ADOPT A REFUGEE OR STUDENT
Refugees:
Each year the US brings in many thousands of refugee families that come from war-torn countries or desperate life-or-death situations. These are typically peace-loving people whose lives are threatened by violence and bloodshed in their homeland. Once they make it to the US they are given meager means to live for three months and then they are basically on their own. With the global economy the way it is right now most of these refugees are unable to find jobs and have no means to buy food or pay for a place to live. There are many agencies that are equipped to help these refugees, but their workforce and funding is very limited. They are always looking for American families who want to help and build a friendship with people from another country. This is a particularly good way for Christian families to follow the teachings of Jesus and show love to a Muslim family. This experience will allow you to build a wonderful relationship with people from a different background than you. Here are some agencies who may be able to help you get plugged in so that you can adopt a refugee family.
International Rescue Committee
www.theirc.org/
International Students:
Countless international students come from countries all over the world to earn their degrees at American universities.
95% of those students never set foot in an American home!
This is a disgrace, and because hospitality is such a high ideal in the Muslim world it feels like a very cold welcome to the US. Adopting an international student from a Muslim country is a great way to show some American hospitality and to open the doors of fresh dialogue with some of the best and brightest from other countries. Contact your local university and see how you can get involved today.