I Was A Stranger

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Giving Goes Both Ways

Mar 1, 2017

I began volunteering in refugee camps near Frankfurt, Germany, when my daughter’s school gymnasium was converted into an emergency shelter in October 2015. Among the many refugees who have been examples to me is a good friend of mine from northern Iraq.

Chilean members and Haitian immigrants gather in San Bernardo, Chile, for a devotional presented in Haitian Creole.

LDS Chileans Befriend and Serve New Haitian Neighbors

Feb 13, 2017

Over the past few years, a wave of Haitian immigrants has arrived in the greater Santiago area. More than 40,000 Haitians have reportedly settled around the Chilean capital city. While technically not classified as refugees, most of the Haitian immigrants trying to make a life in Chile are facing challenges familiar to refugees.

Two girls welcome a refugee couple at a Christmas party.

Idaho Youth Throw Refugees Their First American Christmas Party

Feb 8, 2017

For the Christmas season, our ward decided to serve the refugees in our community through a two-part project. The first part was carried out by families in our ward, and the second part was largely the responsibility of the youth.

Text that reads "5 Ways Women Are Helping Refugees" over the image of a path.

5 Ways Women Are Helping Refugees

Feb 1, 2017

Many women have responded to the call to support refugees in their communities. Here are five ways that sisters are reaching out.

A quote from Linda Reeves about being a friend.

Ways to Give Back: Be a Friend

Dec 12, 2016

Find the courage to be a friend at all times. Just as the Savior is our friend, we should be friends to those around us.

A quote that reads, "We have been blessed by this friendship and by the opportunity to serve those from another country and culture."

Giving Time and Service

Nov 3, 2016

When I contacted Refugee Focus, I discovered that there was more to becoming involved than just wanting to help. I had to apply for a volunteer position—much like applying for a paying job. This seemed a bit overwhelming, but I remembered the strong promptings I had felt that we needed to help those in our own city.

Two refugee girls with pinewood derby cars and trophies.

Pinewood Derby for Refugees

Oct 25, 2016

I had the idea to hold a pinewood derby event with refugees, but I was pretty nervous to present it. I used to work at a school with a large number of refugee children, so I called the school to see if they felt this idea was even feasible. When they expressed their support, I decided that I would make this event happen.

A quote that reads, "A little bit of kindness and understand can go a long way and doesn't cost us anything."

A Little Kindness

Sep 27, 2016

I made a new friend today. Her name is Yasmine, and she is Muslim. In the past, I had seen her at our local pool, and I had once asked where she had found her daughter’s cute, modest swimsuit.

A girl helping a little boy to swim.

Helping Close to Home

Sep 26, 2016

My name is Avery, and I’m 10 years old. This past summer, I met a family named the Willards. They live in Utah, but they came to our city in Texas for a summer internship.

A quote that reads "What a lot of people need is a friend, a good experience, and a connection with people."

We Need One Another

Sep 13, 2016

Once a week, my little boy and I would meet with Anna, a girl from the Congo, and spend time together—sometimes at a local park and sometimes at my apartment complex’s swimming pool, which she loved. Being with Anna was immensely beneficial for my son and me.

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