Follow this link to see what is contained in each "Welcome to America! Pack" that our parish collects and delivers to arriving refugee families: http://www.e-w-s.org/html/welcome
_pack_list.html.
We need help with the collecting, organizing and delivering of these packs, as well as with communications about the good work our volunteers do.
If you're interested in joining us or in donating some of these items, contact Kathleen Mullaney at kathleen.mullaney@gmail.com. |
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PICTURES OF RECENT EXODUS EVENTS
EXODUS WORLD SERVICE
“It is very, very important for every refugee to have a friend like our Exodus volunteer.”
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Refugee from Burundi
Is it any wonder that refugees feel overwhelmed?
- A Burmese mother watched helplessly as her son’s breathing became more and more labored. She had no idea how to get help.
- An Iraqi family spent their entire first night in the U.S. pacing the halls, too afraid to go to sleep. They worried they. would be kidnapped.
- Frightened Burundi children became trapped in their apartment. Their father frantically yelled through the door trying to explain the dead bolt.
That’s why this year Exodus connected more than 600 refugees who escaped terror and violence with caring volunteers. Exodus volunteers called 911 and arranged life-saving hospital care for the young Burmese boy. Exodus volunteers hosted the frightened Iraqi family in their home. Surrounded by warmth and hospitality, their fears gradually subsided. Exodus volunteers befriended the Burundi family. During regular visits, they explained many practical details about life in their new home.
We take to heart the Biblical command to “welcome the stranger”. We have experienced the transformation that comes when people open their homes and their lives to refugees. In the coming year, new refugees fleeing persecution in Burma, Iraq, Bhutan and other countries will arrive in Chicagoland. All will face fear, loneliness and uncertainty. Will you help us welcome these newcomers? We depend on your support, especially during these difficult economic times. Please send the most generous gift you can! Together we can provide help and hope to vulnerable families who have lost everything. Thank you for your support of Exodus and the lives we see changed.
Heidi Moll Schoedel, Director
Exodus World Service
P.O. Box 620, Itasca, IL 60243
630-307-1400 or 312-REFUGEE
www.e-w-s.org
How Does One Become a Refugee?
- Live in a place where people are persecuted because of their race, religion, ethnicity, social group or political belief. Belong to one of these groups.
- Flee your country when your life is threatened. Take only your immediate family members and the clothes you are wearing.
- Find your way to the relative safety of a neighboring country.
- Apply to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for protection.
- If the U.N. recognizes your need for protection, you may be given a card and allowed to live in a country or in a refugee camp. You may not even be safe there, especially if you are a woman or child. If you know you will be persecuted if you return home, you may apply for permanent resettlement to another country.
- UNHCR Refugee Camp.
Gracious God, be the Good Shepherd to refugees who are in flight.
Lead, protect and provide for them. Grant them healing and hope.
How a Refugee Is Admitted to the U.S.
Once in a refugee camp the paper work begins.
At a Processing Post the necessary documents are assembled and then there is the waiting period, more documents are assembled and more waiting time. This can take months or years.
Eventually the refugee is granted an interview with the U.S. Government official who needs to be convinced that the person should have refugee status.
If the answer is NO, the options are:
- Return home (which is usually impossible).
- Stay where you are (in a refugee camp).
- Try another country.
If the answer is YES, the case goes to an agency to find a sponsor. Then the waiting begins again. This can take years.
One Refugee’s Story of Hope
My name is Angelos Agok. I am from southern Sudan. In 1986, I sought a government scholarship for university studies. The scholarship came with a condition - two years of compulsory military service. The military training was based on Islamic teachings of jhad - Holy War. When we requested a program for non-Muslim students, some of us were arrested and beaten.
After a month I was released and fled to my hometown, but I was apprehended again and spent six months in harsh military detention. After I was released I had to report to the base each day along with 40-50 others. On September 12, 1987, soldiers opened fire on us. I ran until no one was behind me anymore.
I became a refugee.
In July 2000, I came to the United States. I consider myself blessed abundantly because I am one of few who survived. Despite the calamities I had gone through, I persevered through faith and hope, and I know the joy of restored life and dignity. On September 27, 2007, I took my oath to become a U.S. citizen.
Gracious God, guide the refugees who have been resettled.
Help them find their way in a new land.
Shelter their souls as well as their bodies.
Restore their lives so that those who have sown in tears may reap in joy.
Amen.
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