This guest blog is written by Shelley Hiller, a long term partner of World Relief
This summer, my church started a Good Neighbor Team. We were matched with a family from Syria who had been living in Iraq for several years while undergoing the vetting process for refugees. On the surface, there are many differences between this family and our team members: white vs. brown skin, American vs. Middle Eastern, Christian vs. Muslim, English vs. Arabic speakers. Different backgrounds and experiences separate us. But as we have gotten to know this family, it has become clear how much we share. The parents adore their four children and burst with pride when speaking about their good grades and academic honors. They long for home, safety, and community. They are endlessly generous and hospitable, offering and welcoming friendship. I have learned so much from them and from the other immigrants and refugees I have met through World Relief.
My journey with World Relief began in 2017 when I visited their office to ask how I could volunteer as an aide in their ESL classes. This was a step far outside my comfort zone, but I desperately wanted to show tangible love and welcome to the refugee and immigrant community, who were being so falsely vilified in political rhetoric. After completing training, I began to serve. I hope I was able to provide some help to the teachers and students I worked with, but what I know beyond doubt is how richly I have been blessed.
I have met gifted and dedicated teachers who share their skills and knowledge to help newcomers navigate the American landscape. I have also met extraordinary people from all over the world who, in spite of trauma and pain I can only begin to imagine, are warm, brave, open, determined, and delightful. In one class, I witnessed a group of students from many different countries who, despite having no shared language, developed deep friendships. They gathered during class breaks to chat with the aid of Google Translate and even met outside of class to strengthen their bond. It always makes me think of Revelation 7:9, where people from every tribe and tongue will gather together to worship the Lamb.
That first step into the English learning classroom has led to many others. I became a monthly partner and learned about the work World Relief does around the globe, including disaster relief and Church Empowerment Zones. At every step, I have been increasingly impressed with World Relief as an organization and with the depth, breadth, intentionality, and excellence of all they do. I am so proud to play even a small part in their work through volunteering and giving.
The days and years ahead will be challenging for many. The global displacement crisis is unprecedented and widespread. As people of God, called to love others, to welcome the stranger, and to see the image of God in all those He has made, let us not grow weary in doing good. Instead, let us commit to giving our time, talents, and treasures to serve the vulnerable.