O P E R A T I O N B A N Y A M U L E N G E
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In March, we introduced Jacques and his family to the congregation.. We shared some pictures, told a bit about his story, and invited everyone to keep him in prayer. Jacques, his wife Milka Chantal, and their three children, are a refugee family living in Kenya. They are members of the Banyamulenge tribe, which is the same group from which our Congolese partner congregation comes from, although they are not members of that congregation.
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Jacques and his family came as refugees to Kenya from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015. We became connected with the family in 2022 via friends visiting to the area and then through Facebook. He was excited to find a congregation in the States with a connection and heart for his people and has been in touch with us via Facebook on a weekly basis ever since, including often attending our livestream services.
Jacques’ circumstances are unique in that, while living in Kenya, he became blamed for the death of another young man who went back to fight in the DR Congo and was killed while there. The family and friends of that young man have sought revenge against Jacques and have threatened to kill him if given the chance. He’s been attacked numerous times. When he first reached out to us, it was for help in reuniting with his own family because he had been relocated by the local UN office for his safety. After vetting his story through our partners with IPCE, we were able to provide that assistance. Since then, Jacques has had to relocate at least once more for safety purposes, and now remains in hiding in his home day and night so that he won’t be seen. His wife is put in the difficult position of providing for the family, and they are anxiously awaiting resettlement by the UN High Commission for Refugees to the United States or elsewhere. A process that can take years to be selected and that comes with few guarantees.
Early in 2024, we became aware of a new program called the Welcome Corps, where private groups and organizations here in the United States can apply to sponsor a refugee through the State Department. The program involves making a commitment to help the sponsored refugees for at least their first 90 days in the United States. In return, the government provides the security screening process, as well as all the travel costs and arrangements to bring them here. Cross Roads Church has a team committed to helping them - we are "Operation Banyamulenge."
Upon arrival, refugees are granted legal status, employment authorization, and access to benefits, but these things take time to initiate. Through careful research and planning, we estimate that we will need at least $20,000 to support this family. Possibly more. We have officially applied to sponsor the family and the screening process has begun by the government.
Refugees come to the country with only a suitcase of belongings, no experience navigating our country’s system, and in many cases, past trauma that can make adjusting to a new life difficult. In all reality, we know that such a commitment to Jacques and his family will go well beyond the first 90 days. At the same time, the scripture commands us to love the foreigner and refugee among us “for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” (Deut. 10:19). Jacques has been at our digital doorstep for a while now, considers us to be his spiritual home, and has asked for help. We feel the time is now to respond to God’s calling.
No one person or team can be expected to do it all. We are asking each of you to be praying for protection for Jacques and his family as we thank God for how technology brought us together across the globe. We’re also asking for you to please consider financially helping support this effort through the purchase of a cookbook or by attending a BBQ & Show Fundraiser. You can also make a tax deductible through our online giving portal (see below).
As the scripture says, we are each “foreigners and temporary residents on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13), each of us making our way as pilgrims on our journey of faith. Let’s continue to walk by faith as we follow Christ into the land and the future he will show us.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Brian
Jacques’ circumstances are unique in that, while living in Kenya, he became blamed for the death of another young man who went back to fight in the DR Congo and was killed while there. The family and friends of that young man have sought revenge against Jacques and have threatened to kill him if given the chance. He’s been attacked numerous times. When he first reached out to us, it was for help in reuniting with his own family because he had been relocated by the local UN office for his safety. After vetting his story through our partners with IPCE, we were able to provide that assistance. Since then, Jacques has had to relocate at least once more for safety purposes, and now remains in hiding in his home day and night so that he won’t be seen. His wife is put in the difficult position of providing for the family, and they are anxiously awaiting resettlement by the UN High Commission for Refugees to the United States or elsewhere. A process that can take years to be selected and that comes with few guarantees.
Early in 2024, we became aware of a new program called the Welcome Corps, where private groups and organizations here in the United States can apply to sponsor a refugee through the State Department. The program involves making a commitment to help the sponsored refugees for at least their first 90 days in the United States. In return, the government provides the security screening process, as well as all the travel costs and arrangements to bring them here. Cross Roads Church has a team committed to helping them - we are "Operation Banyamulenge."
Upon arrival, refugees are granted legal status, employment authorization, and access to benefits, but these things take time to initiate. Through careful research and planning, we estimate that we will need at least $20,000 to support this family. Possibly more. We have officially applied to sponsor the family and the screening process has begun by the government.
Refugees come to the country with only a suitcase of belongings, no experience navigating our country’s system, and in many cases, past trauma that can make adjusting to a new life difficult. In all reality, we know that such a commitment to Jacques and his family will go well beyond the first 90 days. At the same time, the scripture commands us to love the foreigner and refugee among us “for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” (Deut. 10:19). Jacques has been at our digital doorstep for a while now, considers us to be his spiritual home, and has asked for help. We feel the time is now to respond to God’s calling.
No one person or team can be expected to do it all. We are asking each of you to be praying for protection for Jacques and his family as we thank God for how technology brought us together across the globe. We’re also asking for you to please consider financially helping support this effort through the purchase of a cookbook or by attending a BBQ & Show Fundraiser. You can also make a tax deductible through our online giving portal (see below).
As the scripture says, we are each “foreigners and temporary residents on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13), each of us making our way as pilgrims on our journey of faith. Let’s continue to walk by faith as we follow Christ into the land and the future he will show us.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Brian
A Taste at the cross roads: recipes from a beloved communityA collection of recipes from the members, friends and campus partners that make up the Cross Roads Community.
Presales for cookbooks are currently being taken through EasyTithe using the link below. Choose "Operation Banyamulenge" in the dropdown menu and the sub-fund of "Cookbook." Each cookbook is $25 |
BBQ & Show FundraiserEnjoy a full BBQ dinner and variety show to support Operation Banyamulenge. Saturday, September 14th, 5pm at Cross Roads Church. Tickets are $5. Preorder your ticket now through Easy Tithe using the link below. Choose "Operation Banyamulenge" in the dropdown menu and the sub-fund of "BBQ & Show Fundraiser Dinner." Each ticket is $5. |
Make a financial giftYou can make a tax-deductible gift to Operation Banyamulenge using Easy Tithe with the link below and then choose "Operation Banyamulenge" in the drop down menu.
Thank you! |