Twice Blessed

The Refugee Committee of a local Mennonite Church didn't think twice when Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) asked for emergency sponsorship of a refugee family from Colombia. Even though a year and a half ago the church had committed to fully sponsor a widow with three children from Democratic Republic of Congo, there still was no word on their arrival, so they decided to respond to the current need. Many of the members are first- or second-generation refugees or immigrants to Canada. Their own experience and the stories of their forefathers are why members see refugee sponsorship as a part of their ministry to the needy and oppressed.

On December 10, 2004 they welcomed the Santiago family. The family had fled Colombia, where the father had been working as a journalist and community leader. Even though they had the support of the Colombian government to leave the country, they were still in hiding and they needed to find a country that would accept them as refugees. They had to find a way to connect to the Canadian embassy to apply for refugee status, and they had to find the financial means to leave and to live in Canada. Both of these seemingly straightforward processes were extremely difficult in Colombia. Foreign embassies, especially the Canadian and American embassies were closely watched by the various guerilla and paramilitary groups. Merely attempting to walk into the embassy building or being seen going in or out would have been much too risky. And finding trustworthy people who could help was equally risky and difficult.

In the midst of the excitement of helping the Colombian family, the MCC Refugee Coordinator brought more news: “Are you ready for the Congolese family? Constance Bokili and her 3 years and twin year old sons are on their way from Nairobi.” Within a few days, an apartment in a good neighbourhood was found, furniture was delivered, and the last touch, clean bedding and food in the fridge was arranged as the church Refugee Committee members was on the way to the Vancouver International Airport to pick up the family. “We are very fortunate,” says Joy Wiebe, dedicated to the work with refugees since the time of the Boat People . “It's a blessing both ways as we meet people from all over the world. We're all better off, helping each other.”

(All names and locations have been changed to protect identities.)

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.  Matthew 25:35

For more information on how you can get involved, contact Jennifer Mpungu at our Abbotsford office (604) 850-6639 and Toll-free at 1-888 622-6337 (Mon-Thurs: 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m) or e-mail her at: refugee@mccbc.com. In Vancouver contact Jamie Spray at (604) 325-5524.