Afghan Resettlement Program
Afghan Resettlement Program
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
– Jesus, quoted in Matthew 25:35
A few months ago (August 2021), Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Tens of thousands of Afghans—men, women, and children—fled for their lives, becoming refugees, leaving their homes and all they had known behind. The images of those days, framed by panic, loss, courage, and hope are etched in our memory.
Since then, thousands of these Afghan families have been carefully vetted and cared for on military bases across the United States.
A few months ago (August 2021), Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Tens of thousands of Afghans—men, women, and children—fled for their lives, becoming refugees, leaving their homes and all they had known behind. The images of those days, framed by panic, loss, courage, and hope are etched in our memory.
Since then, thousands of these Afghan families have been carefully vetted and cared for on military bases across the United States.
Today, we can help them settle into a new home.
Your church is invited to “bring the Kingdom to life on earth as it is in heaven” by living out God’s heart for caring for the foreigners in our land and ultimately extending a welcome that reflects the love of Jesus.
The Outcomes
Afghan families being loved and supported by Church of God congregations and thriving in newfound communities, clothed with Jesus’ love.
Congregations experiencing a re-awakened love for the refugee and the immigrant, and practicing this love with concrete action.
3 Ways to Help
1. Pray
So many stakeholders. So many ways to pray. Click the button below for a list of specific ways you can be praying for Afghan refugee families and those working to care for them.
2. Sponsor
Join a cohort of Church of God congregations who are saying “yes” to forming a team to sponsor an Afghan family in their community.
How It Works
Sponsoring a refugee family is a significant commitment for a church body, and it is also an incredible opportunity.
In partnership with Christian refugee resettlement agencies, this program will involve creating small teams within a church who together work with an Afghan family to help them find their own housing, secure transportation, connect children to educational and social networks, learn a new language and culture, and share Christ’s love through friendship.
Church of God Ministries invites you to learn more and would love to walk alongside you each step of the way!
3. Support
You can provide financial support to churches who are sponsoring an Afghan family. Click the link below to give online, and be sure to put “Afghan Relief” in the comment box.
1. Pray
So many stakeholders. So many ways to pray.
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- BIG PICTURE Pray that God would prepare a way for each unique Afghan family currently on a U.S. military base to make their new home in a loving community.
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- RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES Pray for wisdom for organizations and volunteers working hard to resource and connect Afghans with communities all across the country.
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- CGM Pray for the staff at Church of God Ministries as we think creatively about how to best walk alongside churches participating in this program.
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- CHURCH LEADERS Pray that church leaders will have discernment and peace as they decide if their church will sponsor an Afghan family.
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- CHURCH MEMBERS Pray that the Holy Spirit would prepare the hearts and lives of church members to work together in unity and joy as they welcome an Afghan family.
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- AFGHAN REFUGEES Pray for healing in the heart, mind, and spirit of each refugee who has experienced significant trauma and loss.
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- AFGHAN REFUGEES Pray that the hearts and minds of each Afghan would be open to receiving Jesus’ love for them and that they would come to know in new ways.
- BIG PICTURE Pray that God would prepare a way for each unique Afghan family currently on a U.S. military base to make their new home in a loving community.
- RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES Pray for wisdom for organizations and volunteers working hard to resource and connect Afghans with communities all across the country.
- CGM Pray for the staff at Church of God Ministries as we think creatively about how to best walk alongside churches participating in this program.
- CHURCH LEADERS Pray that church leaders will have discernment and peace as they decide if their church will sponsor an Afghan family.
- CHURCH MEMBERS Pray that the Holy Spirit would prepare the hearts and lives of church members to work together in unity and joy as they welcome an Afghan family.
- AFGHAN REFUGEES Pray for healing in the heart, mind, and spirit of each refugee who has experienced significant trauma and loss.
- AFGHAN REFUGEES Pray that the hearts and minds of each Afghan would be open to receiving Jesus’ love for them and that they would come to know in new ways.
2. Learn
Learn about and sponsor an Afghan family as a church body.
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- Join a cohort of Church of God congregations who are saying “yes” to forming a team to sponsor a family in their community (in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse).
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- Is God inviting your church to participate in welcoming an Afghan family as they make their home amongst us?
-
- Sponsoring a refugee family is a significant commitment for a church body, and it is also an incredible opportunity.
-
- This program will involve creating small teams within a church who together work with an Afghan family to help them find their own housing, secure transportation, connect children to educational and social networks, learn a new language and culture, and share Christ’s love through friendship.
-
- Church of God Ministries invites you to learn more and would love to walk alongside you each step of the way!
- Join a cohort of Church of God congregations who are saying “yes” to forming a team to sponsor a family in their community (in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse).
- Is God inviting your church to participate in welcoming an Afghan family as they make their home amongst us?
- Sponsoring a refugee family is a significant commitment for a church body, and it is also an incredible opportunity.
- This program will involve creating small teams within a church who together work with an Afghan family to help them find their own housing, secure transportation, connect children to educational and social networks, learn a new language and culture, and share Christ’s love through friendship.
- Church of God Ministries invites you to learn more and would love to walk alongside you each step of the way!
3. Support
Financially support churches who are sponsoring an Afghan family.
If giving by check, please include “Afghan Relief” in the memo line.
If giving online, please include “Afghan Relief” in the comment box.
FAQs
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SPONSOR AN AFGHAN FAMILY?
Sponsorship is a unique ministry opportunity to show the love of Christ in practical ways to an Afghan family. Sponsors must commit to welcoming and walking alongside these new neighbors for a minimum of 90 days during a time of major transition in their lives. The church sponsor must create a plan to actively support the integration of the family into the local community. This plan should include:
- Securing safe and affordable housing.
- Providing basic necessities, including furniture, hygiene items, and household items.
- Providing income support for the first 90 days.
- Connecting the family to legal assistance for immigration purposes.
- Supporting the family in accessing government benefits such as food and medical assistance.
- Providing cultural and community orientation
- Providing English language support.
- Helping to enroll the children in school.
- Providing job search advice and support.
IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?
The U.S. Government will provide a one-time cash payment of $2,275 per person to be used to help an Afghan family settle into their new community.
ARE THESE AFGHAN FAMILIES LEGALLY IN THE UNITED STATES?
Yes. The families are currently residing at military bases within the United States where they have been screened and have begun receiving basic services.
DO THEY SPEAK ENGLISH?
Each family is unique. In some instances, one or more members of the family may speak some English. However, it is important to be prepared to welcome a family that does not speak English. You will need to identify local resources in your community to assist with communicating with the family in a way they will understand.
CAN MY CHURCH SPONSOR MULTIPLE FAMILIES?
Yes! Your church can sponsor multiple families. A benefit of this is that Afghan families will not only have the support of your church, but also of fellow Afghans who are experiencing the same transition.
ARE AFGHAN REFUGEES ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES?
Yes! Prior to leaving the military bases, Afghan newcomers will be assisted in applying for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which authorizes them to work in the United States. As a sponsor, you can support them in finding a job.
