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The Brown Family Arrives at Bethel UMC
After living through the horrors of civil war in Liberia-- being caught in the crossfire, running from place to place seeking safety, having her husband imprisoned, seeing people killed in front of her-- Annette Brown requested political asylum in the United States. For more than two years, her husband, Hietha, and their ten children aged 13 to 31 lived in a refugee camp in Danane, Ivory Coast, while Annette worked to bring them to the United States.
Annette Brown (second row, right) is surrounded by members of her family.
In August 1998, Annette became acquainted with Bethel UMC in Woodbridge, Virginia. The Bethel congregation became Annette's church family, providing loving encouragement and support as she struggled to reunite her family. Annette became an active participant in church life, attending worship and Bible study and speaking to the women's group. Repeatedly, Annette was told that her family was coming; then they wouldn't arrive. She talked with them on the phone, and her desperation grew as they told her they were sick and didn't have enough food. She sent them almost all her money, which was all they had to live on.
In December of 1998, the Bethel congregation and Annette leased a house together in preparation for her family's arrival. Once again, the family was delayed. Meanwhile, donations of furniture, housewares, and personal items poured in. Associate pastor Marilyn Spencer said, "Whatever we asked for came. It was amazing." Finally in April, Annette received confirmation that her family was on the way. After the frustrations of the past two years, the congregation was overjoyed. On April 20, part of the congregation went to the airport. Others prepared a homecoming party and waited at the house. When the family arrived, there were squeals of elation, hugs all round, and Pastor Marilyn thought, "Wow, this was worth it. All this frustration and work was worth it." Even more moving than that homecoming night was the following Sunday when the Brown family sang together a capella in church. Their song was one of thanksgiving for God's servants. The entire congregation was in tears.
Will Your Church Welcome a Refugee Family from Africa?The churches have long urged the U.S. to admit more refugees from Africa. Now, they have been heard. Up to 18,000 refugees from Africa will be admitted in 2000. These refugees will need sponsors. Will your church welcome a refugee family from Africa? For information, contact: |
Three of the Brown children are of school age. Two started junior high in May, and a daughter will start high school in the fall. As they await their social security numbers, family members do part-time yard work and carpentry. They have become assimilated into the church and have used their musical gifts to help start a gospel choir for one of the Sunday morning worship services. Marilyn says, "I wish you could see this firsthand. Bethel UMC is primarily a Caucasian congregation with only a handful of African American members. The Browns are missionaries to us. They don't have the pride and competitive nature of Americans; their spiritual gifts are incredible."
Welcoming the stranger has brought new life and joy not only to the Browns but also to Bethel UMC. This refugee family has helped the Bethel congregation grow in faith. To find out how your church can participate in refugee resettlement ministry, contact UMCOR's Refugee Ministries office (212) 870-3806.
With the help of UMCOR and the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program, United Methodist churches throughout the United States have reached out to refugees and touched the lives of thousands of people, making it possible for healing to begin. UMCOR invites local United Methodist congregations to become directly involved with refugees through sponsorship.
