Updates from Gateway of Grace:

Christmas party for refugees is scheduled on the 19^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e49afac2da46-christmas

This is an opportunity to build relationships, share the joy of the Season with refugees and share the story of the good news of Christmas with them. This is a natural occasion to talk about Jesus Christ. We will also have a St. Nicholas who will share that story with refugees. Additionally, we will be giving away Christmas presents to the refugees. Last year, in addition to gifts for all the children, we were able to bless all families with one gift card.

Our Thanksgiving Dinner for the refugees at St. John’s was a huge success. We had great media coverage.

Here are the links:

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20151126-ministry-brings-refugees-their-first-thanksgiving-feast.ece

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/11/26/refugee-thanksgiving-in-dallas/

http://cw33.com/2015/11/26/dallas-church-serves-first-thanksgiving-to-area-refugees/

http://www.fox4news.com/news/54403374-story

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article46480885.html

Dear Brothers and sisters, 
I will be on Good Day Dallas on Fox 4 tomorrow morning at 7:00 to talk about our Thanksgiving for refugees and a bit about Gateway of Grace. I also had an interview with KRLD radio that will be aired the day before Thanksgiving as well as Thanksgiving Day. And, here is the link to the interview with CBN. This is a difficult time. Please do keep Gateway of Grace in your prayers, for protection as well as wisdom.

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2015/November/Former-Refugee-Helps-Teach-Americas-Thanksgiving-Tradition/

Blessings,

Samira+

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

I am sure you have been following the news on the refugee situation in Europe. Today, we were informed that United States will be receiving 10000 Syrian refugees starting October 1. Texas is the largest hub for refugees in the nations. While we can agree or disagree with the decision, as Christians who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we have the unique calling and power to bring the redemptive presence of Christ into this situation. No other religious group has this calling and power.

 

Gateway of Grace is currently serving five refugee families from Syria and a total of 1600 refugees per year. It is the largest refugee ministry in north Texas serving refugees from nine different countries and six different religious backgrounds. 

We have seen transformation of lives by meeting the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of the refugees. I am humbled and grateful by the vision and stewardship of Gateway of Grace and by what God is doing through this ministry, but Gateway of Grace belongs to God and to His Church. I am grateful for the support and partnership of many of our parishes. I will need your continual and increased support in order to respond to the needs of the refugee influx in October.

 

Syrian refugees, unlike the Iraqis who had worked for American soldiers as translators before coming here, do not speak English and that will be a huge problem in adjusting to life in the U.S. and becoming a productive and effective part of the workforce. That is a very real and practical implication.

 

Gateway of Grace has a school that provides different classes including English as a Second Language and cultural literacy for the refugees.

 

Gateway of Grace is in need of:

A part-time van driver to increase the number of trips to and from refugee apartments starting October. We need the financial resources to hire a person,

 

A larger space, preferably somewhere that we could use as a community center to increase our ministry particularly to the youth and children ( the school has 2000 Sq. Ft. of space and we need a space twice larger) ,

 

Volunteers to sit with children at Gateway Day School and to help them with their English,

 

Would you please consider to either join or increase your financial support of Gateway of Grace? I am certain that with your support, we will faithfully and effectively bring healing and restoration into devastated lives.

 

You can mail your checks to: P.O. Box 224582 Dallas, TX 75222 or donate online at www.gatewayofgrace.org. Gateway of Grace is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

 

Blessings,

Samira+