Volunteers are essential to the ministry of Refugee Hope Partners. Brenda, a volunteer of almost 5 years, graciously shared her experience volunteering with RHP. Read her story below!
“I began volunteering with RHP in the Fall of 2019 after friends told me about the ministry. I didn’t
know what to expect because my knowledge of refugees and their experiences was very limited. Since my career had involved working with high school students, I decided to get involved with The Bridge Program as a Mentor to high school and college students, and also with Homework Help/College Help as a tutor/advisor.
Getting to know students and helping them navigate various things in high school and college is very rewarding; I’ve also enjoyed getting to know some of their families in the process. There are very many, as well as varied, opportunities to be involved with RHP; I have had the opportunity to participate in a few of them, such as the Race to Bridge the Gap 5K, the Summer Reading Program, visiting new refugee families in the Extended Stay Hotel, and providing transportation to Homework Help. “
RHP staff are encouraging and helpful. The RHP book studies have provided me with a better understanding of the experiences and needs of the refugee. I still have a lot to learn; I’m grateful, though, that God is expanding my personal world and increasing my love for other nations and cultures.
Genesis 1:27 states that “God made man in His own image,” and, through my time with RHP, I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this verse. Volunteers desire to be a blessing to refugee families and friends by showing God’s love to them. The blessing also goes back to the volunteer; I am richly blessed by the new friends I’ve made in our refugee community and through the RHP ministry. I hope others will be encouraged to join RHP as a volunteer. “