The Rewards of Sponsorship
Fern Creek United Methodist Church Welcomes a Family Into Its Heart
By Lucy Harris
It was the telephone call that changed my life.
Lee Welsh, sponsorship coordinator of Kentucky Refugee Ministries, was telling me that a Meskhetian-Turk family of five would be arriving in Louisville in a few weeks. Would my church be willing to sponsor this family? With no idea of the rewards this decision would bring, I said yes. The very next Sunday, I informed my church congregation about "our" family and asked for volunteers to help clean and furnish the apartments that would be needed. (Since there were no three-bedroom apartments available, we were told that we would need two apartments to house our family.)
A Journey of Outreach
The church's overwhelming response to the call for used furniture, household goods, and donations began our journey of outreach. I could not believe how quickly everything was donated and brought to the church, so we would be ready as soon as the apartments were ready for us. Every prayer was answered. We had money for food, rent, and utilities. In ten days, not one, but two apartments were ready.
Eight members of the church waited expectantly for the family to arrive at 10:40 the next morning. To say we were anxiously anticipating their arrival would be putting it mildly. However, once we saw the concerned faces of the Kurbanov family, we knew that they were more nervous and apprehensive than we. Settling them into the apartments, we soon began a wonderful journey in ministry. Our family has blessed us in more ways than we could ever imagine. They are quickly learning the English language (though they try to teach me, I cannot say that I have learned as much Russian), and I look forward to witnessing their continued growth in a country that was once foreign to them.
Advice to Other Congregations: Follow Your Heart
Anivar, Khadisha, Murad, Fakhrat, and Rizman are beautiful people, and we are so thankful that we took a step of faith and allowed this family into our hearts. I challenge every church to follow your heart and help in the resettlement of a refugee family. You are the ones who will receive the blessings.
Adapted with permission from InSpirit, a publication of Kentucky Refugee Ministries-a local affiliate of the International Refugee Program of Church World Service. UMCOR partners with CWS IRP in refugee resettlement. Lucy Harris is sponsorship team coordinator, Fern Creek United Methodist Church, Louisville, KY.
