Posts by worldrelief
World Relief Responds to Cyclone Idaiâs Impact on Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
March 22, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
World Relief Responds to Cyclone Idaiâs Impact on Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi
Baltimore, Md. â Cyclone Idai landed in Beira, Mozambique, last Thursday before its severe winds and flooding spread to neighboring countries of Malawi and Zimbabwe. The U.N. estimates the tropical storm has affected more than 2.6 million people across Southeastern Africa, devastating more than 1.7 million people in its path in Mozambique and over 920,000 in neighboring Malawi. Survivors are awaiting aid on rooftops as their homes, roads and power lines are submerged under water or, in some cases, have been completely washed away.
World Relief is responding in Malawi alongside their local partner the Evangelical Association of Malawi, to provide immediate relief assistance to an estimated 9,000 households in the southern region. World Relief is also exploring partnerships with local contacts in Mozambique.
âOur hearts are broken for those who have lost homes and loved ones through the devastation of Cyclone Idai,â said World Relief President Scott Arbeiter. âWe plan to support our local partners who are boldly serving the victims of this disaster.â
World Relief CEO Tim Breene commented, âWe pray for the millions of victims awaiting hope and rescue from Cyclone Idai and also for the local organizations working on the ground to help these individuals recover and rebuild their lives. Weâre grateful for our incredible partners and contacts in these countries that are able to immediately respond to one of the worst weather-related disasters to ever hit the southern hemisphere.â
World Reliefâs programs in Malawi, established in 1989, span 10 districts in the central and northern regions of the country. World Reliefâs empowerment of churches in these communities has helped care for children and for mothers learning to raise healthy families, prevented the spread of HIV and helped farmers improve the value of their crops and livestock. Their work has helped 4,037,803 individuals over the past 3 years. World Relief began its work in Mozambique in 1994 and currently provides long-term management to the agricultural associations formed by World Relief in Gaza Province. 1,471, 588 individuals and families have benefited from this work between 2015 and 2017.
For more information on World Reliefâs disaster relief work and how to help, please visit https://worldrelief.org/cycloneidai.
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the worldâs most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, weâve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Grieves Horrific Shooting in New Zealand Mosques
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
March 15, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
World Relief Grieves Horrific Shooting in New Zealand Mosques
Baltimore, Md. â World Relief issued the following statement in response to mass shootings that left 49 people dead and over 20 wounded at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:
Scott Arbeiter, president of World Relief, and Tim Breene, CEO of World Relief: âWe are devastated by the news of such senseless, gratuitous deaths in New Zealand mosques. Our hearts break for the lives cut short, and we lift up in prayer the families of those affected by such violence in a place of worship. We condemn bigotry and hate crime, particularly crime that creates fear of safety when worshiping, regardless of where the worship is taking place.
âAdditionally, our hearts break for the immigrants affected by this tragedy. We also lift up in prayer the conflicts that are driving men and women from their homes, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, from which many of these worshipers came. We urge Christians to respond in love by coming alongside refugees around the world to create the safe communities that are the best antidote to violence and threat.â
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the worldâs most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, weâve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Responds to Administrationâs Proposed Budget Cuts to Humanitarian Assistance Programs
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
March 12, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
World Relief Responds to Administrationâs Proposed Budget Cuts to Humanitarian Assistance Programs
Baltimore, Md. â Yesterday, President Trump announced his proposed 2020 budget, including significant cuts to federal spending for a variety of critical humanitarian assistance programs. World Relief expresses concern over the impact that the proposed 24 percent cut to international affairs will have on programs serving the most vulnerable across the globe.
World Relief President Scott Arbeiter commented, âThe U.S. has stood as an example of generosity for countries around the world for decades. If we shut our doors to assisting the vulnerable, others will follow suit. World Relief is deeply concerned by the proposed budget cuts, their potential impact on people who live in some of the most impoverished places around the world, and what it means for our legacy of generosity as a nation. At a time when weâre seeing more displaced persons in recorded history, and as women and children in particular bear the brunt of violence and conflict around the world, we must do all that we can to alleviate poverty and suffering.â
The proposed budget comes with a reduction of $2.5 billion to USAID and the State Department. Critical humanitarian interventions including funding to support maternal child health and to fight HIV/AIDS through PEPFAR would be reduced by 26 percent and 29 percent respectively.
World Relief believes that these humanitarian assistance and development programs are life-saving interventions that are critically needed in some of the most conflict-ridden places on earth. Funding for international disaster assistance is a key component to prevent people from becoming refugees and enables the U.S. to respond quickly to complex humanitarian needs in areas like Iraq, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic.
