Sponsorship Update - Summer 2010
Thank you to all those who worked so hard over the past four and a half years as The Church of St Andrew and St Paul prepared to welcome a young Burundian refugee and, following his arrival, to make as smooth as possible his transition to a new life in Canada. It has been a fulfilling mission for our Outreach program and for the greater good of our community, work done in Jesus' name.
Our official sponsorship ended on June 17th, the anniversary of his arrival at Dorval. Such a great deal that he has accomplished in these 12 months - completing courses in preparation for CEGEP, a new job at an urban summer camp for youth, baptism into our church, and making countless new friends! Many things were made easier for our first refugee through our sharing of time, talent and treasure in the church community.
In the months to come, the Mission and Outreach Committee will focus on three key areas of community work, one of which will be about refugees. To that end, what started unofficially as the Sponsorship Committee has evolved into an official subcommittee of Mission and Outreach, known as the Refugee Committee. It is our fervent hope that the momentum and experiences gained as we worked to bring one refugee to Canada will continue and we pray for the ongoing involvement of the Church community in this important mission.
The Refugee Committee will work closely with Glynis Williams and Action Réfugiés Montréal , an advocacy organization that works with refugees who are seeking justice and safety in the greater Montreal region. Action Réfugiés is partially funded by the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Whether we undertake a new sponsorship, set up a twinning relationship with newly-arrived refugees, or find other areas in which the Outreach Committee can help will be part of our discussions this fall.
The Mission and Outreach Committee met with Rev. Jeff Veenstra as part of his introduction to the various church activities prior to his preaching for the Call in June. This was a wonderful opportunity to begin the sharing process, the teamwork, with our new minister. Having served on the Search Committee, I can attest to Rev. Veenstra's very encouraging and enlightened position on Mission and Outreach. We can look forward to his leadership and St Andrew and St Paul's strengthened presence in our local, national and international communities.
Brian Merrett
Chairman, Refugee Committee
PLEASE NOTE
a) The information on this page is not intended for refugee applicants
b) Refugees must be registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
c) Presbyterian World Service and Development (PWS&D) is only able to respond to enquiries from congregations of The Presbyterian Church in Canada
