BLOG: APPLIED RESEARCH OF EMMANUEL GOSPEL CENTER

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How human migration exposes what’s in our hearts

Who’s shaping your immigration politics?

(Clockwise from top left: Igancio Martin Martin, 4FR, northwoodsphoto, jordachelr, all via Getty Images)

How human migration exposes what’s in our hearts

Migrants, Christians, and Jesus

Many years ago, Sarah Blumenshine helped a young family from Iraq settle into a new life in the United States. They didn’t have a stroller for their child, so Sarah thought perhaps the day had finally come to part with the beloved stroller she had wheeled her kids around when they were young.

Sarah thought this refugee family would treasure the stroller as much as she had. She fantasized about the moment she would give it to them (think Hollywood): a beam of light comes down on them as she passes the stroller onto the next generation.

But movies are not reality. It was a big, heavy stroller that would be difficult to carry up and down three floors in the family’s new apartment. 

“When they moved from a shelter situation into their apartment, and I was going back to clean things up—make sure nothing had been left behind—you know what I found?”

What’s motivating you?

This experience is typical for volunteers stepping into the lives of immigrants and refugees, eager to help. When she saw the stroller, Sarah was in total shock. And then she just had to laugh at herself.

“It was totally about me, it was not about them and what they actually needed,” Sarah told Caleb McCoy on Emmanuel Gospel Center’s Curious City podcast. “If we can be eyes wide open about those things and even have a sense of humor when they happen—not if but when—that’s one thing that I think makes a big difference in our ability to relate to other people.”

Volunteers confronted for the first time with the depth of the pain of the refugee experience feel powerless to do anything. They want to be helpful. They want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. But there are no quick fixes. 

“It’s actually freeing to know that our job is not to fix, our job is to show up,” Sarah said. “We try to show up as much as our best selves as possible and then we have to be open-handed about what happens from there.”

“It’s actually freeing to know that our job is not to fix, our job is to show up. We try to show up as much as our best selves as possible and then we have to be open-handed about what happens from there.”
— Sarah Blumenshine

This dynamic is a lived experience for Sarah as the Director of Intercultural Ministries at the Emmanuel Gospel Center. She has been working as a bridge between churches and immigrant-led organizations for many years. 

The combination of tenacity and tenderness she sees in the immigrant-led space inspires her. Every day these leaders resolve to retain their humanity and joy in the midst of complex challenges and daunting obstacles. 

Who’s shaping your immigration politics?

Over the years, Sarah has seen immigration go from enjoying bipartisan support to succumbing to the politics of fear and suspicion. She acknowledges that getting the information to formulate a sound perspective on the issue is challenging. There’s a lot of noise. And much of it is geared to press our buttons. 

But as Christians, we want to see people the way Jesus sees them. At a basic level, that means seeing them as human beings. That can become challenging when we’re talking politics, but Christians can separate immigration policy from the biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

“I’m talking about the reality that there are people here, and we can either objectify them and weaponize them to achieve a political statement of one kind or another, or we can see them as who they are: as humans, as loved by God,” Sarah said. “We can treat them accordingly: as lovingly and fairly as we know how.” 

There are steps we can take to live as faithful followers of Jesus in our current political climate: 

Slow down. 

Take a step back. 

Reflect on your motivations. 

Name the things you fear. 

Interrogate them. 

Is someone trying to push your buttons for their own agenda?  

“You can come down however you want on policy, but I’m of the persuasion that as followers of Jesus, we do have a biblical mandate, we have a responsibility to love our neighbors,” Sarah said. “These are literally our neighbors: they are people in our cities, in our communities, in our state, in our country. It’s not optional for us.”  

For this and more on Sarah’s conversation with Caleb McCoy, listen to the Curious City episode, “Make Me A Sanctuary … City?”

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Christian Organizations Addressing Social Issues

This guide showcases organizations addressing some of the most pressing social issues. Their endeavors range from supporting vulnerable children and families to promoting environmental stewardship.

Photo credit: Matt Vasquez via Lightstock

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Boston is home to an array of initiatives dedicated to tackling social issues. Many churches and Christian organizations are at the forefront of addressing these needs. Some have been serving for decades. Others are new.

This guide showcases Christian organizations addressing some of the most pressing social issues. Their endeavors range from supporting vulnerable children and families to promoting environmental stewardship.

Organized into over a dozen categories, this guide lists many organizations engaged in this work. Whether you want to collaborate, network, volunteer, or learn more about what God is doing in our city, we hope this guide serves as a valuable resource.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. Don’t see a Christian organization you think should be included? Feel free to contact us to suggest any additions.

  • The Boston Project

    “The mission is to engage and equip neighbors, volunteers, and congregations to build strong communities characterized by God’s shalom. 

    “Shalom means wholeness, peace, well-being, righteousness, and justice.”

    The ministry applies “community-building strategies that include strengthening youth and families, developing leaders, multiplying collaborations, and investing in corner-by-corner transformation resulting in a more green, healthy, safe, connected, and economically-empowered neighborhood.”

    For more on their youth programs, see "Youth" below.

    Cory Johnson Program for Post Traumatic Healing

    “The Cory Johnson Program for Post Traumatic Healing is a Christ-inspired, community-based, clinically-supported 501c3 program of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church Social Impact Center that offers a peer-centered approach to addressing post-traumatic stress in urban neighborhoods.” The program fosters connections and empowers individuals to take active roles in helping themselves and others heal. The main outreach of the Cory Johnson Program is  the Can We Talk Network, which has several sites in Boston.

    • Can We Talk Roxbury: “This program component offers a safe, sacred space for people to share their stories of trauma, loss, grief, and hope in words, poetry, or song. Artists in residence offer their creative expressions, and Community Companions offer support. It is a place for listening, and people experience individual and community healing.” Other support groups are also available.

      • Contact: Danielle McFarlane, dmcfarlane@rpcsic.org

      • Location: Roxbury Presbyterian Church, 328 Warren St., Boston, MA 02119

    • Codman Square Can We Talk? A partnership with the Boston Project Ministries, Life Church Boston, Second Church of Dorchester, and Neighborhood Church of Dorchester. “Codman Square Can We Talk? is a safe place to share your story and have your voice heard and welcomed. It is a community-based, clinically-supported program that increases awareness and understanding of trauma, offers mental health resources, and a safe environment for what can at times be painful conversations to occur.”

    • Peace by Piece: Fourth Presbyterian Church

    • Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Boston (Common Cathedral)

    Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative

    “The vision of Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative is to develop an integrated strategy that draws from the strengths of current trauma healing programs (both locally and nationally), to train and equip churches and communities to become more trauma-informed as they respond to wounded people and unacceptable realities that are often rooted in trauma. . . . 

    “This integrated strategy includes a collaborative effort between BTHC, as a local partner with the American Bible Society and the Trauma Healing Institute, and the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing and their Can We Talk… Network, which will help encourage churches and non-profit organizations to work together to bring healing to those wounded by trauma.”

    Others

  • Hagar’s Sisters

    “For an individual who has experienced the life-shattering effect of domestic abuse, Hagar’s Sisters is a non-profit organization that offers holistic services that empower them to find healing and a new healthy way of life that is free from abuse.” 

  • Boston Education Collaborative

    The Boston Education Collaborative (BEC) is an initiative of the Emmanuel Gospel Center which recruits, trains, and connects church volunteers with underserved schools to address disparities in educational opportunities.

    The BEC “empowers churches, schools and non-profits to support underserved urban students. BEC helps students thrive in all areas of life by nurturing and supporting church-school partnerships; facilitating and encouraging neighborhood-focused involvement; engaging in systems level work; and participating in broader networking, coaching, and learning opportunities.”

    Boston Higher Education Resource Center (at Congregación León de Judá)

    Mission: “The Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) functions to equip first-generation youth of color to access and thrive in higher education, to break the cycle of poverty, and to become agents of change in our communities.”

    The Passport Curriculum is designed to equip 11th and 12th-grade students to navigate the college admissions process and the college world successfully while gaining and developing their academic and leadership skills. The center offers both in-school programs and a community-based program at 62 Northampton St. These programs are far more extensive than typical after-school tutoring programs.

    American Chinese Christian Educational & Social Services, Inc. (ACCESS)

    Mission: “ACCESS seeks to empower, encourage, & motivate immigrants to build confidence, gain skills, and the ability to make positive changes within their own lives.”

    Vision: “We want to see our Chinatown neighbors thriving and building bridges across languages, cultures, and generations in God's love.”

