Memphis
February 24, 2022 — The Day the Ukraine War Reached Home
On February 24, 2022, at 5:00 in the morning, Iryna woke up to the words that would divide her life into “before” and “after.” The television had stayed on through the night, and Putin’s voice filled the room. Russia had begun what he called a “special operation.” At first, her mind refused to accept it. Wars, earthquakes,…
Read MoreClimbing Beyond Borders: A Day of Courage, Laughter, and Rock Walls
Twenty years ago, Julyanna and her family came to the U.S. seeking medical assistance for her sister. Coming from the northeastern coast of Brazil, they faced more than just a language barrier in their new life. Along with the mixed emotions of leaving behind their people, food, culture, and lifestyle, came the lingering feeling of…
Read MoreWhen Kids Lead the Way in Empathy: A Remarkable Week at Second Presbyterian Church
Earlier this summer, Second Presbyterian Church set out to help children grow in empathy. In addition to exploring what the Bible says about God’s heart for immigrants, they invited guest speakers and created activities to help kids imagine life in someone else’s shoes. The results were remarkable—one boy even gave up his dream trip to…
Read MoreMore Than a Camp: Summer Belonging Through Soccer and English
This June, our office hosted a three-week summer camp for refugee and immigrant families—an experience full of joy, learning, and meaningful connection. Eager mornings and lasting friendships Each weekday, 28 children gathered for a full day of activities. Mornings were spent playing soccer, followed by a shared lunch and then English lessons in the afternoon.…
Read MoreOleksandr & Katharine: A Journey of Resilience & Friendship
“What if, when you look at another human being, rather than thinking about all the differences between you and them, you remember how much you have in common? You could say and do things to reduce fear and anxiety, to encourage and uplift. If you can do this, you will certainly learn something, and your…
Read MoreLiving out Mission: Church of the Incarnation’s Journey with World Relief Memphis
What is Your Priority? Planting a church is a daunting task. When you start with a small group of people and have limited resources, decisions must be made about where to focus efforts and also on what might potentially receive less attention in the beginning. When Drew Haltom planted Church of the Incarnation, he knew…
Read MoreDiscourse and Politics: Tips for this Election Season
As the number of global conflicts increases, we invite you to pray with us by using one of these prayers for peace in the world.
Read MoreFrom Uncertainty to Purpose: Camille’s Summer of Service and Creativity
A Summer of Service: My Journey to World Relief Prior to my internship with World Relief, I struggled with my vocational discernment. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I didn’t know how. I would flip between brochures about different academic majors and took career tests online, but I struggled to find a…
Read MoreBridging the Gap: Christian Thomas’ Journey as an Occupational Therapy Intern at World Relief Memphis
At World Relief Memphis, we are continually inspired by the incredible dedication and impact of our team members. One such individual who has made a significant mark on our organization and the broader community is Dr. Christian Thomas, our talented Occupational Therapy (OT) intern and now Health & Wellness Specialist. As a certified occupational therapist,…
Read MoreMother’s Day & Mental Health: Creating a Space for Healing
At World Relief Memphis, we strive to support our community in meaningful ways. This Mother’s Day, we held a special event dedicated to our Cuban-entrant mothers who face the profound challenge of being separated from their children. This initiative was not only a celebration but also a recognition of the mental health struggles these women…
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