be free from the fear of death and persecution.

Hundreds of refugee families from around the world are being resettled in Phoenix and they desperately need people to reach out to them with compassion and Jesus’ love to help them begin the process of building a new life.

Our Refugee Ministry is a hands-on, cross cultural experience interacting with families from other countries. We help them learn English, show them how to shop, and help them use our banking and transportation system. We also spend time with them at potlucks and other fun activities.

We have two teams formed now and are  looking for more people to join our team. If you have a heart to help others from different countries and cultures start a new life in America, we invite you to join our Refugee Ministry Team. This is a great serving opportunity for families of all ages, enrichment classes and small Bible study groups.

Contact: debbie.tweeten@tbcmesa.com or call the church office (480) 834-9120 for more information.

Helping your family settle in

The first 90 days are an important time when the refugee family may need more help and attention, particularly the first 30 day

It is also a time when the refugee agency works hard to connect them with core services. Their case manager could certainly use your help to meet these requirements.

He/she will communicate to your point person where the transportation needs are and what services you can help them with.

Here is a list of some of those core services:

• Medical: TB clinic, immunizations, initial doctor visits, dental and vision exams
• Education: enroll children in school, register adults for ESL 
• Benefits: application for D.E.S. benefits, app. for SS #
• Transportation: bus pass, learn how to use public transit
• Employment: applications, job interviews, placement
• Childcare: place kids in daycare when necessary
• Cultural Orientation: ongoing

Here are some other things that your group can help with if you have the time:

• Introduce them to their community (library, supermarket, park, post office, etc.)
• Orientation to supermarket
• Help with transportation to appointments
• Tutor them in basic English
• Help figure out bus routes
• Help them open a bank account
• Help them sort through their mail
• Invite them to your house for meals (especially holidays)