    Their programs include K-5th grade enrichment afterschool and summer programs, adult fitness as well as arts and crafts programs in Tai Tung Village.

    • Leadership: Pasang Drolma, executive director; Annie Tran, director of children and families

    • Website: chinatownaccess.org

    • Email: info@chinatownaccess.org

    • Phone: (617)-426-1070

    • Location: 244 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111

    Victory Generation 

    Victory Generation Programs of the Black Ministerial Alliance/Ten Point, a network of faith-based, out-of-school educational enrichment programs.

    Mission: “Our mission is to empower and strengthen out-of-school program leaders and their staff who serve as role models and the front-line to the children and families we wish to serve. In addition to building impactful and qualifiable programs for students, we also provide workshops and training to empower parents in advocating for their children and fostering positive school relationships.”

    • Leadership: Rochelle Jones, director of education

    “Victory Generation directly aids out-of-school programs dedicated to nurturing, strengthening, and enhancing the social, emotional, and cognitive development of Boston's youth aged 5 – 12. As an intermediary, we support our affiliated programs by enhancing their organizational and programmatic capabilities. Our assistance includes networking, financial aid, professional development workshops, and technical guidance.”

    • Sites

      • Twelfth Baptist Church After-School

        • Leadership: Darryl Simpson, program director

        • Website: tbcboston.org

        • Email: dsimpson@tbcboston.org

        • Phone: (617) 427-5158; main line: (617) 442-7855, ext. 121

        • Location: 160 Warren St., Roxbury, MA 02119

        • Hours: Monday - Friday, 2-6 p.m.

      • Greenwood Shalom After School Program (a Victory Generation site)

        Greenwood Shalom offers a range of enriching activities designed to engage and inspire students. These include tutoring, homework assistance, interactive online learning using Lexia, art, music, STEM projects, physical fitness, social emotional support, field trips, play, and test prep.

    • Programs

      • After-school enrichment program for children ages 5 to 13.

      • Summer enrichment program

      • English Language Arts Bootcamp: A full day program in February vacation week.

      • Math Bootcamp: A full day program during April vacation week.

      • Saturday Online Academy (10 a.m. - noon): Designed to uplift and empower students who may face barriers to traditional academic and emotional support.

      • Healing Hearts Club Camp: A transformative five-day program designed to provide healing and support for children ages 8 to 13 who have experienced trauma.

    • Contact information

    St. Stephen’s Youth Programs

    Mission: “To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, employment and opportunity through long-term relationships with youth and their families and communities.”

    • Programs

      • B Ready

      • B Safe

        • “Summer enrichment program - provides a safe, fun, academically enriching environment for 650 students each year. We run B-SAFE at our year-round sites in the South End and Lower Roxbury and at four additional sites in Dorchester, Mattapan, and Chelsea.

      • Intergenerational Organizing

        • This program “equips young people to become agents of change and helps them to organize their neighbors, parents, and peers to address the issues of that disproportionately impact their communities” (such as gun violence).

    • Contact information

    • Sites

      • South End: St. Stephen’s Church at 419 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA  02118

      • Lower Roxbury: The Church of St. Augustine and St. Martin at 31 Lenox St., Boston 02118

  • Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light

    “Mission:      

    • To educate people on why climate change is a matter of morality and justice.

    • To foster public understanding of policies that will lead to a sustainable future.

    • To work with faith communities and their members to be better environmental stewards of their buildings by providing technical expertise and assessing ways they can lower their carbon emissions and save money.”

    Better Future Project

    Better Future Project builds grassroots power to advance a rapid transition beyond fossil fuels. Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW), a program of Better Future Project, is Better Future Project's network of local leaders building grassroots climate resilience. In 2023, CREW sponsored the Interfaith Summit, How to Respond to Climate Change.

    • Rev. Vernon Walker, former director

    • Location: 30 Bow St., Cambridge, MA 02138

    Boston Faith & Justice Network

    Boston Faith & Justice Network, as part of one of its online book club discussion series, has focused on how we as Christians are called to climate justice. See the BFJN website for recommended resources and readings.

  • Fostering Hope

    “Fostering Hope empowers churches and individuals to care for children and families impacted by foster care. 

    Our vision is the dream of a day when ZERO children in foster care are waiting for a safe and supported family to care for them. This initiative is called Project ZERO. “

  • Initiative on Health, Religion, and Spirituality

    Although this organization is not independent, it addresses the important relationship between spiritual care and spirituality to medical care and physical health. The initiative is centered at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health. 

    It aims “to study and implement ways to better integrate religion and spirituality into the practice of medicine and public health. It seeks to discover individual and social connections of spirit, mind, and body within the healthcare context.  Advancement of spirituality research is energized by the practical concern that new discoveries from spiritual and religious resources will yield significant new gains in alleviating illness and promoting human flourishing.”

    Some of the studies are relevant to end-of-life spiritual care.

    Faculty leaders include Dr. Tracy Balboni, Dr. Michael Balboni, Ms. Laura Tuach, and Dr. Tyler VanderWeele.

    Boston Health Care Fellowship and Longwood Christian Community

    “Our vision is to reunite faith and healthcare in line with God's intention of bringing healing to the world.  To that end, we exist to make disciples of Jesus among those in the biomedical science and healthcare community in Boston for the glory of God.”

    Christian Medical and Dental Society

    The Christian Medical and Dental Society “has over 340 healthcare campus ministries as well as over 80 community ministries. Along with encouraging students to live out the character of Christ on their campuses, they help Christian healthcare professionals connect with each other through local ministries.”

  • Housing Justice

    Boston Rescue Mission

    “The Boston Rescue Mission transforms lives by empowering individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless to achieve and sustain life skills necessary to become more self-sufficient.

    “We operate an emergency overnight shelter every year. We offer healthy and hearty meals, basic necessities, and bathroom and shower facilities. We provide sober living and life growth shelter communities for men in recovery transitioning from homelessness to independent living.

    “Our mission is to

    • Offer resources that prevent and end homelessness

    • Support the recovery, health, faith, and independence of those with a history of substance use, incarceration, and homelessness

    • Raise awareness about the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration

    • Serve our guests and residents and each other with respect, integrity, and grace

    • Continue to learn, grow, and excel in our services

    • Be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our supporters”

    • Contact information

    • Website: brm.org

    • Email: info@brm.org

    • Phone: (617) 338-9000

    • Location: 39 Kingston St., Boston, MA 02111

    • Veterans’ House: 173 Humboldt Ave., Dorchester, MA 02121

    Faith Leaders for Housing Justice

    “A coalition of Boston area faith leaders collecting and sharing information and stories about issues facing people with housing insecurity.”

    The group is involved in several practical ministries. Leaders include Art Davies, Rev. June Cooper, Sara Mitchell, Jennifer McCracken, Amanda Grant Rose, and Phil Jones. They are working in partnership with the Boston Faith & Justice Network.

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center's Friendship Initiative

    “The Friendship Initiative of the Boston Ministry Center seeks to build friendships with neighbors experiencing homelessness. It begins with sharing a meal, engaging in constructive conversations and transforming lives through fulfilling relationships.”

    MANNA (Many Angels Needed Now and Always)

    MANNA is a “ministry of and with the unhoused community in downtown Boston. Through MANNA, we seek not only to welcome folks across differences of class, wealth, culture, race and mental ability, but also to empower all people to claim their place as essential members of our community. We all have gifts to give and to receive. We need each other. And this is why we gather each week to serve, to pray, and to create together.”

    Mission statement: “To provide a space for spiritual refuge and flourishing; To build a community of genuine belonging with the unhoused and unstably housed of Boston.”

    • Leadership: Rev. Jennifer McCracken, contact and lead pastor

    • Website: mannaboston.org

    • Email: mannaboston.org/contact

    • Location: St. Paul’s Cathedral, 138 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111

    • Hours of ministries:

      • Gathering of friends over coffee and worship service (Sundays, 8:30 - 11 a.m.)

      • Lunch and worship service (Mondays, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

      • Black Seed Writers Group (Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.)

      • Quiet Meditation (Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - noon)

    Miracle Mile Ministries

    "Miracle Mile Ministries is a Boston, MA based Christian ministry devoted to a sustained, deliberate, and strategic response to the area we call ‘Miracle Mile’ (a roughly 2-square-mile area in the South End of Boston often referred to as ‘Mass & Cass’ or ‘Methadone Mile’).

    “It is led by a core group of four Boston area Lead Churches (Congregación León de Judá, Antioch Community Church Brighton, Cornerstone Church, and Symphony Church) but involves a universe of a dozen or so churches and parachurch ministries from throughout Boston's neighboring communities who faithfully support this effort week after week.”