Specifically, World Relief supports funding levels for FY 2020 as follows:
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$2.67 billion for the Department of Health and Human Servicesâ Refugee and Entrant Assistance (REA) account
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$3.604 billion for the Department of Stateâs Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account
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$1 million for the Department of Stateâs Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA) account
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$4.5 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Developmentâs (USAID) International Disaster Assistance (IDA) account
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$5.85 billion for HIV/AIDS State and USAID
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$900 million for maternal and child health
World Relief also urges Congress to maintain the Department of Stateâs Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account within the Department of State rather than the proposed consolidation of MRA with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Providing the State Department the critical tools needed to provide assistance to displaced persons in connection with their diplomacy has proven effective in ameliorating some of the most complicated, humanitarian crises around the world and maximizing refugee protection.
âThe U.S. plays an important role in setting the tone for the rest of the world, with our humanitarian assistance funds constituting less than 1 percent of the entire U.S. budget,â commented World Relief CEO Tim Breene. âBy abdicating our place as a leader in resettling refugees and being a mitigating presence in times of disaster, the U.S. leaves a void that cannot easily be filled. We urge Congress to continue to fund at robust levels U.S. humanitarian assistance to meet needs around the world.â
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the worldâs most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, weâve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
On International Womenâs Day, World Relief Celebrates 4 Million Women and Girls Served
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
March 8, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
On International Womenâs Day, World Relief Celebrates 4 Million Women and Girls Served
Baltimore, Md. â On this global day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women, World Relief announces several exciting new initiatives to affirm the value and dignity of women around the world and equip them to transform their communities in the future.
âWomen have God-given talents and gifts that are crucial for transforming communities,â commented World Relief Vice President of Advocacy and Policy Jenny Yang. âWhen you give women the tools to provide for themselves and their families, miracles happen, and itâs a beautiful thing that we have the privilege of seeing time and again.â
By working with the local church and communities, World Reliefâs services empower women through practical education, community participation, employment services and more. In 2018 World Relief served 4 million women and girls through its programs, including:
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Around the world, teaching over 90,000 women how to manage their finances through our Savings for Life program.
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In Congo, training almost 4,000 youth in sexual and gender-based violence awareness and sensitization.
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In Jordan, expanding our marriage and parenting programs to include men, recognizing their critical role in impacting change within the home.
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In Rwanda, launching a partnership with Starbucks Foundation to empower 12,960 women to thrive through safe relationships, healthy homes, clean drinking water and economic opportunity.
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In the U.S., welcoming 1,595 women and girls here as refugees, and serving more than 160 female survivors of human trafficking.
World Relief President Scott Arbeiter commented, âWorld Relief believes in the dignity and potential of every woman and man God has created. The church is uniquely positioned around the world to unlock this potential. On this international awareness day, weâre excited to continue equipping communities, including our own, to bring about the flourishing of people made in the image of God across the world.â
This International Womenâs Day, World Relief commenced several special initiatives that celebrate the impact theyâve had on millions of women and girls and build on the work that has gone before to equip more women than ever before.
This year, World Relief marked a new relationship with Starbucks Foundation. Over the course of a three-year commitment, the Starbucks Foundationâs Origin Community Grant will contribute $500,000 to World Reliefâs work to empower 12,960 Rwandan women and impact the lives of 57,000 Rwandans in the District of Nyamasheke. This partnership will build on World Reliefâs existing work of promoting womenâs leadership, encouraging healthy homes and providing safe drinking water.
Separately, World Relief is raising $100,000 to create a better world for women â one that fights systems of gender injustice and empowers women around the world to build bolder, brighter futures. Anyone making a donation on International Womenâs Day to World Reliefâs initiatives will not be subject to processing fees. Additionally, World Relief urges those interested in supporting women around the world to consider donating to their ongoing match campaign with One Dayâs Wages, which will go live on March 18 and specifically focus on raising funds for their comprehensive sexual and gender-based violence programming.
World Relief CEO Tim Breene commented, âChange truly starts from the ground up. Weâre grateful for the partners who have come alongside us in our mission to equip the local church to bring about flourishing over the last year, and weâre prayerfully expectant to see the good that is made possible by women and men taking up the call to be the hands and feet of Christ around the world.â
For more information on how World Reliefâs work has impacted women and children across the globe, please visit worldrelief.org/women.
