By Rev. Ferdie Llenado
Starting mid-May, Fairwood Community United Methodist Church has been housing 30 asylee guests overnight in our church building. So far, it’s been life-giving, challenging, and inspiring, with many lessons learned and a good number of blessings. I want to share a few and highlight three.
(1) Creative Partnership
El Dios Viviente UMC, Renton UMC, and Fairwood Community UMC created a mission partnership to provide overnight and day shelters for asylum seekers. El Dios Viviente UMC offers evening supervisors, transportation, and meal preparations. Fairwood Community UMC provides funding, overnight shelter space, and a project manager. Renton UMC has opened their doors to provide day shelter, shower, and
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in their building. It is only through the coalition of United Methodist congregations, pastors, and others working together that this mission has become efficient and productive.
(2) Activated Faith
Because we responded to a crisis, we did not have an extensive action plan diving in three months ago. We decided to learn as we go. But as we advanced, we gradually formed agreements, created guidelines, and shared resources. We partnered with other organizations to assist in their asylum applications and work permits. Friends from our neighborhood have volunteered to conduct ESL classes and recreational events.
The asylees themselves are building a communal living environment. They clean up every morning after each overnight stay. They cook their meals and serve each other. They attend our worship service and seek opportunities to partner with our congregation in maintenance projects and grounds upkeep.
(3) Making a Difference
Because of our limited building capacity, we can only host 30 guests. But for each guest we accommodate, the mission is making a difference. This school year, we helped to enroll 14 asylee children in three different schools. Through the generosity of our church members, good nutritious meals are being served daily. Through the collaboration of three churches, we are able to provide safe shelters and transportation each evening and during the daytime.
This is not about us. This is about the asylee families and the opportunity they deserve to restart their lives here in the U.S. It is a joy to see that the services we provide are making a big difference in their lives.
It is important to lift up the deep dedication of our volunteers, especially Armando Espinoza and Cathy Russell (FCUMC) and Marina Ortiz and Adriana Figuera (EDVUMC). I also want to give a big shout out to my fellow clergy, Pastor Gerardo Guzman, Pastor Michelle Campton-Stehr, and Pastor Caleb Encinas.
In closing, here are two “what if” questions. I know all congregations have limited resources, but what if you can work with two or three United Methodist churches around you? Or what if you can donate to congregations already doing an asylee mission? Because you never know what a (1) creative partnership and (2) active faith can do to (3) make a difference in the lives of others.
Rev. Ferdie Llenado serves as pastor to Fairwood Community United Methodist Church in Renton Washington.
