Life Interrupted

The longest war in United States history has come to an end. Just a few short weeks ago, we watched the news and read the headlines as the biggest military evacuation in history took place. Since the onset of U.S. occupation in Afghanistan twenty years ago, at least 5.9 million Afghans have been internally displaced or fled the country. Life interrupted is the story of these afghans and of refugees from around the world.

In mid-October, a few students from our youth ministry had an opportunity to hear the stories of two refugee families who resettled in the Phoenix Valley. We partnered with the Welcome to America Project to make home visits, with the purpose of welcoming some of our newest refugee neighbors. Both families were from Syria, a set of brothers and a husband and wife and their four children. Before entering the U.S., both families were staying at refugee resettlement camps in the country of Georgia. They shared what they did for work in their home country and what their hopes are for life in the U.S.

We also get to hear and be witnesses to the real impact that U.S. policy has on refugee families and resettlement. As I write this, the U.S. House is holding final votes on the Senate-passed funding bill that would extend government funding through Dec. 3rd to avert a government shutdown. The bill includes $6.3 billion in funding for Afghan refugee resettlement. The money would be used to provide English lessons, emergency housing, and additional resources for Afghan refugees settling in the U.S.

As I reflect on our time with these refugee families, I was most taken by the hospitality that they demonstrated to us. I am reminded of the story in Genesis chapter 18 when Abraham and Sarah provide a warm welcome and hospitality to the strangers that passed by their tent. What will you do to welcome the foreigner in your midst?