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the worldâs most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, weâve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
Voices From the Field: Cambodia
Today is International Womenâs Dayâa day when women around the world are celebrated, their impact recognized, and their God-given potential affirmed. Today, we envision bolder, brighter futures for the worldâs women.
There are more than 3.5 billion women and girls in the world today. Women with hopes and dreams for their future. Women who are deserving of agency and opportunity. At World Relief, we are proud to be a part of the movement to create a better world for these strong women.
To commemorate women everywhere, we asked World Relief women working both in the U.S. and abroad to share their perspective on women in their nation. Here, they discuss the challenges they face, the opportunities they have, the potential they carry to shape culture and society and, finally, the hope they have in advancing issues of gender justice in their respective countries. We are excited to share their voices with you all month long in a series from the field.
A Q&A from World Reliefâs Female Staff Around the World
Part I : Cambodia
Today we are talking with women from World Relief CambodiaâSivan Oun, Health Nutrition Program Director and Romroth Chuon, Program Operations Director.
What is the biggest challenge women are facing today?
SIVAN: Women in Cambodia work hard both at work and in the house to raise children and also earn an income to support their families. As a mother, I get up to work early in the morning to clean the house, prepare food for my family and get my children ready for school. I am also the house managerâmanaging the daily budget to be used more effectively, making sure there is enough food and ensuring my familyâs needs are met. Today, more and more women in Cambodia need to work outside their villages, leaving young children in the hands of caretakers, often grandmothers, who are unable to provide constant supervision. On top of trying to do all this, most women have limited parenting skills due to a lack of examples in their own lives.
ROMROTH: I think the biggest challenge women in Cambodia face today is domestic violence in all its formsâphysical, sexual, financial and emotional. Most women are unable to get the support they need in these circumstance, leaving many feeling devalued. In rural communities, in particular, women are left out of any decision making. The underlying influence on the treatment of women and the place they hold in society is menâs perceptionâthat women are a weak person and therefore given no power. Many men believe women canât do anything.
How do you see the influence of women shaping culture/society?
SIVAN: I see the influence of women more now because they are beginning to get involved in community development. The rate of women attending school is on the rise and more are earning good jobs which increases their status in society. In Cambodia, women are the primary caregivers to family. And since more and more women are becoming stronger, they are shaping the future and the potential for equality in society.
ROMROTH: In Cambodian society and culture, there is a proverb that says, âA woman is like white cotton. If she falls on ground and gets dirty, she is not needed anymoreâ But right now, I can see the empowerment of women because more are participating in society and more women are able to explore their potential. There are some women who even have a role in government sectors. Another aspect is that men are learning more about gender equality and some are even starting to support women in the housework.
How is your office empowering/providing opportunity for women?
SIVAN: In the Health and Nutrition project, there are three trained women on the health field staff. 99% of 280 the volunteers in the 26 Care Groups are women, while only 1% are men. The focus of this project is to teach health, nutrition and early childhood development lessons that these volunteers can then take back to their communities to educate other women in order to raise healthy families.
ROMROTH: About 80% of participants in our programs are women. So it is a really great opportunity for us to empower women to reach their potential. We run programs in:
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Human trafficking prevention and protection training, where community leaders build awareness and give support to protect women and children from trafficking.
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Savings and Business Development training, where we seek to teach women about financial management and how to use their resources wisely. Many women build leadership skills in this program as they lead other savings groups and empower other women.
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Child Development trainings, where female volunteers are trained to raise their children and other children in their village to be holistically healthy childrenâ spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. Child development is a great place for women to build their skills, confidence and self-esteem.
What are you most hopeful about for the future of women?
SIVAN: Iâm most hopeful that in the future women will attend school or literacy programs, learn a skill and work toward a career. But also that they would gain awareness, knowledge and understanding about raising children and building a strong family.
ROMROTH: I do hope women will have a better future and continue to stand firm in who they are. I am hopeful women will get equal rights in families and communities. I am hopeful women will support each other and build peace. I am hopeful women will learn how to manage their family finances well and develop their leadership skills. And I am hopeful women will have a voice and stand up to advocate against all forms of domestic violence.
Dana North serves as the Marketing Lead at World Relief. With a background in graphic design and advertising and experiences in community development and transformation, Dana seeks to use the power of words and action to help create a better world. Dana is especially passionate about seeking justice for women and girls around the world.
Is Justice Worth It?
