Memphis
José: A Journey of Miles, Emotions, and Hope
In 2024, José was informed by his parents, “We need to go.” This 14-year-old’s world completely changed when he was forced to flee Cuba. He left behind his friends, his family, his dog, and the life that was familiar to him — carrying the weight of loss alongside the hope of finding a dignified life, opportunities to fulfill his dreams,…
Read MoreImmigrants Are More Than a Label: How Volunteering Changed One Perspective
What does it really mean to give immigrants and refugees a place at your table? For Sara, a Cultural Companion with World Relief Memphis, the answer unfolded slowly: through shared meals, laughter, language barriers, and the quiet courage of a family starting over in a foreign country. After a year of accompanying an immigrant family, her understanding…
Read MoreVolunteer Appreciation Week: Because Hope Moves Through People
During National Volunteer Week April 19-25, World Relief Memphis celebrates the volunteers who make this work possible in our city. Volunteers extend the reach of our staff, strengthen local churches and walk alongside refugee and immigrant families as they rebuild their lives.
Read MorePrayers for Peace in the World
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 MoreTrauma Revisited: Refugee Detentions Stoke Fear
“Being a refugee is not a privilege … Nobody wants to be a refugee,” says Edward Mosantu. He speaks from experience. In 1997, Edward fled violence and instability in DR Congo, seeking safety and stability as a refugee in South Africa before moving to the U.S. on the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program. Today, he works as…
Read MoreOne Year Later: When Policy Changed, the Church Responded
Executive orders left vulnerable families without support. The church responded with hope, justice and care. See how we’re standing in the gap together.
Read MoreFebruary 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.…
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