Video Introduction Stable Roots: A Ministry Addressing the Needs of Refugee Resettlement Families at Tabernacle Baptist Church
(For more information: http://
www.karenkonnection.org/ )In August of 2007, our church was contacted by
Duane Binkley, a dully commissioned
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and
American Baptist Church missionary located in Ohio. He called to see of Tabernacle’s interest in helping the
Virginia Council of Churches address the needs of
‘Karen’ refugees coming to America. Duane lived and worked in Thailand with the
‘Karen’ people for more than 20 years and last summer he was commissioned to live stateside and help US Baptist churches minister to the large influx of Karen refugees coming to America. As a result, we responded!
September - welcomed our first family to America at Richmond International Airport.
October - aided in furniture distribution to prepare homes for future resettlement families.
November - developed a plan to integrate willing resettlement families into our church family. “Stable Roots” was established and we began organizing ourselves to welcome these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We divided ourselves into three main departments: transportation, church guides, and worship sitters. Also in November, a luncheon was hosted on behalf of our new friends with Thai food to boot! Heather Gomez from the
Virginia Council of Churches shared cultural information to aid our church in refugee resettlement ministry specific to the
Karen.
December - two members of the Htoo family participated in worship by lighting the Advent candle during 11am worship. 16 Christmas baskets were delivered to Resettlement families identified by the Virginia Council of Churches.
January - between 10 to 15 folks began attending Wednesday evening fellowship. Various ages participate in everything from handbells to youth group. In addition, numerous Karen bibles, dictionaries, hymnals, and picture books were purchased to aid in continued communication….and the relationships to continue to grow and thrive….
Current Needs:1. As we continue to make relationships with the refugee resettlement community, we find that more and more folks are interested in attending our church. We have the transportation but are in desperate need of drivers and riders. Do you have a license and clean driving record?Do you enjoy riding along and socializing? Might you be willing to drive one of the church buses either on Sunday mornings (pickup: 9am - drop-off: noon) or Wednesday evenings (pickup: 4:30pm - drop-off: 7:30pm)?2. Many of the folks who have joined us from the resettlement community are children and youth. This is great! However, as with all children and youth ministry, it is important that we have plenty of hands “on deck” to offer good care and guidance.Do you enjoy working with children and/or youth? Might you be willing to volunteer your time either on Sunday morning in Sunday School/Nursery or on Wednesday nights in mission class and/or youth group? If so, please contact the church office at 355-0134.3. As our Karen friends become accustomed to English and American culture, we see great value in becoming more familiar with the Karen language and culture.Do you have a gift with languages? Are you passionate about learning about Karen culture? Might you be willing to learn key Karen words or phrase and educate us on their uses and pronunciations?4. Join us for
Colonial Connections each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer.5. As you have interacted with these amazing people, what are some needs you see and how we might address them? If you have recommendations, concerns, or ideas, please contact the church office to begin a conversation!
Brief Video Introduction:
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