Earlier this year, we met Kennedy and Anna, refugees who originally fled South Sudan and were resettled by another community organization in 2023. As members of a minority ethnic group living in Minnesota, Kennedy and Anna’s family experienced significant isolation, which contributed to their struggle adjusting to life in the U.S.
Although Kennedy worked hard to earn a livable wage for his family, unforeseen hardships ultimately forced them into a homeless shelter. After living as displaced refugees overseas for more than a decade, facing similar turmoil in Minnesota was heartbreaking.
Then came a remarkable encounter: Kennedy and Anna met Khamis, a member of their community and Arrive Ministries’ staff member. He spoke their unique language, understood their culture, and bridged the gap between their past and their new lives.
“Khamis broke the wall of isolation we felt,” Kennedy shared. “When he stepped into our lives, he brought light and many connections.”
When Anna went into labor at the shelter, their family was desperate for help. Kennedy called Khamis, who responded with urgency and compassion, called the paramedics, and even guided Anna through the delivery of her child when they couldn’t get to the hospital in time.
Kennedy, Anna, and their children are a miracle family. Despite all of these trials, they hold tightly to unwavering hope for a life of safety, belonging, contribution, and joy.
Recognizing their need for support, Arrive Ministries stepped in with wraparound care in early 2025, securing them an apartment, furniture, household essentials, and items for their new baby. We were able to offer rental assistance while Kennedy enrolled in our Financial Literacy workshops and Employment Services.
“With these orientations from Arrive Ministries, I learned important things that I can do as a family head to build my future,” Kennedy said.
“At some point, when things were not going well, we felt depression and hopeless,” Kennedy reflected. “After getting connected to Arrive Ministries, we feel hope.”
Kennedy and Anna are now employed at the MSP Airport and a local restaurant. They finally feel able to plan for their family’s future.
Through the support of Arrive Ministries programs, including a Good Neighbor team of volunteers from Faith Community Church, this family no longer lives in isolation. They are surrounded by prayer, encouragement, and friends.
Arrive Ministries assists refugee and immigrant neighbors far beyond their initial arrival as they pursue meaningful careers, grow through education, progress towards citizenship, and find belonging in their new homeland. Together, we as individuals, families, volunteers, and churches are transformed when we journey together. We invite you along.
When you give to Arrive Ministries, you partner with families like Kennedy and Anna’s, moving from isolation and despair to stability, community, and hope.
Will you journey with us by giving a year-end gift? Donate here
