Refugee Ministry
Welcome to Central's Refugee Ministry!
Greetings from our Refugee Ministry Coordinator
A young couple and their newborn baby—fearing the "ethnic cleansing" happening around them—flee for their lives. Today the flight of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus into Egypt is reenacted by millions of people around the world. Modern-day refugees are being pushed to the margins of life—driven out of their homes and communities by armed conflict, gross violations of human rights, and fear of persecution. They risk desert heat, brave stormy seas, and endure the squalor of refugee camps—hoping for a better future.
Jesus, who had nowhere to lay his head, also calls upon us to make the welcome of strangers Central to our faith:
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you , just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'" (Matthew 25:37-40 NRSV)
Dee Dee Brumfield
Refugee Ministry Coordinator
refugeeministry@centralchristianlex.org
Our Family
Husband: Ahmed I.
Wife: Rand A.
Cousin: Mustafa H.
Mustafa H. arrived at Bluegrass Field close to midnight on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 to a small group of Central members who had gathered to welcome him to Lexington. Mustafa is a 19 year old Iraqi refugee who fled Baghdad last July with his mother, father and younger sister and has lived in a refugee camp in Turkey until now. Mustafa is a very bright young man who was accepted to Baghdad University to study Physics. However, increased bombings at the university and threats of violence toward the family forced them to leave Iraq before he could attend. Mustafa is a courageous, affable, and intelligent young man with a great sense of humor who speaks English very well.
We are hopeful that Mustafa’s cousin, Ahmed, and Ahmed’s wife Rand will be able to join him in Lexington soon.
Would You Help Us?
Items still needed for his apartment: microwave oven, QUEEN size sheets, blanket
Personal items needed: Nice, modern young men’s clothing in small sizes, especially suits or dress clothes that he could wear to interviews.
Also, Mustafa is computer literate and would like to have a computer that has wireless internet capability. He is also in need of a bicycle. If you have a computer or bicycle or know where we could get one, please contact Dee Dee Brumfield at the e-mail address listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions about Refugee Sponsorship
(Source: Kentucky Refugee Ministry)
Q. HOW LONG ARE WE SUPPOSE TO HELP THE FAMILY?
A. A sponsor works with the family for about 90-120 days. Payment of rent and utilities uring this period is a great help because it gives a refugee family a chance to get jobs and to “get on their feet.” At the end of the time period, the family members who are employable should be working.
Q. WHAT DOES THE SPONSOR DO IN THE SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT?
A. The U.S. government requires that certain “core services” be delivered to every refugee who is admitted here. These services include meeting the refugee at the airport, providing safe and decent housing, providing food or a food allowance (food stamps), providing essential furnishings for the home, providing necessary clothing, referring the refugees for a medical exam within the first month of arrival, registering the children in school, and helping the refugees find employment. These services are delivered by a church sponsor for the refugee family.
Q. WHO PAYS FOR THEIR TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES
A. Refugees sign s promissory note overseas that they will repay the cost of their airfare to the United States as they are able through employment.
Q. WHAT IF A FAMILY IS UNCOOPERATIVE AND WILL NOT ACCEPT JOBS OR WORK WITH THE SPONSOR TO HELP THEMSELVES?
A. The sponsor makes a commitment of 90-120 days to help the family. If the refugees will not support themselves, then at the end of the time period the sponsor can withdraw support.
Q. WHAT IS THE SPONSORSHIP LIKELY TO COST?
A. The church usually spends about $2000 for a family of four, which amounts to three months of rent, deposit on an apartment, and utilities. Other items needed by the family, such as clothing and furniture, are usually donated. If your church wishes to help, but the money is a problem, partial sponsorships of volunteer time and donated items are very helpful.
Q. DO THE REFUGEES HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE?
A. Refugees who have children under the age of 18 can qualify for the TANF package of benefits – cash assistance, medical insurance, and food stamps. Refugee families who arrive with no children or children older than 18 are still eligible for food stamps, but the financial and medical assistance is managed through Kentucky Refugee Ministries, through a plan called “Wilson-Fish.”
Q. WHAT DOES THE KENTUCKY REFUGEE MINISTRIES OFFICE PROVIDE?
A. We have a full time Case Manager on our staff who will help in all facets of resettlement and cultural transition. We will also provide interpreters for any language needed. We are here as a resource for any social services needed and to help with any problems.