In recent years, stories of violence and injustice have seemed to dominate the airwaves of news media and conversations. Amidst such darkness, itâs often difficult to maintain hope things could be different, the narrative could change and perhaps we could build a different future for our children and our childrenâs childrenâone where we are intolerant of injustice, wage peace on violence and truly love one another. Though our hope may often find itself tested, we believe we have an obligation to respond to the ever-present issues of social justice.
Since 2007, February 20th has served as World Day of Social Justiceâa day when the international community works together towards justice for all. This pursuit is no small task. Indeed, pushing back against the cycles, systems and structures perpetuating injustice takes collaboration, dedication and a willingness to identify with those who most often suffer the consequences. Most importantly, perhaps, it takes faith. Faith that even when every 2 steps forward lead to 3 steps back, justice is worth it.
Martin Luther King Jr. has said, âReturning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.â
Today, was we celebrate World Day of Social Justice with millions around the world, we are reminded of our commitment to fight to overcome violence, poverty and injustice through love in action. Itâs always worth the time. Itâs always worth it.
World Relief Responds to President Trumpâs Declaration of a National Emergency at the Border
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
February 15, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
World Relief Responds to President Trumpâs Declaration of a National Emergency at the Border
Baltimore, Md. â Today, President Trump declared the situation at the border a national emergency, invoking presidential emergency powers to increase border security. While appreciative of his commitment to securing the border, World Relief urges the President to pursue broad-based immigration reform in partnership with Congress.
While avoiding a second shutdown, the president pivoted from seeking a cooperative solution with Congress to escalating the status of the situation at the border to that of a national emergency.
World Relief President Scott Arbeiter commented, âSecuring the southern border is essential. But finding a true solution to the complex situation facing our nationâs immigration system requires all parties working in cooperation. Weâre concerned that by declaring a national emergency, not only has the president opened an avenue for bypassing true solutions, but also shortchanged those stuck in the immigration system and those seeking to come to the U.S. who need true legislative solutions. Our decades-long failure to find a solution to this issue has put too many children and families at risk, precipitated government shutdowns and polarized the nation on issues that once united us.â
âThe president cited violence at the border and the influx of drugs as justification for expediting funds for a wall,â commented World Relief Vice President of Advocacy and Policy Jenny Yang. âWe have in fact seen a lower level of crime from immigrants of any legal status than the overall native-born American population, and Border Patrol has reported a 45 percent decrease in apprehensions at the border between FY2000-2018. We urge the president to consider the devastating circumstances driving so many to pursue the legitimate option of seeking asylum legally in the U.S. and offer clear-cut pathways to become legal residents.â
World Relief C.E.O. Tim Breene commented, âWorld Relief advocates a comprehensive and bipartisan solution to the immigration challenges facing the U.S. â not one solved through invoking emergency powers. The president has had the opportunity to offer once-and-for-all fixes for those in limbo in Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programs and those who have otherwise arrived in the U.S. and desire to become lawful residents and eventually citizens.â
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the worldâs most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, weâve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Responds to President Trumpâs State of the Union Address, Urges Comprehensive Immigration Reform
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
February 5, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
World Relief Responds to President Trumpâs State of the Union Address, Urges Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Baltimore, Md. â Today, President Trump addressed the nation in an annual address to a joint session of Congress. Heartened by his commitment to âthe security, safety and financial well-being of Americansâ World Relief agrees that legal immigrants âenrich our nation and strengthen our society.â However, World Relief also urges the President and Congress pursue comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform that retains border security while providing a process by which immigrants can earn legal status and, ultimately, U.S. citizenship. We agree that we have a duty to protect the lives and jobs of our citizens â but we also have a moral duty to care for the vulnerable.
The president reiterated a call for Congress to come to an agreement on immigration, citing an âurgent, national crisis,â and repeating his call for a âproper barrier or wall.â While World Relief agrees that border security is important, we also have to respond in a humanitarian way to those who seek asylum in the U.S. It is counter to our nationâs legacy as a country of immigrants to restrict avenues through which those who are fleeing persecution and danger can find protection in the United States.
World Relief President Scott Arbeiter commented, âWhile we commend the president for his affirmation of the contributions of legal immigrants, and it is entirely right that he should seek to secure our nation, we hope that he will take the asylum seekers at the border in context with the refugee crisis as a whole. 68 million people are forcibly displaced around the world, of which 25 million are refugees. The worldâs vulnerable are best served not by punishing them for seeking a new life but by offering clear, defined pathways to seek asylum and become integrated into the nation.â
President Trump rightly called on Congress âto embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise and the common good.â World Relief has long urged such a spirit of compromise to find a bipartisan, comprehensive solution to the immigration challenges facing the U.S. The president has the opportunity to offer once-and-for-all fixes for those in limbo in Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programs and those who have otherwise arrived in the U.S. and desire to become lawful residents and eventually citizens.
