Afghan Refugees: What You Can Do
by Mary Amendolia Gardner
In recent weeks, as we have read the news from Afghanistan, our hearts are troubled. As our military mission there has ended, so many Afghan refugees are arriving here – and the DC/Maryland/Virginia area is a major focus for their immediate resettlement.
In short, we have a missional opportunity to show the love of Christ to these Afghan families, our new neighbors, welcoming the stranger (Matt. 25:39) and showing true hospitality to those in need. We have an unprecedented opportunity to work in unity with area churches to meet these needs.
The needs are great. The U.S. government and resettlement agencies typically only cover 90 days of expenses for incoming families. Imagine you have just fled your country, perhaps without your family or with small children in tow, with only the clothes on your back. If your family has been fortunate to join you, they may not speak English, even if you do. You need to find work to support your family and a place to live. The high cost of living in Northern Virginia makes this even more challenging.
What can you do?
First, you can – and should – pray, both for Afghan refugees and for those who remain there, including Afghan Christians. A good starter prayer list is here: https://oneheartdc.org/afghans/
Second, learn. Learn about Afghanistan, its culture, and the needs of refugees. This radio program from “Good News for the City” highlights how churches can help.
Next, you can give. You can give of your time to help resettlement agencies, or your church may want to give a financial gift. Collecting gift cards for grocery or big-box stores is a good idea. Giving gift cards gives people a sense of agency and choice, which is especially important for people who have experienced complex trauma. Volunteering to teach ESOL is a very practical way to help and a wonderful opportunity to meet our new neighbors. You can give financially to a variety of organizations directly helping here: https://oneheartdc.org/afghans/ (under Donate).
Finally you can help your church become involved. Several DOMA churches are already considering partnering in this great and urgent need. Some have already collected gift cards; others are considering adopting a refugee family or offering rent assistance. Pray and discuss how your church can become involved. Even the smallest effort helps. But this is not the work of a moment; it is a medium-to long-term commitment, particularly for churches that will partner with families and help them adjust to their new lives here.
Even in this moment of pain, as we lament the many tragedies in Afghanistan, we still have hope and can seize this opportunity to love our neighbors. Our God, who does not let a sparrow fall to the ground without His knowing (Matt. 10:29) sees all these needs and wants His people to help. Please join us in prayer and consider ways you and your church might partner with our new Afghan neighbors.
The Rev. Mary A. Gardner is the Director of WITH Afghans - OneHeartDC