Refugee Ministry at St. Philip’s

Starting in the Fall of 2021 in the wake of the fall of Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U.S. Troops, millions of people in Afghanistan were forced to flee their country in fear for their lives.  As we, at St. Philip’s, saw this injustice unfolding, our faith in the Jesus who came to welcome the stranger, drove us to ask what we could do in the face of this humanitarian disaster.  We quickly connected with Jewish Familiy Services (JFS), the only refugee resettlement agency in the State of Delaware.  JFS knew that they would be receiving a flood of Afghan refugees, but there were also refugees from other countries who needed assistance as well.  And St. Philip’s had so many of our own people volunteer, we could actually take on a couple families who actually knew each other . . . that would allow us to keep those families connected.  And besides, God’s children are God’s children in spite of where they come from. 

So, that was what we did.  We adopted two families from the Sudan and have been working alongside them to help them become self sufficient here in the United States. We have assisted them in receiving State benefits, finding jobs, learning the language, transporting them to doctors’ appointments, enrolling their children in school, helping them connect with community activities for fun, shop for groceries.  Essentially we help them learn to do anything they will need to do as they move toward becoming citizens.

What a blessing this has been to both our families and to us.  We have truly become family with one another and in spite of religious differences, we share God’s love with one another.  If you speak with the volunteers who are already engaged in this work, they will tell you it is some of the most rewarding work they have ever done.  If you are interested in serving in this ministry, contact Pastor Patrick.  

You can also check out the video below just to get an small sample of the difference we are able to make in the lives of those who are forced to relocate from their homeland . . .