    Saturday ministries include breakfast, prayer, clothing distribution, counseling and referral, and street outreach.

    Winter Walk

    Winter Walk is a non-profit organization raising awareness and funds to end homelessness in our communities. It centers on an annual walk, 2 miles around the streets of the city in February, one of the coldest months of the year. The Winter Walk raises awareness and funds for 25 non-profit organizations working to alleviate suffering and address the root causes that give rise to homelessness. It helps fund St. Francis House, Common Cathedral, and the Manna Community. Also, various church groups have participated in Winter Walk.

    Women’s Lunch Place

    Although not specifically a Christian organization, Women’s Lunch Place operates at the Church of the Covenant at 67 Newbury St. in Boston.

    Affordable Housing

    Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

    “The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO), founded in 1998, is a broad-based organization that works for the public good by coalescing, training, and organizing people across religious, racial, ethnic, class, and neighborhood lines.” “Our mission is to build power by developing local leaders so we can act together on issues that matter to our communities.” 

    Housing Justice Campaign

    “This comprehensive, multi-pronged, statewide Housing Justice campaign addresses challenges to safe and dignified public housing, affordable rental and homeownership, and access to supportive housing for citizens returning housing justice and other issues.”

    • Leadership: Allie Gardner, chief of staff, (608) 630-3041; Kathleen Patron, executive director

    • Website: gbio.org

    • Email: office@gbio.org

    • Mailing address: GBIO, P.O. Box 190892, Roxbury, MA 02119

    • Location: GBIO, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124

    Habitat for Humanity

    “Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston’s homeownership program provides homeownership opportunities to families without the financial means to purchase a home through traditional methods. By utilizing volunteer labor, sweat equity, and donated supplies and funds, Habitat Greater Boston can build and sell homes at an affordable price to first-time homebuyers.” Since its founding, the organization has used its model to build more than 120 homes in Dorchester, Roxbury, and other neighborhoods.

    • Website: habitatboston.org

    • Phone: 617-423-2223

    • Location: 434 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 201, Boston, MA 02118

  • Amirah

    Mission: “Amirah exists to provide a refuge for those seeking to break free from exploitation and heal in community on their journey toward lasting hope. “ “Amirah exists to provide exit and aftercare opportunities to women exiting the commercial sex trade.”

    Amirah’s “supportive services include comprehensive case management, economic stability planning, housing navigation, support groups, individual coaching, and peer care navigation. We provide supportive services to clients living in our residential program, those housed in other local housing programs, and clients housed independently or seeking housing placement.” 

    Amirah also has a rapid rehousing program, a community resource center, and education programs.

    • Leadership: Mary Speta, executive director

    • Website: amirahinc.org

    • Email: info@amirahinc.org

    • Phone: (781)-462-1758

    • Location: 100 Cummings Ctr, Suite 204-J, Beverly, MA 01915 (office)

    Route One Ministry

    “The mission of Route One Ministry is to serve sexually exploited and trafficked women by entering strip clubs and building relationships with the women who work in the clubs. We also strive to equip the local church, and community leaders with the tools they need to understand trafficking, identify vulnerable people, and respond in the most healthy ways to those who have experienced sexual abuse.”

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center’s Beloved Initiative

    “The Beloved Initiative is an effort to serve human trafficking and sexual abuse survivors as they are brought into safe community with opportunities to be mentored and empowered to embrace new identities in Christ.” This ministry is a part of the Boston Ministry Center.

  • Harbor Christian Counseling

    “Harbor Christian Counseling provides clinically skilled, biblically informed, gospel driven counseling services for individuals, couples, children and families in the Greater Boston area. Our team also seeks to partner with local churches to provide training and resources that promote a more effective and compassionate ministry to mental health issues within the church.”

    • Leadership: Matt Warren, executive director

    • Website: harborchristiancounseling.com

    • Phone: (617) 299-6516

    • Location: 874 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215

  • Boston Faith & Justice Network

    "The Boston Faith & Justice Network brings Christians from many traditions together to move from personal religious commitment to transformative action against poverty and oppression. We foster a dialogue about money and responsibility while presenting opportunities for practical lifestyle shifts and justice-oriented engagement. Economic discipleship—following Jesus with our money—is one of the foundations of our vision for Christ-centered just living."

    Massachusetts Poor People's Campaign

    The Poor People's Campaign, a national ecumenical and interfaith anti-poverty campaign, seeks to confront the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the denial of health care, militarism and the expansion of the war economy, and the false narratives of religious extremism and white supremacy. Cynthia Parker is one of the local Massachusetts organizers.  

  • Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC): The Race & Christian Community Initiative (RCCI)

    RCCI collaborates across racial lines to foster shalom between individuals, communities, and systems damaged by racism. “RCCI works toward this vision by equipping Christians in Greater Boston to engage issues of race in ways that honor the image of God in all people and nurture the righteousness and justice Jesus desires for our communities.”

    RCCI “provide[s] biblically-based discipleship so white evangelical communities can experience — and contribute to — healing from the sin of racism.” RCCI “also work[s] with BIPOC Christians who desire to see transformation in white evangelical communities and the body of Christ at large.”  

    The ministry includes action communities, learning community cohort groups, experiential education, workshops, and coaching. Resource lists, articles, and books are also available.

    Be the Bridge

    “Our vision is that people and organizations are aware and respond to the racial brokenness and systemic injustice in our world. That we are no longer conditioned by a racialized society but are grounded in truth. That all are equipped to flourish.”

    During 2020 and 2021, UniteBoston launched a “Be the Bridge” Zoom group, where 28 people engaged in weekly conversation with Latasha Morrison’s “Be the Bridge” curriculum. Although this is a national organization, a number of Boston area churches have started “Be the Bridge” groups and used the curriculum.

  • Awaken City Church: Immigrant Connection

    "Immigrant Connection is dedicated to building a community of inclusion.

    "By providing low-cost legal services to eligible immigrants to secure permanent residency and citizenship, our hope is that they will experience greater access to employment, education, housing, and health services. Our entire community and economy benefit when individuals experience stability and opportunities.

    "Immigrant Connection (IC) is recognized by the Department of Justice, and our services include legal representation for green cards and citizenship, petitions for survivors of domestic violence or violent crimes, family-based petitions, temporary protected status, consular processing, work authorization applications, and DACA renewal applications."

    Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC): Intercultural Ministries

    “Intercultural Ministries (IM) supports immigrant leaders' work in grassroots organizations tuned in to community needs. We leverage our volunteer and church networks, offering thought partnership as our partners share their concerns and make strategic connections to support our partners' priorities. We network, train, and consult to promote effective intercultural ministry and international mission networks in and out of Greater Boston.”

    Mygration Christian Conference

    “We exist to explore God's heart through stories of migration.” 

    “We believe that the Bible's stories are our stories, and that through the exploration of these stories we can come to a greater understanding of how Christians can positively and proactively respond to the migration crisis in our world today.”

    Mygration Christian Conference sponsors an in-person and online conference each summer and provides educational webinars and resources throughout the year.

    UniteBoston: “A Sanctuary for Strangers”

    “We want to help every church, big and small, to feel equipped to address the migrant crisis and mobilize their church to ACT. We have put together a full preaching package complete with designs, multimedia content, sermon examples, and more, to help churches recognize Migrant Sunday across Boston effectively.”

    Agencia Alpha

    “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of immigrants in Massachusetts by empowering our community members to become leaders, overcome social challenges, and fight against xenophobia. As an immigrant-led, grassroots organization, we work in three areas: community organizing, legalization, & citizenship services.”

    Some of Agencia Alpha’s many services include:

    • Immigration advice and consulting

    • Family petitions and adjustment of status

    • Temporary Protection Status (TPS)

    • Work permit renewals

    • Free citizenship application assistance

    • Citizenship classes (Boston/East Boston)

    • Interpretation and translation services

    Agencia Alpha has also worked with the Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative. 

    • Leadership: Patricia Sobalvarro, executive director;  Damaris Velasquez, program director; Vilma Galvez, legalization program director

    • Website: agenciaalpha.org

    • Email: info@agenciaalpha.org

    • Phone: (617) 522-6382

    • Location: Congregación León de Judá, 62 Northampton St., Boston, MA 02118

    True Alliance Center

    True Alliance Center is a faith-based charitable organization that seeks to promote advocacy in the Haitian community related to education, housing, immigration, health, and economic development. The Center advocates for positive change, educates its constituents about their rights and opportunities, provides assistance, and develops partnerships.

