A NEW HOME, A NEW COUNTRY

by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)

Lord of Life is no stranger to partnering with Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota. For instance, Word for Women participants faithfully worked for many years on garage sales at the LSS Center for Changing Lives in south Minneapolis. Some of you may recall decades ago when Lord of Life supported a Ukrainian family who made their home at the “Fish House,” on former church property at Fish Lake Road / County Road 10. We are a country of immigrants, unless your ancestors were Indigenous / Native American. With refugees from Afghanistan arriving in Minnesota, several families will be sponsored by Lord of Life. Immigrants arrive with only the bare necessities; generally the state department provides some financial assistance for 90 days. After that point, newcomers really are on their own to live independent lives without a vehicle, without appropriate outdoor garments, without household items such as cleaning supplies or furnishings. Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry and other active Lord of Lifers will be an integral part of the Afghan families’ assimilation into the community. You are encouraged to join in with others to support these families. You can learn what is needed by visiting lordoflife.org/afghan and especially to learn about “A Circle of Welcome” through LSS. Above all, please keep these families in your prayers for a smooth transition to a new home and a new country.