Refuge Begins With Welcome
Refuge Begins With Welcome
How RPC is Supporting Refugee Families
Written by Martha Powell, RPC member and ministry champion.
What does taking refuge mean to you? For me it's quiet—all about the quiet. And most likely outside absorbing the sights and sounds of nature. When you take refuge, what image comes to mind? Perhaps safety, quiet, choices, rest, or restoration?
Learning about Roswell Presbyterian's newest Mission Partner—Friends of Refugees in Clarkston, Georgia—has been an enlightening experience. Roswell Presbyterian Church (RPC) sponsored its first Refugee family in 1980. A family of eight from Laotia arrived on February 10, 1981. The next family arrived from Cambodia after escaping to Thailand in 1983. Since then, RPC has provided refuge to many families, from Ukraine, Pakistan, Cambodia, Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and more. Roswell Presbyterian Church has offered refuge to those seeking safety, quiet, restoration, nourishment, opportunity; just like you and me.
A refugee is a defined legal category for individuals coming into the US. They have been invited. They are screened, interviewed, sponsored and legally reside in the United States. This can take many years, and they often live in camps while navigating that process. There are many requirements for work towards a self-supporting life including paying back expenses within a designated time frame.
While the US has significantly paused the refugee program we stand poised to offer refuge to our global neighbors when opportunities become available.
Friends of Refugees is a faith-based nonprofit in Clarkston that works alongside refugees and other new Americans as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Friends of Refugees' mission is focused on helping refugees achieve long-term stability and flourishing through education, employment support, wellness programs, and community relationships.
Clarkston is often called one of the most diverse communities in America because many refugee families from countries around the world have resettled there. Friends of Refugees has been serving the community since the mid-1990s and has developed a wide range of programs to help families transition successfully to life in the U.S.
Please read more about our newest partner on their website here.
WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW, AND HOW YOU CAN HELP!
RPC Vacation Bible School supports one of our mission partners through the annual Penny Challenge. This year, we are excited to partner with Friends of Refugees, and all Penny Challenge donations going to aid their programming and ministry.
One of the greatest ongoing needs is support for refugee mothers and young children. To help meet this need, RPC is hosting a church-wide diaper drive to provide essential items for refugee families with infants and toddlers.
Donations of diapers (especially sizes 1–6), wipes, and baby care items can make a meaningful difference for families adjusting to life in a new country while facing significant financial challenges.
Please drop off donations of diapers and wipes by Wednesday, June 17 in the collection bucket outside the church office.
Thank you in advance for supporting our new mission partner, Friends of Refugees! If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact our ministry champion, Martha Powell, mwpowell57@gmail.com or Donna Brodsky donna@roswellpres.org.
At Roswell Presbyterian Church, we believe that living out our faith means serving others with compassion, generosity, and commitment. Through "Mission In Action," we share stories of how God's love is made visible in the world—across the street and around the globe. Whether feeding the hungry, sheltering the unhoused, educating the next generation, or responding to crisis, we partner with local and international ministries to bring hope and healing. This blog celebrates the hands and hearts of RPC members and friends who put their faith into action, bearing witness to the transformative power of service in Christ's name.