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Dear Tenth family,
I'm thrilled to share some stories with you today! In this edition of Refugee Support News, you'll hear directly from a newcomer to Canada, as she recounts the story of learning to ride a bike, overcoming her fears and making new friendships. You'll also hear from Ron, who has recently offered his time to support Tenth's refugee ministry. Both M and Ron share how lifegiving being part of this ministry has been, as they have been part of meaningful work and made powerful connections. Finally, this email contains an invitation for you to grow in friendship with refugees in our community and be part of discerning our next steps as a ministry. I hope you are encouraged and inspired by these stories! With God, for others, Holly |
Ride for RefugeA story of overcoming fear and finding community M. grew up with dreams of riding a bike, and recently this dream came true! Since coming to Canada as a refugee she has faced significant challenges, but has consistently met them with hope and resilience. M has overcome her fears and gained new experiences, including riding a bike alongside the community of friends she has made in Canada. Keep reading to hear her story... A ride for hope and peace! I dreamed of having my own bike since I was 8 years old. “A girl can’t ride, a girl can’t have a bike” were some of the restrictions in our society. I still remember the first day when I was gifted a new bike from one of the Tenth Church members. Was it a dream right away? Nope. It wasn’t. As a newcomer to Canada, dealing with problems such as being far from family, and starting a new life in a new environment were my major concerns, while despite it all I was learning to ride to conquer this frustration. Eventually, I was invited by team of volunteers from Journey Home to participate in fundraising for refugees. As an asylum seeker my heart was willing to be a part of this journey, but meanwhile, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to ride for 3 hours. The motivational messages from the participants changed my way of thinking to believe in myself and so I participated. The bike riding wasn’t just an event to obtain the goal of fundraising, but more about supporting humanity. I learned that there are people who are still working for others who are in need, no matter who they are. During the journey I dropped off the bike two times, while the team kept me motivated to move on and fight my fears. We ended up raising funds and also found a group of new friends from different backgrounds. Thank you Journey Home, you are a real supporter! For more infomation visit:
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New Homes and New BeginningsReflections on volunteering with Tenth's Refugee Ministry A new volunteer, Ron, has recently begun helping with Tenth's Refugee Ministry. Locating housing, securing furniture, and transporting these items is a huge need in our ministry. Read Ron's reflections below on his involvment. When we look around the city, it isn’t hard to spot the marginalized and needy. As a church we have our doors and programs open to all. The question often is, how can we contribute our time or resources to improve the lives of others? At Tenth, our Pastors are trying to match people’s gifts with the needs that arise. Such a need is supplying furniture and household items, along with moving expertise and muscle. Recently my wife and I became aware of several refugee families who needed help with receiving furniture that had been donated by another member in the community. When I approached our life group about this need, several men and women offered their services. A volunteer (Mim Wickett) has been coordinating the refugee support in our church and she was thankful for our help. Together we obtained a truck and made several pick-ups and deliveries. I did not know the strangers we helped but could see the gratitude in their faces. We in turn had the opportunity to share the reason for our help and at two of the places we prayed God’s blessing on their new humble homes. There are many of us who have realized we have way too much “stuff.” A storage garage suddenly became available through God’s providence and we are now open to accepting more donations and storing items until we determine the need. What an exciting and worthwhile challenge for our church! Continue to pray for workers, donations, and recipients. As one of our volunteers said, “we are not just going to church … we are being the church.” For more infomation visit:
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Becoming a Community of Welcome with RefugeesOnline Info and Prayer Time - Friday, November 20, 2020 As the number of our friendships grow with our refugee friends in Vancouver, we would like to give an opportunity for others to join us in prayer as we discern our steps moving forward. Come to find out more information about Tenth's refugee response, and invite your friends and groups! Friday, November 20th at 7:30pm on Zoom For more infomation visit: http://tenth.ca/events/becoming-a-community-of-welcome-with-refugees/2020-11-20
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Thank you!
Thank you so much for your involvement in Tenth's refugee response! I hope these stories have inspired and encouraged you. There are several ways you and/or your life group can get involved in walking alongside refugees. Tenth provide housing and basic necessities of life for asylum seekers during their first few months in Canada, modeled after our ministry partner Journey Home Community. Want to get involved in what Tenth is doing? More stories, email us, or check out other ways to get involved. |