The ELPC Immigration and Integration Ministry Team, under leadership of Eric Jester, has helped to resettle: a mom and son from Sudan; a grandma, daughter, and granddaughter from Iraq; and two families of six—both from Syria. Kids range in age from 6–17, and most of the parents are in their 40s. The families moved into apartments in Brentwood, Carnegie, and Crafton Heights.
ELPC showed up with a half-dozen volunteers each time we were called to serve—some directly to the site, others behind the scenes. We built and moved furniture, made beds, cleaned and stocked kitchens, loaded and unloaded boxes, and much more. Our volunteers traded smiles, muddled through translations, and made everyone feel welcome on their first day in their own home.
The younger kids followed all of us with that bemused fascination kids get when something new or exciting is happening. Their parents…God bless their parents. They looked bewildered and overwhelmed. On our way out the door, without fail, a parent would grab Eric’s hand and almost wouldn’t let go. The families offered a glass of juice, a can of pop, or anything else they could rummage out of their unpacked boxes. A forced, frightened journey—thousands of miles and years in the making—finally ended with a warm welcome and lots of love.
For for more information on how to donate or volunteer, contact Eric Jester at Eric@new-burgh.com.