Support our Refugee Fund this Advent

Advent is a time for reflecting on peace, hope, joy, and love. We celebrate the birth of Christ and look forward to his second coming – a time when all will be made right and come under Christ’s reign. Advent reminds us that we live in the tension of the now and the not yet. Christ has defeated evil and yet, we only see glimpses of that perfect Kingdom here on earth. We are awaiting the fulfillment of his rule and reign when justice will flow like rivers and all will be well. In the meantime, we are invited to participate in God’s Kingdom building in our world. One way we can do this is by helping those who are displaced from their homes. The number of people who have been displaced from their homes in the last decade is staggering. Tens of millions of people are forced to flee from their homes every year because of war, famine, and other injustices. It’s overwhelming to think about. Yet God calls us to respond. This Advent, we are asking for your help in bringing one family of five to Canada. Solemen and Nesren Risou and their 3 children have been living in Lebanon ever since they were forced to flee Syria in 2013. They are living in very difficult conditions and their children have very little access to education. We are waiting for the government to approve their application and paperwork so they can come to Canada. You can help by praying that their applications will be expedited so they can arrive soon. You can also help by giving to our Syrian Refugee Fund. We need to raise $50,000 more so we can support this family for 12 months once they arrive in Canada.

Ways to give:

1. E-transfer to offering@springgardenchurch.ca – indicate it’s for the Syrian Refugee fund 2. Cheque made out to Spring Garden Church Indicate in the memo line for Syrian Refugee Fund 3. Online at www.springgardenchurch.ca/give (There is an option to give to the Syrian Refugee fund) 4. Purchase original SGC Christmas Cards as all proceeds will go to support the Risou family. Visit www.tiny.cc/SGCcards and fill out the form by Dec. 7 to place an order.

Join us this Advent as we participate in bringing the hope of Christ to a weary world. Help us welcome the Risou family to their new home.

If you would like to know more about supporting the Risou family, please speak to the members of our Refugee Action Group – Phyllis and Jeff McGee, Carrie Wright, Jen Chrystman, Deb Tempelmeyer or Alice Bouwma. (Non SGC members of the group include Tarik Risou, Carol Cunningham and Lois Williams)