On September 27, the local Chin Burmese community took time to commemorate a holiday known as the "Chin New Year." Much in the spirit of our American Thanksgiving, this is a time when the Chin people gather to celebrate the blessings of the past year, and join in anticipation of a new year to come. For many years the Chin people have been unable to celebrate this important holiday, because of a fear of being discovered by the Malaysian authorities. It is estimated that over 80,000 Chin people have fled Burma to seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and India.
At Lutheran Refugee Services, the end of September also marks a similar milestone. As our program year has drawn to a close, we look back with gratitude for the many churches and volunteers who have partnered with us to "Welcome the Stranger" into our central Pennsylvania communities. With your help, we have provided resettlement, employment, and immigration services to nearly 300 refugees from around the world in the last year. In addition to the Chin Burmese, we have welcomed Iraqis, Karen Burmese, Liberians, Cubans, Ethiopians, and minority groups from the former Soviet Union.
Looking ahead to the coming months, we urgently need your help. The Emergency Housing Fund, which provides assistance with rent, household furnishings, and other expenses for families that do not have a church sponsor, has been completely depleted. This fund provides critical assistance for refugees from the time of arrival until they are able to secure employment. As refugees are often very eager to begin working and provide for their family, we typically provide this initial support for 3 to 5 months.
Many of us cannot imagine the experience of being uprooted from our homeland and seeking refuge in a strange new country. We invite you or your congregation to consider a gift of hope and security for a family who has made that long difficult journey. All donations to the Emergency Housing Fund are tax-deductible, and 100% will go directly to the immediate needs of a refugee family. You are welcome to send any contributions, or requests for more information, to the address below.
On behalf of those we serve, we are grateful for your generous support of this ministry. If you have questions or would like more information about ways to get involved, please contact Nan Garber at nang@lcfsinpa.org or Eric Kennel at erick@lcfsinpa.org . Or you are always welcome to give a ring at 717-397-4757. We would love to hear from you!
