“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself..”
Leviticus 19:33-34, NIV
It is clear from scripture that God wants us to welcome those from other countries and treat them with love and respect. This is powerful way to show God’s love to others and a great way to involve our kids in ministry! Children are welcoming by nature, and by building relationships with families of different backgrounds we can teach our children to be kind to everyone and share the love of Jesus with those who need support and friendship.
Houston Ministries
International Friendship Program is a program sponsored by the University of Houston that connects families with international students. This connection allows the students opportunities to be exposed to more of the American culture by connecting with families who invite them into their homes and take them to local events on a monthly basis. This is a great way for children to learn about people of other cultures, and often a wonderful friendship is formed with the student that continues long after the program.
Houston Welcomes Refugees is a beautiful organization that welcomes refugees with compassion, hope, and honor, as they resettle and start a new life in America. Great ways to to serve with children include making welcome kits for newcomers, being a part of the move-in team to get an apartment ready for a new family, and joining the welcome team. The welcome team pairs you with refugee(s) and you commit to help them acclimate to our country. Visit their website for more details.
Revival Sport is an organization that welcomes refugees through sports ministry and other various programs. They currently have programs in 22 cities across the country and train leaders to make a difference in their community. Ways to get involved include becoming a mentor to a refugee family, teaching English classes, and coaching at a soccer discipleship site. For more information please visit their website. To learn more about the family the started the program, click here.
National Ministries
World Relief is a national organization whose heart is to help internationals acclimate to our country. The organization has been around for 70 years and is located in twenty cities around our country, each with unique volunteer opportunities that are often child-friendly. Check out their website to see if they have a branch near you.
Revival Sport is an organization that welcomes refugees through sports ministry and other various programs. They currently have programs in 22 cities across the country and train leaders to make a difference in their community. Ways to get involved include becoming a mentor to a refugee family, teaching English classes, and coaching at a soccer discipleship site. For more information please visit their website. To learn more about the family the started the program, click here.