The story below one Austin Stone mom, Christie Neville, exemplifies how anybody can be involved in serving the nations right here in Austin! For more information on how to serve refugees in Austin, see our blog series and then let us know you are interested in serving!
I had to share this story with you about our missional community group and families living on mission. It is really sweet.
Today, our group hosted a mother's day celebration for the mothers/women at one of the refugee complexes here in Austin. We wanted to bless and honor them - especially given that these women are not well regarded in their own countries.
We brought over cakes and drinks and roses for each of the women and put together 26 beautiful food baskets. Our missional community group donated all the food (fresh fruits/vegetables/beans /rice) and supplies. On Saturday, we had the kids put the baskets together at the park, it was a huge family affair. On Sunday, we had the kids and families deliver the baskets as well as host the mother's day celebration. They not only served the refugees cake and drinks but really connected with them. It is Amazing how much can be communicated with few words!! (the refugees spoke little
English)
We also hosted some of the Nepalese women at our weekly prayer time and luncheon. We had 3 Hindu and 3 Christian refugees join us on Friday in Westlake! We had the privilege of praying for them (and then taking them to the mall of which they had never seen one).
Different cultures, different religions, different ways of dressing and very little common language. Most of our Westlake folks and kiddos had never been exposed to anything like this before, nor had the refugees. It was a great opportunity for our kids and our families to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a desperate people group who live within 20 miles of us. It made a huge impact on our families as well as the refugees. We hope to continue these relationships through other future events.
You can view more photo highlights from this week's activities HERE!
The cultural divide from Westlake to Nepal was wide.. but the Cross made us all equal.