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center’s Geneva Initiative

    “The Geneva Initiative of the Boston Ministry Center mobilizes churches to receive refugees and international families in healthy and loving ways, inviting them into a supportive community and connecting them with opportunities in their new home country.”

  • The Boston Project

    “The mission is to engage and equip neighbors, volunteers, and congregations to build strong communities characterized by God’s shalom. 

    “Shalom means wholeness, peace, well-being, righteousness, and justice.”

    The ministry applies “community-building strategies that include strengthening youth and families, developing leaders, multiplying collaborations, and investing in corner-by-corner transformation resulting in a more green, healthy, safe, connected, and economically-empowered neighborhood.”

    • Youth ministry: The Boston Project partners with Young Life Boston. Along with others, Christian and Mary Grant serve as staff for both organizations.

    • Day program: “The Elmhurst Park Program aims to keep neighborhood children engaged by fostering a safe environment where they can grow as a person and develop friendships.” This is a free, summer day program from 12:30 – 4 p.m.

    • Mental health: “The Mental Health Ambassadors program brings together teenagers who are passionate about supporting teen mental health. Together, the MHA team works to decrease the stigma, educate their peers and community about mental health, and create innovative spaces for self-care and healing.”

    • Life coaching: LevelUp Life Coaching “provides teens with a personal life coach, a caring mentor trained to help them create, achieve, and celebrate their goals.”

    • Summer employment

      • Artists in Action: “In collaboration with professional artists, young people bring shalom (peace, justice, healing, wholeness) through visual art pieces benches, murals, sculptures) and performances (music, drama, spoken word, and dance) in our community.”

      • Healthy Youth Champions: In this summer program, “youth work at urban farms and gardens, learn how to cook nutritious snacks and meals, assess community health resources, and educate their peers and children in healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, self-care, and healthy eating.” 

    The Boston Project also offers leadership development programs and teen jobs.

  • Black Ministerial Alliance / Ten Point Coalition

    Mission: "to build the capacity of Black churches and ministry leaders to support the empowerment of our youth and families and strengthen the Health and well-being of their surrounding communities."

    The Ten Point Coalition works collaboratively to end patterns of violence in Boston. It seeks to foster cooperation between faith-based organizations and leaders in citywide-crime-reduction efforts and youth intervention.

    • Contact information

      • Leadership: Rev. David Wright, executive director

      • Website: bmatenpoint.org

      • Email: info@bmaboston.org

      • Phone: (617) 445-2737

      • Location: 2010 Columbus Ave. (Lower Level), Roxbury, MA 02119

    • Programs

      • Victory Generation out-of-school programs – see above

      • Vacation Bible School: In partnership with churches

      • Teen Café: Activities and work opportunities to prevent youth violence

      • Community Wellness: Seeks to improve health outcomes and eliminate disparities

    Boston Faith and Justice Network

    Mission: “The Boston Faith & Justice Network brings Christians together to live simply and give generously in pursuit of a just world.”

    • Principles:           

      • Working for justice: “Christians have a Biblical call to be at the front lines of transformative action against injustice.”

      • Practicing economic discipleship: “Economic Discipleship is what BFJN calls the process of following Jesus with our money.”

      • Engaging in Community: “Through our Lazarus at the Gate small group study, BFJN encourages open discussions about wealth, poverty, and Christian responsibility to meet the needs of the suffering and vulnerable.”

    • Programs

      • Service: The “Micah 6:8 programs offer multi-day experiences for those wishing to explore deeply the concepts of justice and generosity in their own lives.”

      • Bible study: Lazarus at the Gate is an eight-week Bible study that challenges participants to understand the Biblical foundation for generosity, simple living and just consumption. BFJN also offers shorter Lazarus at the Gate workshops.

    • Contact information

    Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC)

    EGC “is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to supporting the work of passionate individuals, ministries, and organizations seeking to positively impact critical issues in the city. Our collaborative approach aims to create a more equitable, connected, and thriving community for all Bostonians.”

    • Website: egc.org

    • Phone: (617) 262-4567

    • Location: 44 Moultrie St. Dorchester, MA 02124

    • Mailing address: P.O. Box 240017, Dorchester, MA 02124

    The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center

    The Kroc Center offers fitness equipment and instruction, an aquatics center with a pool, climbing wall, gym, group exercise, youth programs, culinary arts training, programs for seniors, and many other classes.

    The Youth programs include F.E.A.S.T., which stands for “Food, Enrichment, Arts, Spiritual Development and Teaching.”

    “Kids F.E.A.S.T is a children's out-of-school program that aims to provide a relaxed, safe, Christian environment where children experience God’s unconditional love, learn valuable biblical stories, develop appropriate social behavior, discover new skills, pursue interests, utilize talents, make new friends, and have lots of fun.

    “Youth ages 6-12 have the opportunity to receive tutoring and mentoring, spiritual development, social and emotional skill development, fitness fun and enrichment activities.”

    UniteBoston

    UniteBoston sees its role is to “create opportunities for ‘beloved community’ to emerge, one that leans into our diversities, nurtures belonging for all of God’s children, models redemptive power dynamics, and works together to nurture shalom across historic divides. As we nurture kinship relations among diverse siblings in Christ, we believe our self-giving love for each other will be a collective witness to the reconciling power of the gospel.” 

    • Leadership: Kelly Fassett, executive director; Rev. Devlin Scott, managing director

    • Website: uniteboston.com

    • Email: info@uniteboston.com

    • Mailing address: UniteBoston, P.O. Box 961162, Boston, MA 02196

    Boston Collaborative

    “Christians are serving generously in every sector of Boston. The Boston Collaborative is helping them work together to achieve the greatest impact.

    “Our dream is to see communities transformed and Christians known as redemptive change agents in Boston.”

    The Boston Collaborative focuses on the Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative, Pastors Praying Together, Boston Flourish, and Returning Citizens.

    The Boston Project

    See above for details of programs. Other programs of community organizing and promoting community and individual well-being involve adults as well as youth.

    • Leadership: Paul Malkemes, executive director

    • Website: tbpm.org

    • Phone: (617) 929-0925 (general); (617) 318-6937 (ministry and church)

    • Location: 15 Elmhurst St., Dorchester, MA 02124   

    Greater Boston Nazarene Compassionate Center

    The goal of the Center is “to provide relief and opportunity to the most vulnerable, distressed and underprivileged, undeserved, under-represented people of the greater Boston area, with a particular emphasis on the Haitian community, immigrants and youth in Mattapan, Dorchester and vicinity.”

    • Objectives

      • “To enable limited English speaking adults to access skill building programs and basic services to stabilize families, and develop marketable skills that position them for success.” 

      • “To mobilize the community to address critical issues and opportunities that affect Haitians in Greater Boston.”

      • “To provide high quality education and support services that effectively advance youth along the ‘educational pipeline’ from elementary, middle, and high school through college graduation.”

    The Center operates a large food pantry, a workforce readiness initiative, education programs, refugee ministries, and a youth arts and culture program.

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center

    “In the heart of Boston, this Send Relief ministry center is dedicated to functioning as a catalytic hub for restorative ministry in and around the city. The center is committed to working alongside local ministries and through the local church to see communities strengthened to the glory of God.”

    “The Boston ministry center is committed to resourcing local churches, renewing ministry workers and families and restoring communities in need across the city. We do this through three initiatives: The Friendship Initiative (relating to homelessness), The Beloved Initiative (relating to human trafficking), and the Geneva Initiative (relating to refugees & international families). See categories above for more detail).

  • This section highlights some organizations that, while not explicitly Christian, are doing meaningful work with churches and faith-based groups to address social issues.

    City of Boston's Faith-Based Monthly Community Meetings and Newsletter

    Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

    “Our Mission: The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence brings together impacted communities, advocates, public health experts and policy-makers to prevent gun violence in all its forms. Because we recognize that gun violence is a public health emergency exacerbated by economic disparity and systemic racism, we address those root causes through education, policy analysis, trauma informed advocacy, and by amplifying the voices of impacted individuals and communities.”

    “Our Approach: Directed by survivors and member organizations, we seek to strengthen legislation, gun safety practices, research, and funding for community based solutions to create a Commonwealth that is free from gun violence. The Coalition engages in this work through four main avenues: Education, Advocacy, Community Organizing, and Member Support. Many faith-based partners (including EGC) are a part of the coalition.”

