In Scripture, God often reminded his people that they were once foreigners in a strange land when he commanded them to care for the sojourners among them. Though he had set aside Israel as a chosen people, God never wanted them to think their national identity made them better than anyone else. All of humankind is made in God’s image and is entitled to dignity and care.
Jesus confirmed this for us when he told the parable of the Good Samaritan. According to Jesus, the Jew and the Samaritan were neighbors and should love and care for one another. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and especially when they are living among us.
Someone who fled from the country of their nationality who is unable to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, or politics.
Someone who left the country of their nationality in order to establish a permanent life here – often out of a desire to seek better economic opportunities, freedom, and safety.
Someone who left the country of their nationality to visit our nation temporarily – such as tourists, exchange students, or people conducting business.
All of our mercy ministry is accomplished primarily through our Missional Communities. Our vision is to live as the family of God, together proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel of grace to one another and our city. Sometimes an MC will serve together at an event or helping refugees directly. Other times, someone within an MC will open their home to a sojourner, and the missional community will come alongside them.
Nearby Clarkston, GA is one of the most diverse cities in all of the United States due to the thriving community of international refugees who live there. There are many challenges that face refugee families trying to assimilate into American culture, and Friends of Refugees is a beautiful ministry coming alongside of them with practical support and the gospel message. Our Missional Communities serve together at events throughout the year, and by supporting the individuals and families who have gone through the screening process to get more deeply involved.
If you are interested in getting involved with Friends of Refugees, complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Path Project is a ministry that seeks to empower children growing up in mobile home communities to graduate from high school and find God’s path for their future. They do this by establishing a community center in the heart of a mobile home park and then tutoring children and providing community activities. Our Missional Communities serve as volunteers at the Pine Valley Trailer Park in Lawrenceville.
If you are interested in serving at Pine Valley Trailer Park, complete the form at the bottom of this page.