What a blessing to be a member of a congregation that reaches out to a community in need of friends and resources at a time when they are beginning a new life journey in a new country. I am so thankful that we have Lutheran Social Service as a community partner and that they have been so responsive to the needs of refugees coming to Minnesota. It is so exciting to get emails from LSS asking for help for specific needs that they have for incoming refugees. This year, thus far, we have delivered warm winter adult-sized jackets, 16 backpacks with school supplies, and various items that were dropped off at the office by Faith members. Faith members have also donated through the Target portal and monetarily to Refugee Outreach. The need is ongoing, and I am so thankful to the members of our Faith community who have responded with love and compassion.

One picture shows part of our latest delivery received by Kara Barkman and Lynn Mullins, LSS Refugee Services, and the other shows their full storage unit with supplies waiting for incoming families. Kara wrote, “Thank you so much. You and your congregation put in so much effort to welcome Refugees, and it does not go unnoticed.”

We still have much to do this year to help LSS and the incoming refugees. LSS has ongoing refugee arrivals and Faith is ready to stand with them and, above all else, Love Thy Neighbor. 

 

Nancy Mollner

April 2023