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Intercultural, Refugee, Christianity & Culture Emmanuel Gospel Center Intercultural, Refugee, Christianity & Culture Emmanuel Gospel Center

Hidden Treasures: Celebrating Refugee Stories [photojournal]

Photojournal of the refugee stories, cuisine, videos, and panels guests enjoyed at the 2017 GBRM Fundraiser. If you missed this memorable evening, you can still take part in the fundraiser -- help them reach their $50K goal for 2018!

Hidden Treasures: Celebrating Refugee Stories

by the GBRM Team

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Refugees are hidden treasures in our midst. At Arabic Evangelical Baptist Church in West Roxbury, the Greater Boston Refugee Ministry’s third annual fundraiser on November 18th honored refugees with a themed event, "Hidden Treasures at Home & Work".

We designed an evening where guests could encounter the richness of gifts, talents, and stories of Boston area refugees that we’re blessed to know.

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Guests enjoyed catering stations hosted by refugee entrepreneurs, as well as stories, panels, and videos. Each shared activity offered new ways to explore:

  • What are refugee’s life dreams?

  • How can the Christian community come alongside them?

  • How might the Christian community innovate to better address refugees’ needs in resettlement (i.e., housing)?

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““GBRM lit the candle of hope to my world by supporting me to share my future dream. GBRM is there if you are a dreamer or a [hoper].” ”
— refugee attender

Cultural Journeys

Diverse catering stations let guests sample and learn about the cuisine and geography of refugees' countries of origin, as they captivated guests with the stories behind their food. As guests went on a cultural journey through the stations, refugee entrepreneurs also chatted about their life experiences, unique gifts, and growing businesses.

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““I was struck by how talented the refugees are...and how creative! [They were] not just thinking about ‘How can I make it here?’ but ‘How can I help others?’””
— guest

This multifaceted experience was a rare learning space for guests, opening their eyes to the hidden treasures that are the refugee community. Local refugee businesses also got new exposure to people potentially interested in supporting their work.

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A New Lens on Refugees

The fundraiser debuted three videos, two produced by EGC Films, and a third by Park Street Film. Saffron and The Mechanic are stories of aspiring refugee entrepreneurs. The third, Kataluma House, shares our vision for a refugee hospitality house.  

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After viewing Saffron, one guest responded, “I saw a parallel between the [saffron] flower and the wealth inside—the hidden beauty.  It’s great to see the potential refugees have and the contribution they make."

These short pieces capture the essence of our work. We invite you to view them here.

Saffron, by EGC Films, 2017.

Saffron, by EGC Films, 2017.

The Mechanic, by EGC Films, 2017.

The Mechanic, by EGC Films, 2017.

Kataluma House, a Luke Zvara film, Park Street Films, 2017.

Kataluma House, a Luke Zvara film, Park Street Films, 2017.

With Appreciation

We'd like to highlight the following businesses connected with the refugee community in New England. Some are refugee owned, others employ refugees. All contributed to the evening with product displays.

Carina’s Dolce

Bintimani Restaurant

Authentic Iraqi Family Food by Lubna

Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine

Beautiful Day 

Makomas 

Prosperity Candle 

Threads By Nomad

 

 

 

 

 

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Refugee, Intercultural Emmanuel Gospel Center Refugee, Intercultural Emmanuel Gospel Center

5 Ways Christians Can Support Refugee Employment & Entrepreneurship

Is your church looking for strategic ways to serve refugees? Welcoming refugees into our community network can transform their employment and entrepreneurship journey. 

5 Ways Christians Can Support Refugee Employment & Entrepreneurship

By Fargol Dyrud and Kylie Mean, Greater Boston Refugee Ministry

We at the Greater Boston Refugee Ministry have learned that employment is one the toughest issues refugees face in rebuilding their lives in the US. The Christian community has a vital role to play in addressing this widespread challenge.

A church’s extensive social network can provide refugees with connections that can speed up the process of finding a job or starting a business, in some cases by years. Welcoming refugees into our community network can transform their employment and entrepreneurship journey.

REFUGEE VOICES

"Before I got my first job, I was lost and under pressure." - Afghan woman

 

If you’re interested in making a positive difference in the lives of refugees, pray with your church community about how God may be calling you to engage in refugee employment or entrepreneurship in any of the following ways.

ways you can HELP

“Working with refugees has enhanced my life. It just has!
- Meggaan Ward, Beautiful Day Rhode Island”

1. As a Potential Employer

If you are a hiring manager, or are part of the hiring process, consider hiring a refugee. Their credentials may not look the same as some other candidates, but consider how their skills, experience, and resilient character may benefit your company.

2. As an Advocate

Speak to friends, co-workers, and others in your community about the value of refugees as workers, consumers, and contributors of rich cultural diversity to their neighborhoods. Encourage others to celebrate refugees as gifts to our workplaces, communities, and local economies.

Our Refugee Advocate Toolkit can help you share with others the positive difference refugees make in American communities. Sign up to receive conversation starters, facts & figures, and other resources.

3. As a Job Search Volunteer

Several organizations in the Greater Boston area support refugee employment and entrepreneurship, and they welcome volunteers to help with résumé-building, mentoring, mock interviews, and job application help.

If you are interested, let us know, and we can help point you towards some options.

4. As a Community Researcher/Learner

Add to our knowledge of resources available for our refugee neighbors. If you know of an organization that is doing great work in refugee employment or entrepreneurship in the Boston area, share what you know with GBRM. You may also consider serving GBRM as a research intern.

5. As a Church Community

Each church has different skills they can leverage in addressing the issue of refugee employment and entrepreneurship. Your community of faith can offer:

  • access to essential resources and knowledge

  • mentoring relationships

  • a sense of community and connection

  • a space for refugees to soundboard/test business ideas

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Refugee Voices

"I think the churches could support refugees in many ways. They could maybe do some more connecting...they could plan some activities, get people together, support them more, get them into the society.” - Karen

God may have also gifted your church in specific ways that you can use to bless refugees looking for a job or hoping to start a business. Does your church have ESL programs, classroom space, members with industry-specific skills, etc.?

GBRM would love to help your church think through what could be your special leverage point within the refugee employment and entrepreneurship system.

 

TAKE ACTION

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Fargol Dyrud  

Fargol was a 2017 GBRM research associate working in refugee employment/entrepreneurship and refugee housing as a part of her MBA. As an Iranian immigrant whose life has been affected by geopolitical forces, she empathizes with refugees and is passionate about serving them. Fargol leverages her fresh, insider perspective to push the boundaries of the refugee resettlement/recovery field. 

 

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Kylie Mean 

Kylie’s heart for social enterprise, intercultural ministry and hospitality fits well with her role with EGC’s Greater Boston Refugee Ministry. She helps GBRM leadership and ambassadors consider how they can empower refugees and their employers to create transformational employment opportunities.

 

HOW ARE WE DOING?

 
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Refugee, Intercultural Emmanuel Gospel Center Refugee, Intercultural Emmanuel Gospel Center

Refugee Employment & Entrepreneurship: Why It Matters to the Church

Work is one the most challenging issues for refugees rebuilding their lives in the U.S. — and a perfect place for the Church to step in. 

Refugee Employment & Entrepreneurship: Why It Matters to the Church

By Fargol Dyrud and Kylie Mean, Greater Boston Refugee Ministry

We are in one the biggest refugee crises in world history. Over 60 million people are currently displaced from their homes and separated from family. As Christians—called by Jesus to care for the stranger—we must contemplate our role in addressing this crisis.

In our work through the Greater Boston Refugee Ministry, we have learned that work is one of the most challenging issues for refugees rebuilding their lives in the US. Lack of prospects for work fosters unhealthy dependencies, stifled potential, and loneliness. Work provides dignity—it’s a path toward economic independence, an opportunity to build capacities, and a place to develop relationships.

“Figures at a glance.” The UN Refugee Agency. Accessed September 1, 2017. http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html

“Figures at a glance.” The UN Refugee Agency. Accessed September 1, 2017. http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html

The geopolitical forces causing the refugee crisis don’t discriminate by occupation or education. Refugees come to the US with a broad range of skills and experience. Some are doctors, engineers, or other highly skilled professionals. Others come with little formal education, many having survived in refugee camps for significant portions of their lives. All arrive in the US with the same hope—that they will be able to live in safety and build their future.

Studies have shown that refugees and immigrants contribute positively to local economies. In the Franklin County, Ohio, refugees contributed an estimated total $1.6 billion per year to the Columbus Metropolitan Area alone through the combined economic impact of the resettlement agencies, refugee workers, and refugee-owned businesses.

Despite their demonstrated benefit to local economies, refugees face systemic barriers to securing work. Some find employment that fits their gifts and experiences. But many are currently unable to realize their potential in employment or entrepreneurship—they struggle to find a job, remain underemployed, or face significant obstacles in opening a business.

