What would you like others to do for you if you were in the situation facing Syrian refugees?
           The cry for help has come loud and clear from Syrian refugees as they flee the turmoil in their home country. The images and articles coming from that part of the world tugs at our heartstrings. Who will help them in this time of hopelessness? While living in a safe country. We have compassion but the true feelings of desperation cannot be known until we are faced with this kind of plight. The majority of Canadians extend helping hands, but there are others who are negative about allowing these refuges into our country. Hate crimes from our own Canadians were portrayed recently. So, of whom should we be afraid – refugees or our own extremists?
           A number of years ago, the church I attend in Medicine Hat, sponsored a refugee family from Croatia for two years. The single mother of two young boys, who were not even teens, lost their father during an uprising in the country. A lot of work went into getting them settled in our community. The whole congregation was supporting the effort with monthly donations. They set up a place for them to live, provided them with furniture and other items to set up their household. Others introduced them to shopping, budgeting, enrolling the boys at school, getting medical attention and learning the English language. During the second year, we supported the mother so that she could get an education. Getting her education was necessary to meet Alberta standards for the profession she had back in her home country. Learning English was necessary for her to do the final test.
           All in all, it was a positive experience for all involved and she maintained close contact with the congregation until she moved away to Northern Alberta to be closer to her sister, who has also immigrated. Several other refugee families have been welcomed in the last few years. Now the local churches and individual sponsors are banding together with the goal of bringing 100 to 169 Syrian refugees to the city.
