Strengthen + Expand

Empowering the Church to serve refugees across Wisconsin.

Today, over 123 million people have been forcibly displaced.

In Wisconsin, we believe that the church is positioned to live out Luke 10:25-37, Matt. 25:31-40, and Matt. 28:18-20 by walking alongside refugees in our community. After years of fleeing violence, war, famine and extreme poverty, followed by years of waiting in a refugee camp, we want the church to be an integral part in walking alongside our refugee neighbors as they heal, rebuild, and contribute to a new community.

At World Relief Wisconsin, we partner with local churches to provide support and care for refugees who are seeking a place to call home. We believe this is a tangible way of living out the Biblical command to love "the least of these".

We equip local churches by offering holistic training and support to small groups and individuals so that they can welcome refugees through word and action.

We believe that both our new neighbors and our local churches are enriched when people from all cultures and walks of life come together.

What is a Good Neighbor Team?

Good Neighbor Teams (GNTs) are community groups who are matched with a refugee or other immigrant families through a local World Relief office. These teams commit to walking alongside newcomers for 6-12 months with the goal that refugees and immigrant neighbors will feel the warm welcome of his/her local community. GNTs help families integrate into their new community through mutual relationship building, exchanging cultures, and teaching life skills. This is about so much more than "doing" for people - it's about taking the time to build a relationship, and welcoming well in the name of Jesus.

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The Results

We asked GNT members to complete a survey about their experience. What emerged confirmed our hope - that in building these relationships a mutual exchange occurs, changing not only our newcomers, but our local church bodies as well.

My wife Jane and I began volunteering as a way to give back and help others with our new time in retirement. We have learned many things about Afghan culture firsthand through our relationship with our family. The parents and their young children have become like family to us, and call us Bibi and Boba (Grandma and Grandpa). Jane and I don’t just do “stuff” for them. As friends we walk, talk and just hang out together. We shared joy in the birth of their new son, and they grieved with our family through a tragic death. This continues to be a life changing journey that we are so grateful to experience! We will forever treasure this opportunity!

Craig Miller, World Relief Wisconsin Volunteer