CARING AMID CHAOS: Help Afghan Refugees
Each year, many churches put on a Christmas pageant to retell the story of Jesus’ birth. We remember the story of a family who welcomes a baby into temporary living conditions because there is no room for them anywhere else. They later become refugees, fleeing to Egypt for safety. For those who have ever been a part of a Christmas pageant, you know it can be pure chaos as the story of God’s entrance into the world is told. Sets to be constructed, costumes fitted, and coordination to happen. Every extra hand helps, especially with some stage direction to coordinate.
This year, those of us in Wisconsin are welcoming hundreds of families from Afghanistan. As our faith celebrates the story of one refugee family, we recognize there are many other families who need welcome, safety, and warmth in this season.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has been working backstage, piecing some things together behind the scenes. Now, it’s time for you to help! Your gift helps us to synchronize helping hands and surge resources to a myriad of agencies as we welcome these refugee families home.
Your gift helps to fund:
- Coordinating volunteers to assist under-resourced agencies | assessments of interest, orientation, streamlining required paperwork, connecting with agencies
- Education for churches and communities | provide training in cultural competency, Afghan history & culture, Islam, and more to equip welcoming communities
- Direct Assistance | providing coats, other clothing, & household goods in coordination with crisis agencies and resettlement partners.
We’re proud of our history of providing support and coordination in times of crisis. The early days of ecumenical ministry in Wisconsin – more than 75 years ago – had us working across denominational lines to help people displaced by economic crisis and by war. This work is in our organizational DNA. Please be a part of making it happen once more. Click here to donate, or use the form below. ***Bonus: for every $500 donated we’ll post on social media a photo of a WCC staff member or their pet dressed up for the Christmas Pageant.***
