Highlights and Reflections from 2022

The ministry with refugees in 2022 has been rich and eventful in the present and full of work and discernment towards future projects.

After two years of patient waiting and prayer, on March 8, 2022, we welcomed our sponsored refugees Madelyn and her son Amir at the Vancouver airport. Their sponsorship was initiated through connections involving St. John’s congregation members including Andrew McKenzie, and Jack and Irena Tippett. Madelyn and Amir’s arrival triggered our year of financial support, during which many congregation members have been directly involved in walking with them. We are privileged to have both as active members in our fellowship at St. John’s. Amir is serving as a member of the Refugee Committee.

An important part of our ministry is the annual support of a refugee claimant family through our Community of Welcome group in partnership with Journey Home Community. In 2022, we have supported an Afghan family, Abdul and Salma, and their two young boys. Early in the year, they passed their refugee hearing, and they have been settling well.

As our program grows, it has involved more and more members of St. John’s who have been generous with their time, skills, and financial support through donations to the Refugee Fund. We are thankful as God leads us as a church family to welcome refugees. Finally, I should mention that through the General Budget, we have continued annual donations to two Christian-based organizations - Kinbrace Refugee Housing and Support, and Journey Home Community.

- Owen Underhill