Nelya and her family entered the U. S. with a UHP permit. This is the status for Ukrainians who have arrived through Uniting for Ukraine, U4U, or were paroled at the border between February 24th, 2022, and September 30th, 2023. After half a year of living in the U. S., they have become more comfortable with the people here and they are very grateful for this country, for the support, and how much they have been helped during this time.
Seeking safety is a right and it needs to be upheld for every person. Protecting people forced to flee is a collective, global responsibility. We have to remember this could happen to anyone, anywhere. Refugees don't just escape a place. Each day, they have to escape a thousand memories. Thank you for listening.
After this experience, we want you to look at Nelya’s portrait and think, what if that picture was me? How would I like to be treated in a foreign land? When you find the answer, please look for a way to support this community. The needs greater than we can imagine, but our call is personal. You have answered the call to boldly engage the world's greatest crises in partnership with the church. You have joined us in envisioning a thriving and welcoming community here in western New York, where families flourish and people experience restorative relationships with God, their neighbors, and themselves. Thank you for joining with us as we lovingly welcome one family, one neighbor at a time with the same love and welcome that Christ showed us. You have the opportunity to help us by giving. You can also volunteer with us at World Relief. Thank you.
