( *Please note that I & R stands for “immigrants and refugees.)

What can I do to help Refuge of Nations?

As a usual starting point, we would love to introduce you to our I & R* neighbors by taking you along on home visits.  You could also come to our Wednesday night community group where you can interact with I & R adults or volunteer to invest in the lives of I & R children.  However, there are many other ways of helping out such as participating in ESL classes, providing daycare, or reading stories to children.  If you have your own unique ideas about how to help, simply contact one of our staff.
We would also love for you to partner with us through prayer and regular financial giving.  Our ability to continue reaching out to I & R’s in St. Louis depends upon the generous gifts and prayer support of others.

Will I be working in a safe neighborhood?

It is very understandable to have safety concerns when you’re in an unfamiliar neighborhood.  Indeed, St. Louis has a wide variety of neighborhoods—some dangerous, others tranquil, and others truly beautiful.  With a view to your safety, we always work in pairs so that you are never alone.  We will also ensure that you will be in neighborhoods only during daylight hours.  If you take other sensible safety precautions (not walking alone, locking your car doors, etc.), there are no more reasons to feel more unsafe in the neighborhoods of our city than elsewhere.  

Can I bring my children along?

Many of the people whom we visit have children of their own and some even operate daycares out of their homes.  If you simply ask ahead of time whether you can bring your children along, you’re most likely to be met with an emphatic yes!  Many I & R’s love to meet not only us but our families as well since getting to know our families is a great way to get to know us.

Does everyone speak English?

While not every I & R speaks fluent English, most speak enough to converse and there is usually someone in every home (a child or a fellow volunteer) who can interpret.  If you feel anxious about communication, you’re in the same place as I & R’s who likely struggle daily with English.  So even if you are with someone who has difficulties with English, remember that you are helping them improve their English for daily life.  As time goes on, their English will improve and so will your friendship. 

What do I do when I meet an immigrant or refugee?

When you meet an I or R, introduce yourself and ask their name.  Ask general questions—“what” questions instead of “why” questions in order to avoid potentially sensitive aspects of topics like family, country of origin, and cultural customs.  (See below about inappropriate/appropriate questions).  Strike a balance between asking and waiting since modes of sharing in a conversation vary inter-culturally.  Expect silence, too, and don’t be too afraid of this. If you concentrate on sharing simple stories of your own and look for common human experiences, before you know it, a friendship will have begun.

What questions are inappropriate/appropriate to ask?

These lists are by no means exhaustive but can serve as a general guide.  Take some time to think about why the inappropriate questions could possibly impede communication and why the appropriate questions can better avoid communication pitfalls.

 Will this experience be awkward?

It is normal to experience awkwardness whenever you communicate inter-culturally.  Realize, however, that awkwardness is not an impassible barrier.  You can also expect the pleasant experience of learning not only about someone from a different part of the world but about yourself and your own culture as well.  Simply press through the occasional gaps and walls in communication and you may be surprised at how comfortable you begin to feel.

What can I do to help?

When interacting with I & R’s, you may begin to perceive intense emotional, economic, social, and spiritual needs.  While encountering these needs will certainly bring out your compassion, you may also be overcome with feelings of helplessness.  It is key to embrace this tension between compassion and helplessness.  As you begin to see that your ability to help cannot possibly match the needs, you will be driven to pray for the needs of your I & R friends.  If you would then like to offer specific help (going on regular visits, donating items, etc.), please first ask a staff member to help you explore ways to do this.   

I am nervous about feeling overwhelmed if I get involved.  What should I do?

Stepping out of your comfort zone to converse with folks from a different culture and with limited English skills can be quite challenging.  There is also the potential heartache of conversing with someone who has undergone a great deal of suffering.  In addition, you might be concerned about being taken advantage of or about what will be expected of you if you begin to build a relationship with someone in our community.

All of these concerns are understandable.  That’s why we want to assure you that you will not be in this ministry alone but will have the resources and counsel of Refuge of Nations staff to come alongside and guide you.  So, in the midst of your nervousness about getting in over your head, we want to help free you up to find your interactions truly rewarding.  You will encounter a worldwide diversity of people whose perspectives and insights will help you learn about yourself and your own culture.  You might also begin to see yourself transformed and your understanding of God, the church, and life in general expanded.  It is with a view to these goals that you can face your fears and experience the honor of walking alongside I & R’s.