Reh Nga's story
Reh Nga arrived in chilly Minnesota at the beginning of December with his family of 5. They are Karenni refugees who fled war-torn Burma to a refugee camp in Thailand. Minnesota's frigid winters are a shock to our newest neighbors who have never experienced snow and cold. Most refugees arrive with only the clothes on their backs.
YOU can help Reh Nga's family by donating gift cards from Target, Walmart, or Cub Foods. For more information, call 651-293-1261 or email seam-stpaul@hotmail.com.
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS FRIENDSHIP?
The Christmas Friendship Program of Southeast Asian Ministry links congregations, individuals, and businesses with refugee families to provide much needed household supplies, clothing, & gifts.
When a family arrives in the US, life is very difficult. Refugees must acclimate to a new culture, language, and way of life.
SeAM receives referrals of new refugee families in the Saint Paul. Each refugee family works with SeAM’s parish nurses to register their family members. Congregations, clubs, businesses, and individuals sign up on SeAM’s website to sponsor a refugee family for Christmas. In early November, sponsors receive notification of their match, including gift requests, family information, and special circumstances. A home visit is helpful in selecting gifts if shoes, boots, coats or other clothing is requested, but it is not required. Gift certificates are an option as well. Sponsors shop and then deliver gifts to the families in early December.
SeAM’s Christmas Friendship Program provides a tangible way to welcome our new neighbors and share the love of Christ. Both children and adults find meaning in the experience of giving and receiving through SeAM’s Christmas Friendship Program.
WHO BENEFITS?
The Christmas Friendship Program has three goals:
- To provide new immigrant and refugee families with household goods and gifts at Christmas time.
- To offer those interested in refugees and immigrants an opportunity to make a connection with a family
- To demonstrate the spirit of Christmas in a tangible way.
All who participate in SeAM’s Christmas Friendship Program are blessed — both sponsors and recipients.
