World Refugee Awareness Month is a time to recognize the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world. It is also an opportunity to consider how each of us can extend welcome and support to our refugee neighbors here in Texas.
For Joel, that support came in the form of a car.
During college, Joel became friends with international students and began to see firsthand the challenges immigrants and refugees often face as they adjust to life in a new country. As he studied Scripture, his heart grew more aligned with God’s call to love the stranger and welcome the refugee.
Joel remembers that he “began to understand God’s heart for the stranger, the immigrant, the refugee. It’s not just a suggestion. It’s central to God’s character.” Joel’s heart began stirring as he prayed for a clear answer in how he could greatly bless his refugee community.
Years earlier, Joel had received a car as a gift during a difficult season of life when he desperately needed a form of transportation. He shares, “It was such an extension of God’s grace to me. I didn’t deserve it. But it was always sufficient. It always took me where I needed to go.” That’s when Joel knew how the Lord would use him to bless his refugee community, just as he too was blessed.
This car helped Joel immensely and worked great for him for many years. As Joel’s circumstances changed and he was able to purchase a new vehicle, he began to wonder how he could pass that blessing on to someone else.
“I have to believe this car was always God’s gift to me,” Joel says. “It met my needs, and I trust that God will continue to do that in other areas of my life, too.”
Through World Relief, Joel donated his car to a refugee family in Austin. This car not only changed Joel’s life, but the new owners of it as well. What was once a gift to him became a lifeline for them—providing transportation to work, school, grocery stores, medical appointments, and opportunities that help families build stability and belonging in their new community.
Because Joel gave what he had, another family gained the resources they needed to thrive.
This World Refugee Month, you have the opportunity to make a similar impact.
While not everyone can donate a vehicle, every gift helps refugee families find safety, stability, and opportunity as they rebuild their lives. Your generosity can help provide critical services such as employment support, housing assistance, English classes, transportation, and community connections for our newest neighbors.
As we celebrate World Refugee Month, we invite you to join people like Joel in extending a warm welcome to refugees in Texas.
Will you give today to support refugee families and help them flourish in their new communities?
Together, we can ensure our refugee neighbors are not only welcomed but empowered to build a bright future.