Love your Neighbor

August 26, 2021

As hundreds of refugees pour into Denver, we are reminded of how the Bible tells us that we must love our neighbors. Most of us are familiar with the story of the good Samaritan.  As a broken and beaten man lie dying on the roadside, his own country men ignored him as they passed by his body on the other side of the road.  These were men in places of political and religious positions of influence, and yet they refused to use their power to care for the broken.


It took a complete stranger to cross the road, and in doing so, also crossing over cultural and racial boundaries to minister to the needs of this hurting individual.


Here is a story recently shared by one of our volunteers of her experience as she has, "crossed over",  extending her heart and service to welcome our newest neighbors.


<<photos have been edited for privacy purposes>>

"It’s been a hard week, for sure. Painful on so many fronts. Today is a bit hard to explain. Words that come to mind: exhilarating, exhausting, emotional, uplifting & awe-inspiring. I don’t believe any of the volunteers collecting & sorting donated items were without tears at some point of the day. It was just so moving to witness car after car pull in to drop donations for the incoming Afghan refugees. (Some 90 families are expected here alone.)


Word had gotten out on a few different platforms, with Instagram yielding the most donors - young couples & singles, on fire to help. One couple raised $1400 from their friends & bought out Walmart. Other couples also spent their Friday night filling their car with goods from Costco. Two young guys (I’d guess aged 28-30?) each came in their trucks, filled to the brim. Then one of them proceeded to order 10 pizzas & drinks for the workers.


I went over to one woman, newly arrived & 5 months pregnant to welcome her. I felt compelled to hug her but she knew no English. Her husband, one of the fortunate translators to get out (pictured here), said ‘she loves hugs’, indicated my intentions & we embraced. 

...I went back to see this sweet mom and family today. When I met dad on Saturday, he said ‘If I may ask - and only if you can; I don’t want to bother you - could you please find my kids some life jackets?


Now that might seem like an odd thing to ask for (maybe even luxurious) when you’ve just fled a country & are starting anew, but I can imagine the convo that might’ve taken place. 

‘Dad, can we watch cartoons?’

‘No. We have no tv.’

‘Can we play with our toys?’

‘Sorry. We didn’t bring them.’

‘Is it ok if we go play with our friends?’

‘Umm…you haven’t made any yet.’


So easy to see why the small pool in their complex was a big draw. (And my hope is that swimming lessons come VERY soon.) He’s trying hard to help his family adjust. 

Anyway, the kids modeled their new item while I chatted w/mom & dad. The dad shared what it was like going on missions with the US army & how his truck was just one behind when an IED blew up, causing damage to his right ear. 


He asked if I were paid to help them & was quite surprised when I answered ‘no’. His wife asked that he translate: ‘Tell her that I called home & told my parents about her & they are praying for her.’ The dad said the same about his parents. 


My heart was struck. Wait. What? Your parents are praying for ME?!? I held back the tears. (And I can only imagine how much they miss these beautiful grandkids.) I assured them that MANY of my friends (and Americans) are praying for them - and want to help. 


I know this because I see this, firsthand. 

  • The woman in Cabelas (who helped me size the life jackets), is teaming w/a friend to gather goods for the kids. 
  • My dental hygienist (who asked me what I was doing today) wants to give her belongings when she moves soon. 
  • Several of my neighbors have posted on their instagrams, asking for help and support... and have received an incredible response.
  • A friend in Atlanta texted, asking how she could help. 

Hearts have been so good. 

As the scenario plays out…it continues to be heartbreaking. I know that the dad is awaiting many buddies - and hopes that he can one day be reunited with his loved ones. 


I count my many blessings tonight - naming them one by one."

We are in a unique position, like the Good Samaritan, to cross over cultural and racial boundaries and serve the hundreds of families currently fleeing to our country for refuge.  The majority of these families are being forced to flee because they have assisted United States Armed Forces through various services such as translation and education. These are families of professionals, doctors, and teachers, well-respected in their communities. They often arrive in the United States with nothing more than the clothes on their back, in hopes of ensuring their family's survival.


If you would like to contribute to these local efforts to support our newest neighbors, please begin by filling out this form. We are so grateful for your support!


To learn more about the special immigration status of  these refugees, visit: https://www.rescue.org/article/evacuations-afghanistan-what-afghan-special-immigrant-visa-siv-program

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