REFUGEE VOICES

"Just think about the change from my previous experience to my current one! I was a UN Investment Specialist, with an office in the Ministry Authority. I had meetings and conferences at the highest levels of Government and with international entities. Here, it’s been so difficult to even find a job—to navigate the employment and recruiting system to get a rare interview, all to find that the only job I can get is a simple job, for little pay, requiring no skill." - Syrian male

Refugee employment/entrepreneurship matters to the church. Here’s why.

1. God has dignified work for all.

God has always intended—starting with the first man and woman—for humanity to steward His creation. Genesis 2:15 says “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (NIV, emphasis added). As beings made in the image of God, we are designed to engage in fruitful work as a small reflection of God’s creative power.

While God later cursed the man with toilsome labor, work itself was not a curse. God first gave work to humankind in the Garden of Eden—before the Fall—as a blessing and a dignity.

Over time a broad tapestry of occupations has developed as societies have changed. What hasn’t changed is the God-given privilege and call to use the combination of gifts and capacities God has given each of us in regular labor.

Refugee Voices

"Everything is related, and by doing good work, I do the will of God by loving my work, my coworkers, my boss, and everyone I meet. Then when I’m on my way back home, while tired, I’m full of joy and happy to be alive." - Syrian male

2. Work builds dignity and purpose for refugees.

Even if our current job doesn’t match squarely with our talents, work can provide dignity through the opportunity to provide for our families. Earning a living and working towards self-sufficiency is healthy and empowering.

For the refugee, getting their first job in the US provides a family with critical momentum. Earning a solid wage can help provide a necessary boost to get a family out of survival mode. They can then get started on a career ladder or on a path to opening their own business.

As refugees gain the resources to provide for the basic needs of their family, they reclaim more energy to pursue less tangible needs, like connection and relationship. Once able to plan beyond the next month, a family also has space to dream about their own and their children’s future and access the many opportunities and resources this country has to offer.

When our work intersects well with how God has gifted us, we further feel deep satisfaction and joy from being useful, productive, and fully engaged. Frederick Buechner wrote, "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet." Refugees, too, look forward to a job that calls upon their skills, personality, and capacities.

Refugee Voices

"I love being an architect because I've been always interested in designing spaces where people live and socialize in the routine of daily life." - Syrian female

3. Refugees foster mutually transformative relationships in the workplace.

We spend a considerable number of waking hours at work. The work environment provides refugees significant opportunity to build language skills. At the same time, they learn about American culture and develop relationships with members of the community, including employers, coworkers, and customers.  

But workplace cultural learning doesn’t just flow one way. Refugees broaden Americans’ understanding of God’s diverse creation—employers and coworkers benefit from learning about different cultures and backgrounds. Teams with refugees can generate fresh ideas for business growth as they come to learn about a broader landscape of potential customers.

Refugee Voices

"Amidst all this I’ve experienced lots of struggles, and I’ve been humbled. But I’ve also experienced joy and great satisfaction just because I have a job and relationships with my coworkers—I’m happy to see them again every day." - Syrian male

Refugees also model character traits in the workplace that American-born workers rarely possess in the same capacity. The life experience of refugees has engraved into their DNA humbleness, resilience, loyalty, and sense of community that enriches their work relationships.

“Refugees will suddenly be [like], you're their brother, you’re their sister, you’re their family, instantaneously. If you help, if you give a little bit, you get back that much more," says Meggan Ward, Director of Operations and Training, Beautiful Day Rhode Island. 

In fact, we need the strength of character of refugees to remedy parts of our own damaged work cultures. We can all testify that we need more caring employers and work environments, more of a sense of community, and greater loyalty in our modern American workplace. 

Anyone who has worked with refugees has experienced in them a remarkable strength that transforms the workplace dynamic. 

Refugee Voices

"My job has a lot of physical movement, which is very good for my health. We can choose to see the positive side and make it more important than the negative one. This motivates me to do a good job, to do my duty at work the best way that I can." - Syrian male

4. Your Church Can Play a Key Role

We believe the Church is vital to supporting refugees to find sustainable employment or pursue entrepreneurial dreams that would enrich our city.

Any church has the potential to change a refugees’ trajectory on their employment and entrepreneurship journey. How? Your church can become a refugee family’s community network. The Church’s extensive social ties provide refugees with supportive connections that could otherwise take years for them to build in the US.

Each church has different skills they can leverage in addressing the issue of refugee employment and entrepreneurship. Communities of faith can offer (among many other things):

  • access to critical resources and knowledge

  • a sense of community and connection

  • mentoring relationships

  • a space for refugees to soundboard or test business ideas

If you’re interested in making a positive difference in the lives of refugees, pray with your church community about how God may be calling you to engage in refugee employment or entrepreneurship.
 

TAKE ACTION

ABOUT THE AUTHORs

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Fargol Dyrud

Fargol was a 2017 GBRM research associate working in refugee employment/entrepreneurship and refugee housing as a part of her MBA. As an Iranian immigrant whose life has been affected by geopolitical forces, she empathizes with refugees and is passionate about serving them. Fargol leverages her fresh, insider perspective to push the boundaries of the refugee resettlement/recovery field. 

1486070881353.jpeg

Kylie Mean

Kylie’s heart for social enterprise, intercultural ministry and hospitality fits well with her role with EGC’s Greater Boston Refugee Ministry. She helps GBRM leadership and ambassadors consider how they can empower refugees and their employers to create transformational employment opportunities.

 

HOW ARE WE DOING?

 

 


 

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Refugee Elijah Mickelson Refugee Elijah Mickelson

Saffron: A Refugee Story [VIDEO]

 
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After the President's Refugee Order: Greater Boston Refugee Ministry Update

An update from Gregg Detwiler, Director of Intercultural Ministries at EGC, regarding the executive order reducing and temporarily ceasing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Some points to consider, and how you can take action to love and serve refugees who are already here.

  • Gaining Perspective in the Light of Executive Orders

  • Upcoming Refugee Ministry Training Opportunities

by Gregg Detwiler, Director, Intercultural Ministries, EGC

Hello friends, I want to give you an update on our ministry and hopefully encourage you as well.

As you might guess, this has been a really intense time of ministry for us in the Greater Boston Refugee Ministry. Since President Trump gave his initial executive order on January 27, 2017, and his new executive order on March 6, reducing and temporarily ceasing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), the debate and even the rancor of our nation has really ramped up. I recognize that those of you reading this report may have a variety of opinions on this and other issues. Regardless of your personal position, I want to encourage you, even as I encourage myself and our team, that we would have the proper moorings to keep us steady and faithful in this season of debate.

I want to give you four things to consider:

1. GET WELL INFORMED

First of all, it is my hope that we would all seek to be well informed, that we would make sure that we get our facts and information from balanced and well-founded sources. One example of a good resource is to review the refugee vetting process already in place. You can see an infographic of that process at this site.

If you have questions or concerns about refugees coming into the United States and how that process works, please reach out to us. We will be happy to point you to some resources that we feel are reputable and accurate to help you understand what exactly happens. You can either send us a message through the “Contact EGC” button on this page: https://www.egc.org/take-action or call us during regular business hours at 617-262-4567 and ask to speak to someone in the Greater Boston Refugee Ministry.

2. ENGAGE IN POSITIVE ACTION

Secondly, regardless of where you may stand about whether refugees should continue to come in or whether the number should be decreased or increased, the fact is we already have refugees here! And the scriptural mandate for us to welcome and serve refugees—the foreigner, the alien, the stranger, the widow, the orphan—those mandates have not changed. And so even as this debate rages, I would encourage you to direct your energy toward acting and doing something positive right now regarding this population, and there are many opportunities for you to get involved. If you are in the Boston area, we would love to help direct you toward that positive action. Please get in touch with us. If you live to the west of Boston, contact our partners at WARM, the Worcester Alliance for Refugee Ministry. And if you live in other places around the country, I will try to point you toward people serving refugees where you are.

3. ATTEND A GBRM TRAINING

Thirdly, in order to take action in ways that are really helpful and not harmful, it’s very important we are first trained. This month, we are offering several trainings in the Greater Boston area. In the coming months, there will be more. Please visit our web page at https://www.egc.org/refugee for a list of current opportunities. On March 11, 2017, we will be at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. On March 18 and April 29 we will be in Belmont, Mass. Contact us to ask for details about these, or check our website.