âPresident Trump and Congress have the unique opportunity to solve issues perplexing lawmakers for quite some time,â commented World Relief CEO Tim Breene. âThe U.S. refugee resettlement program has been an incredibly effective humanitarian operation for four decades, and we believe that by expanding the existing program to its potential capacity and applying similar structures and priorities to the challenges facing us at our southern border, we can reach a solution that integrates compassion and security.â
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the worldâs most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, weâve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
Reflections from the US-Mexico Border
Last week World Relief Sacramentoâs Office Director, Kerry Ham, visited asylum seekers at the United States-Mexico border. He and pastors from Vida Church Sacramento and Bayside Church Folsom saw firsthand the work of World Relief and heard stories from those who have fled in hope of safety and refuge in the US. Ham reflects on some of the stories he heard and the current situation below:
In the afternoon, I found myself on the US side of Friendship Park, first inaugurated by Pat Nixon in 1971. Over the next two decades, the border was marked primarily by a marble obelisk known as Monument #258. In 1994, things began to change, however, starting with the construction of one wall. Today, the border consists of two walls and a 20-foot space only available from the American side for a few hours on weekends. Separated families reunite at the wall where they can touch fingertips.
I reflected on everything I had seen that day and everyone I had met. That morning, we crossed the border and came upon a plaza full of migrants. Many waited in a line for a number that would not be called for months. Some were returning to see if today was the day they would be able to plead their case. In this scene of total limbo, I met Miguel. Miguel and his family left their home after he was shot by members of a local gang. In his hometown, he was a business owner, but he could not pay the shakedown money required by gangs controlling the city. He, his, wife, and their four children had been in Tijuana for three months now. Between the six of them, they had only two suitcases. His oldest daughter carried the baby, and his wife held one of the suitcases. As Miguel showed me his bullet scars and described his situation, he broke downâŠand so did I.
Our group visited a shelter where I met Esma and Gabi, who told of their journey north after their husbands had been killed. The âshelterâ was a semi-open roofed structure with a few walls and was similar in square footage to my house. Instead of furniture, it was filled with 48 tents and 117 women and children.
We visited another group seeking shelter, in this case living in a âtent cityâ located in a park. Dozens of tents housed deported US Military veterans, many of whom had completed combat tours. They fought with the US military with the promise of citizenship. Many returned with the effects of war only to be deported. It was shocking to me. I spoke with a man named Roberto who had been deported several months prior. He had no place to go. He came to the United States when he was seven and had lived there for twenty years before being separated from his wife and their four children, all of them US citizens. He could not quite finish telling his story before he began to sob.
After we prayed for Roberto, I looked to the North. Just over the wall was San Diego, a city shining by the sea complete with sailboats in the harbor. The image was a stark contrast to the makeshift shelters and crowded plaza. In less than a day, what I had known to be conceptually true became utterly concrete: we are in the midst of a full-blown, humanitarian, refugee crisis. There were internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing violence. There were refugees who had been forced to cross international borders as well as those seeking asylum in a safe country. Thousands of people in limbo who had lost loved ones along the way, who could not return home without facing death.
The US government is not allowing them to go through legal asylum channels. Individuals like Miguel and Roberto have little hope. This refugee crisis is not happening across oceans or in other continents. Many have made long, perilous journeys. And now, they wait. They can see where they want to go. San Diego, that beautiful, American city is within sight. So close, but so untouchable.
At the national level, World Relief continues to affirm its call for bipartisan immigrant reforms. In a recent press release, World Reliefâs VP of Policy and Advocacy, Jenny Yang said, âThe U.S. can be both secure and compassionateâŠIt is entirely right that our government invest in smart border security, restricting anyone who would harm our country while also keeping the U.S. open to those who qualify under our laws to enter including those with a credible fear of persecution.â
At the local level, World Relief Sacramentoâs Immigration Legal Services team continues to serve clients on their path to citizenship. Join us as we support our immigrant neighbors and learn more about volunteer opportunities with our Immigration Legal Services.
Forging Resilience through Trauma
As an early employment specialist with World Relief, I get an in-depth look at the resilience found in refugees who arrive in America. I am privileged to see the human spirit overcome and persist in the face of overwhelming odds. While my work is intended to equip our partners as they establish financial stability, it also targets the insidious activity of injustice that has been sown in the lives of so many people.
