After welcoming an Afghan family in 2021 and forming a treasured friendship, long-time volunteer Ripley and a team from his church decided to walk alongside another refugee family this fall, meeting them on day one at the airport.
Ripley’s team committed to befriending a Somali family after seeing the impact that volunteers can have in making newly arrived families feel at home in Minnesota
“To come alongside the least of these, those who were forced to flee their homeland, I found that I am drawn nearer to the Lord, and as a result of these relationships, I watch my faith grow,” said Ripley, a volunteer.
as a result of these relationships, I watch my faith grow.”
This month, Arrive Ministries will welcome 15 refugee families at the airport, more than half of whom have no local connections to assist them during this transition.
Our hope is for each refugee family to be welcomed by volunteers from the local church during the crucial early months of making Minnesota their home.
According to Raho, the Somali mother who was welcomed by Ripley’s Good Neighbor team in October, volunteers are essential.
I am really happy and appreciate the Good Neighbors. We love them,” said Raho.
“We have gotten a lot of assistance: they have taken us to the grocery store, shopping for winter boots, and have given us a lot of gifts,” said Raho, while giving a thumbs up.“If you feel God calling you to put action to your faith, there is no better channel than volunteering with refugees,” said Ripley.
Unfortunately, as we start this new year we have dozens of refugee families asking to be added to our waitlist, hoping to form friendships with local volunteers.
Learn more about one-time, short-term, and weekly, long-term volunteering opportunities through Arrive Ministries:
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