4. LISTEN TO THE STORIES OF REFUGEES

One excellent way that we can get better informed about the real story is to hear from refugees themselves. The Greater Boston Refugee Ministry was invited to be part of a news feature story produced by NBC Boston on January 29, 2017. They asked us to bring some of our refugee friends, and so we brought a refugee couple, a Christian family from Syria, who talked about their reactions to the executive order and how those events were making them feel. I am sure you would find this short video informative and inspiring as you view this couple’s story linked here.

Thank you for your active partnership in serving refugees with us. Your prayers, encouragement and financial support help us equip churches in Greater Boston to serve the many families who have recently arrived and are trying to settle in.

For the GBRM Team,

Gregg

To support the work of EGC settling refugee families, click here.
To learn more about EGC’s Greater Boston Refugee Ministry, click here.

 
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Refugee, Intercultural Emmanuel Gospel Center Refugee, Intercultural Emmanuel Gospel Center

5 Ways to Support Refugees in the Holiday Season

Building bridges between the Church & the nations at our doorstep.

1. Donate warm clothing

We collected piles of winter clothing through the GBRM fundraiser and coat drive, but the need is always great. Here is one place where you can donate winter clothing for Boston-area refugees.

2. Donate food to your local food pantry

Many refugees use local support services like food pantries. Click here for a list of food donation sites in the Greater Boston area. If there isn't one in your area, consider starting one at your church!

3. Attend holiday services at an international church in your area

Be the one who goes this Advent. Journey to another culture right in your neighborhood to celebrate Christmas like the shepherds and magi of old. Here's an online directory of churches in the Boston area.

4. Become more informed

Many misconceptions regarding refugees are currently causing fear and confusion. Take time this season to raise your awareness of the refugee experience. Read up on the current situation on resource websites like rescue.org.

5. Advocate

Election season is coming up, and immigration is a hot topic. Tell your representatives how you feel about welcoming and supporting refugees in your region. Here's where you can find their contact information.

*Above all and through all, remember to pray for our refugee neighbors.

 
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Christian Engagement with Muslims in the United States

Listen in on a video conversation on Christian engagement with Muslims in the U.S. where panelists talk about positive and objectionable interactions Christians may have with our Muslim neighbors.

Resources for the urban pastor and community leader published by Emmanuel Gospel Center, BostonEmmanuel Research Review reprint Issue No. 87 — March 2013

Resources for the urban pastor and community leader published by Emmanuel Gospel Center, Boston

Emmanuel Research Review reprint
Issue No. 87 — March 2013

Introduced by Brian Corcoran, Managing Editor, Emmanuel Research Review

Rev. Dr. Gregg Detwiler, Director of Intercultural Ministries at the Emmanuel Gospel Center, serves as host of a video conversation on the topic of Christian Engagement with Muslims in the U.S., which he hopes “will encourage many to reach out to our Muslim neighbors.” The conversation took place on February 22, 2013, and the panel was comprised of:

  • Dave Kimball, Minister-at-Large for Christian–Muslim Relations at EGC;

  • Nathan Elmore, Program Coordinator & Consultant for Christian-Muslim Relations, Peace Catalyst International; and

  • Paul Biswas, Pastor, International Community Church – Boston.

In the first half of the conversation, panelists address “Positive Christian Interactions with Muslims,” which include questions regarding motivation, personal experience, peace-making, and transparency. In the second half, panelists address “Objections and Challenges to Christian Engagement with Muslims,” where they touch on militant Islam, “normative” Islam, “Chrislamism,” interfaith dialogue, and how a local church congregation might respond to a nearby mosque.

We have provided a link and brief description of each of the ten videos, which were produced by Brandt Gillespie of PrayTV and Covenant for New England in a studio located at Congregación León de Judá in Boston. At the end of this issue, we have included a short list of resources suggested by the Intercultural Ministries team of EGC.

Positive Christian Interactions with Muslims

Part One: What is your motivation for working toward positive Christian – Muslim relations?

Dr. Gregg Detwiler, Director of Intercultural Ministries at EGC, introduces the subject of Christian-Muslim relations. He introduces his guests: Dave Kimball, Minister-at-Large for Christian-Muslim Relations at Emmanuel Gospel Center; Nathan Elmore, Program Coordinator & Consultant for Christian-Muslim Relations, Peace Catalyst International; and Paul Biswas, Pastor, International Community Church – Boston.

Gregg asks his guests what their motivation is for working toward positive Christian-Muslim relations.

Part Two: What are some positive ways you are personally relating to Muslims?

Gregg asks for some positive ways the panelists are personally relating with Muslims and the Muslim community. Nathan describes a “holy texts study” and other initiatives in his role as a minister at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dave talks about his love for Arab culture and his lifestyle of relating to Muslims on a daily basis.

Part Three: What are some other examples of positive Christian engagement with Muslims?

Paul describes ways he is personally relating to Muslims by building friendships, practicing hospitality, and hosting interfaith dialogues. Gregg tells the story of how a Muslim friend named Majdi cared for him when he was sick and challenges Christians to get to know Muslims on a deeper level. Dave shares a dream he has about seeing Christians and Muslims serving together, and Nathan describes some of the recent initiatives of Peace Catalyst International, including “Communities of Reconciliation” and the Evangelicals for Peace Conference held in Washington, D.C. (See http://www.peace-catalyst.net.)

Part Four: Do peacemaking Christians compromise the truth of the Gospel?

In this segment, Gregg presses his guests on the issue of Christian peacemaking by asking if this approach waters down a commitment to the truth of the Gospel. Nathan points out that the Great Commission and the Great Commandment cannot be separated but must go hand-in-hand. Nathan also suggests that not only must we be committed to the message of Jesus but also the “motives and manners” of Jesus. Dave admonishes us to be forthright in sharing the Gospel as part of our authentic Christian witness. Gregg points out the biblical mandate is to live out the doctrine of the incarnation in the way we relate to Muslims before we seek to have a theological conversation about the incarnation.

Part Five: Christian Transparency: What would you say to a Muslim who might be watching this video?

The panelists emphasize the importance of being transparent about our identity as followers of Jesus. Paul speaks of being upfront about who we are (followers of Jesus) and what we want to do (to bear witness to him). Dave speaks about how there are individuals on both sides that may seek to broadly demonize the other side, and we are seeking to counter this. The segment ends by asking each of the panel members to share a word with any Muslim friends who might be watching the video.

Objections & Challenges to Christian Engagement with Muslims

Part One: What about militant Islam?

Gregg frames the subject of challenges to Christian engagement with Muslims in the U.S. by referring to a continuum of response from hostility to naivety. Panel members respond to question: What about militant Islam? Nathan reminds us that militant religiosity is not the sole property of Islam, nor is it as universal among Muslims as some Christians seek to paint it. Dave warns us about the dangers of stereotyping others and the importance of not being paralyzed by fear and hostility. Paul shares his perspective about militant Islam from a South Asian perspective.

Part Two: What is normative Islam?

Gregg asks his guests to respond to the question: What is normative Islam? Dave responds to the question with a question: What is normative Christianity? Paul points out that just as many Christians misunderstand Islam, many Muslims misunderstand Christianity. Nathan reminds us that Muslims themselves should answer the question of normative Islam rather than Christians.

Part Three: Are you in danger of becoming a “Chrislamist”?

Gregg explores with panel members the possibility of compromising Christian truth in the process of promoting interfaith relationships with Muslims. Various subjects are explored, such as “the Common Word” initiative and the threat of being labeled as “Chrislamists.” Gregg concludes by pointing to Jesus as our model when he came “full of grace and truth.”

Part Four: What is the value and limitations of interfaith dialogue?

Gregg explores with panel members the question: What is the value and limitation of interfaith dialogue? Paul underscores how dialogue is the only way to overcome misunderstandings on both sides. Nathan describes how dialogue can be a form of hospitality and lead to authentic friendship. Dave emphasizes the need for discipline and commitment in the dialogue process and that interfaith dialogue (also known as “meetings for better understanding”) can open doors and create space for God to work.

Part Five: What steps could be taken by a church that is in close proximity to a mosque?

Finally, the panel explores the question of how a local church might respond to a mosque that is in close proximity. Dave counsels that a good starting point is for a church to get some good training. Nathan discusses the posture of the church by admonishing with the truism: “One cannot fear what one has chosen to love.” Gregg tells a story of dropping by a local mosque to meet the Imam and some surprising lessons learned in the process. Paul advises that churches should not view a mosque as a threat but as an opportunity for Christian witness.

Resources

The following resources have been suggested by the Intercultural Ministries department of EGC.