Khalid* is one of these brave people, willing to give us a glimpse inside his story.
Khalidâs Story
As we begin, Khalid sets his drink down on the table in front of him and looks me in the eyes, âI donât ask for anything, I just need protection. We need safety; that is all. This is my story.â
Khalid was born, and lived for many years, in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. When he speaks about his home, his face lights up. Throughout our conversation, he continually reminds me, âthe day there is peace, I will go back.â His love for his home pulses through him, despite how deeply the conflict of Sudan has wounded him.
When he was in his early twenties, the violence in Sudan became too much for Khalid to bear. He fled, finding safety in Egypt for a few years, but even there it did not last long. As the influx of outsiders stirred up resentment from the Egyptian government, Khalid found himself fleeing again; this time with his two boys, wife and two month old daughter. Quickly, he gathered his family and the few items that they could carry and journeyed toward the border.
Arriving at the border, things quickly descended into chaos. They had been spotted by local security forces. Shifting in his chair, Khalid recounts how people with him were struck by gunfire and killed that night. One man got hit through the throat, another through the knees. Khalid said he stopped to carry one of the wounded but could not get far.
Eventually Khalid made it across the border with his two month old daughter safely in his arms, but his wife and boys were overtaken and arrested by security. Khalid stayed and worked to pay for his familyâs release while also working on his application as a refugee for resettlement in the U.S. In 2017, he received approval to come the U.S. with his youngest daughter. Meanwhile, his wife and two sons were released and sent back to Sudan.
Throughout the next few years, Khalidâs family lived on the run. Unable to return to their home in  Sudan and still fleeing violence in Sudan, they started toward a large refugee camp in Kenya. Thankfully, they have now found safety and are waiting to be reunited with Khalid. Khalidâs deepest desire is to find a way for them to join him in America. It has been over ten years since he has seen them.
Forging Resilience
Khalid is a survivor. He has pushed back against the odds and grasped hold of opportunities. After faithfully attending our job readiness class, he was hired for a third shift job at a plastics molding company. Through culture shock and fatigue, he persevered. Under the weight of trauma, he forged greater resilience.
When a person is forced to flee their home to find safety, there is a series of shifts, internally and externally, in their identity. Not only is their lengthy journey to safety marked with physical and psychological trauma, it is punctuated by a sense of hopelessness that can lead them to doubt their own efficacy. Those experiencing forced migration have been through tremendous challenges.
Thatâs why, at World Relief, we seek to lighten the load of these vulnerable refugees, immigrants and asylum-seekers as they get back on their feet. In each of our programs we seek to help individuals uproot self-doubt, restore an awareness to their own strength and help address the many needs of those who have undergone this trauma. We are not the hero in this story of resilience, but what we do provide is an opportunity for them to harness their own strength to succeed. And we have an incredible front row seat to witness their journey.
Rebuilding Lives
Upon arrival in America, our âclientsâ enroll in English Language classes (ESL) and employment services. This training takes place in community-based classes, which promote English acquisition, teach about U.S. workplace culture, and foster a community of survivors. These classes offer a support system for those overcoming trauma by intentionally establishing routine and community. In this environment, friendships form between people from some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world. These friendships are crucial because it makes adjustment to a new home more manageable. It provides solidarity as resilient people band together, learning a foreign language and understanding the many nuances of a new culture.
With friendship and community many find they have the support and confidence they need to continue pursuing independence and secure employment. We firmly believe  employment has the power to restore dignity and fulfillment in the heart of individuals as well as provide a sense of purpose in everyday life.
Not only do we aim to create a strong foundation for those we work with, but we also seek to provide wrap around assistance such as: arranging appropriate housing for refugee arrivals, enrolling children in school (often for the first time,) providing trauma counseling, and coordinating access to medical care.
Our goal is to help overcome the effects of violence, poverty and injustice lingering in the lives of individuals we serve through love in action. We refuse to believe injustice will always have a powerful grip on individualsâ lives and we are compelled to fight tirelessly to ensure that all people can experience the  fullness of life God intended for them.
*Khalidâs name has been changed to ensure his privacy.
Dan Peterson currently works as an Early Employment Specialist for World Relief Dupage/Aurora. He has been in this role since January 2016. Before working for World Relief, Dan graduated from Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies in Tasmania, Australia, where he received a B.A. of Cross-Cultural Studies.
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