Annie’s heart for refugees drew from the wellspring of her Christian faith. As she has stepped into cross-cultural relationships over the years, she found that faith only deepened as a result.
“The Lord kept putting refugees in my life and on my heart,” she explains.
Getting to know people on the margins has been life-changing and so influential to my faith.”
Her journey began with volunteering as a homework helper for a Somali family through Arrive Ministries after leaving her teaching career to care for her newborn. “This could be a great way to scratch my teaching itch and learn about a culture I didn’t know much about,” Annie said. That small step sparked a growing passion for supporting immigrant families.
The fall of Kabul in 2021 stirred Annie deeply, leading her to join a Good Neighbor team at her church to help an Afghan refugee family.
They were very isolated, no one spoke much English, and they had a lot of young kids,” Annie recalls.
Being the only team member with daytime availability, she grew close to the family, teaching the mother English while their kids played. Over time, she became like family. “I tell them I’m their crazy, American auntie now,” she said.
Annie’s family has also become friends with a few Afghan men who live down the street. These relationships with refugees have shaped her understanding of the Kingdom of God.
“In the American church, it is easy to shield yourself from struggle. Jesus says he is with those who struggle,” she observed.
I feel like that is really the work of the Kingdom, and it is vital to the health of the American church.”
These cross-cultural friendships have also transformed Annie’s perspective.
“I had to evaluate how my time and my schedule had become an idol and to learn to be more flexible,” she said.
For Annie, it’s not just about giving but growing together in mutual respect and understanding, building relationships that reflect the heart of Kingdom work.