Bell, Stephen & Colin Chapman editors. Between Naivety and Hostility: Uncovering the best Christian responses to Islam in Britain. Crownhill, Milton Keyes: Authentic Media, 2011.

Goddard, Hugh. Christians and Muslims: From Double Standards to Mutual Understanding. London: Routledge Curzon, 2003.

McDowell, Bruce A., and Anees Zaka. Muslims and Christians at the Table: Promoting Biblical Understanding among North American Muslims. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 1999.

Metzger, Paul Louis. Connecting Christ: How to Discuss Jesus in a World of Diverse Paths. Nashville: T. Nelson, 2012.

Nichols, Laurie Fortunak., and Gary R. Corwin. Envisioning Effective Ministry: Evangelism in a Muslim Context. Wheaton, IL.: Evangelism and Missions Information Service, 2010.

Peace Catalyst International www.peace-catalyst.net

Tennent, Timothy C. Christianity at the Religious Roundtable: Evangelicalism in Conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.

Volf, Miroslav. Allah: A Christian Response. New York: HarperOne, 2011.

 
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Cambodian Ministries

The Killing Fields of the Cambodian holocaust that took place from 1975 to 1979 under the leadership of the Khmer Rouge left over a million dead and led to a flood of refugees fleeing from Cambodia. Many escaped from this horrific event to neighboring countries, while others sought safety around the world. A portion of the refugees came to the United States in the early 1980s in an attempt to start their lives afresh. Today, the Greater Boston area has the second highest concentration of Cambodians in America, some estimating as many as 30,000, with the majority living in Lynn, just 10 miles north of Boston, and Lowell, 30 miles to the northwest.

From Killing Fields to Living Fields: The Cambodian Ministries of the Emmanuel Gospel Center

The Killing Fields of the Cambodian holocaust that took place from 1975 to 1979 under the leadership of the Khmer Rouge left over a million dead and led to a flood of refugees fleeing from Cambodia. Many escaped from this horrific event to neighboring countries, while others sought safety around the world. A portion of the refugees came to the United States in the early 1980s in an attempt to start their lives afresh. Today, the Greater Boston area has the second highest concentration of Cambodians in America, some estimating as many as 30,000, with the majority living in Lynn, just 10 miles north of Boston, and Lowell, 30 miles to the northwest.

Like most refugees, those coming from Cambodia had little or no resources and struggled to learn the language and find employment. The lack of economic opportunity led to a concentration of poverty in which the next generation of Cambodians grew up. This is a community with many hardships and little or no exposure to the Gospel, a plentiful harvest potential that simply requires a few willing servants.

It was out of this great need that a collaborative effort was undertaken by Grace Chapel of Lexington, Mass., EGC, and the Cambodian Christian community. This eventually gave rise to EGC’s Cambodian Ministries, with Pastor PoSan Ung serving as Minister-at-Large. Pastor PoSan felt a call to reach out to his people with the love of Christ and was especially suited to do just that. Originally from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Pastor PoSan came to the United States in February 1982 at the age of 10, after having survived the brutal reign of the Khmer Rouge. His spiritual journey began in an unlikely place. “We went from refugee camp to refugee camp from mid-’79 until we got to America in ’82,” recalls Pastor PoSan, “spending most of the time in Thailand at the UNICEF refugee camp. That’s where we ran into missionaries, and I had a chance to study with them.” PoSan’s mother wanted both she and PoSan to learn English, hoping that it would increase their chances of being admitted into the United States, so they began to attend Sunday worship and Sunday school classes with the missionaries. Not only did PoSan begin to speak English, he also learned of the love of Jesus Christ.

In the United States, PoSan worked hard at school, and upon graduation from high school enrolled at Brown University to study biochemistry. He hoped to become a doctor, remembering all the good done by doctors in the refugee camps. “It was in college when the Lord took me all over again to the basics in my faith and…I grew out of my childhood faith into an adult faith,” explains PoSan. Then in his junior year at Brown, he experienced a call to ministry. What seemed to be “just another Friday night Bible study” became a crossroads in his life. “I felt God call me to give up my medical aspiration and go into ministry full time.”

Following this conviction in his heart, PoSan moved to Boston in 1995. From 1996-1997 he was a youth worker with Cambodians through Tremont Temple Baptist Church before answering a call to serve as the English-ministry pastor for the Revere Cambodian Evangelical Church. He then worked with New Covenant Presbyterian Church as a church planter until 2000, when the Lord opened the door for him to be Minister-at-Large to the Cambodian community with the Emmanuel Gospel Center. Pastor PoSan felt a strong call to foster unity among Christians serving Cambodians across New England, and to call together the leadership of these churches.

The partnerships that Pastor PoSan has formed are the core of his work as Cambodian Minister-at-Large. He works both to bring together Cambodian churches and leaders as well as to connect them to the broader Christian community in New England. An active participant in this networking continues to be Grace Chapel in Lexington, and Pastor PoSan is always looking for additional churches to come alongside this Kingdom work. In 2000, the Christian Cambodian American Fellowship (CCAF) was started to bring together church leaders who work with the Cambodian community, and for the past seven years Pastor PoSan has served on the leadership team of the CCAF, acting as Chair for the past four.

“God continued to open up my ministry opportunities,” Pastor PoSan says. Beyond leadership development and encouraging churches, new church planting became an important focus. He felt that the Cambodian Americans, especially the one-and-a-half [those who immigrated to the U.S. as children] and second-generation Cambodians, needed a healthy, thriving church. In 2004, he planted a church in Lynn to address this need, appropriately called Living Fields. This “harvest of the living people, not dead in sin,” as PoSan says, continued the work of bringing new hope to the Cambodian community through the promises found in Christ.

Throughout the different initiatives of EGC’s Cambodian Ministries—whether it’s convening pastors, doing an outreach event, or starting a church—Pastor PoSan’s focus remains on three key areas: leadership training, partnership building, and evangelism. In addition to his work with CCAF, Pastor PoSan, along with Rev. Dr. Gregg Detwiler, director of EGC’s Intercultural Ministries, has co-taught a bilingual course at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s Center for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME) aimed at serving the Cambodian community. He is also involved in pastoral training back in Cambodia. In 2004, he helped to bring Asian Access, an interdenominational evangelical church development organization, to Cambodia, and he serves as the organization’s Cambodia Country Resource Person. Both Cambodian and non-Cambodian pastors travel with PoSan to Cambodia to learn how best to support the churches there and also serve the Cambodian community in the United States. There they work to foster networking and leadership development, wanting to engage churches in “Kingdom-level ministry to foster a Kingdom vision,” Pastor PoSan explains. He has also been able to collect Khmer language ministry material during his mission trips in Cambodia, to better reach out to Cambodians in Greater Boston who know little or no English.

Evangelism is central to EGC’s Cambodian Ministries. Pastor PoSan is passionate about helping people come to a realization of what we all truly are in our fallen states and of the offer of forgiveness found in Christ. This is evident in all of the outreach efforts of Pastor PoSan and his volunteer team, whether it’s the homework center run out of the Living Fields office space, the music and English lessons offered, or the clothing closet and food pantry they operate. Outreach to Cambodian youth, young people in the one-and-a-half and second generations, remains a focal point of Pastor PoSan’s ministry.

The need to serve the new generations has resulted in a collaborative ministry effort as Cambodian Ministries works with area churches, such as the First Baptist Church of Lynn, to put on a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for Cambodian children in both Lynn and Lowell. Unlike typical VBS recruitment, which usually occurs months in advance through church signups, Cambodian Ministries has to deal with the reality that many in the Cambodian community are not Christians and do not attend church. Youth from Living Fields and partnering churches go door-to-door to extend an invitation to VBS. The churches’ youth are trained on how to approach families with the Gospel and an invitation to VBS to come hear more. This is no easy task, as the youth volunteers are often confronted with skepticism, suspicion, and even hostility. Yet every year, children from the community come, leaving with at least a seed of hope planted in their lives. Living Fields seeks to draw the families in on this process as well, offering a family dinner at the end of VBS. Scholarships are also offered to the vast majority of participants as an outreach tool, making VBS a reality for children for whom finances would be a barrier to hearing the message of Christ.

When asked about his vision for Cambodian Ministries, Pastor PoSan says it is to “see true disciples of Christ encompass genuine worship of God and live out their faith in life, demonstrating the awesome faith found in Christ—that unreasonable generosity found in the cross of Christ. It is unreasonable because we don’t deserve it—it’s just so big and lavish!”

To learn more, visit www.egc.org and www.livingfields.org.

by Sally Steele

 
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