So many life experiences wrapped into 365 days. It seems strange to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve with an expectation that perplexing situations will change. As a not-for-profit that stays aware of complex issues, we gathered glimmers of goodness that shine bright among the mundane and tragic.
Regardless of global horrors, national disputes, community struggles and distressing sadness, God never lets us live without hope - deep and abiding. He shows up in unlikely places to unfold his grace laced with mercy. He understands what we need to help others receive what they need. Together, we are filled with Him.
Rejoice with AtL as we share this update of the Lord’s passion for justice and dignity among the least…
In east Africa, AtL’s Kenyan coordinator, Carolyne Auma, completed classes at Amani Christian Counseling in Kisumu, Kenya. Her training equipped her to start effective Bible studies that focus on vulnerable women. She offers a safe place for healing, learning self-worth and service from a Christ-like perspective. The fruit from this ministry is abundant and sweet.
Carolyne also received a donation of books, Your Story for His Glory, authored by our long-time-kindred-spirit, Nancy Mackensen. These books will be used with the discipleship classes for women who read English.
AtL’s discipleship/income-generating course has found its way to Uganda. Our dear friend, Casey Crow, who interned with us while we lived in Kenya, invited Carolyne to join her in meeting Mahaba Children’s Foundation. This family-based, registered outreach seeks to transform the lives of children surviving in the slums of Kampala. They worked on sustainable projects providing skills training in a Christian environment.
Locally, AtL continues to reach out to the vulnerable immigrant population who are in the USA legally seeking humanitarian relief due to severe persecution in their countries of origin. This law of refuge enables us to come alongside those who need assistance with legal paperwork, housing, work, and resources without depending on tax dollars and social programs. We create friendships with families that were forced to leave their homes and relatives behind – a tragedy that many of us can’t imagine.
AtL’s Accredited Representative with the Department of Justice volunteered services with more than 100 clients in less than 12 months. Our Field Directors made a 4-day journey to the borderlands in El Paso, TX to connect with two faith-based organizations and discover places our ministries could intersect.
AtL shelters Pagosa Refuge Team. The Refuge Team currently hosts a beautiful, energetic and motivated family from west Africa who have an upcoming Merits Hearing for their eligible asylum petition. We enjoy fun, meaningful fellowship together. Pagosa Refuge also facilitated an Asylum Narrative Training for our local community. Acquiring the facts about asylum and how USA actually processes those approaching our border is crucial to discerning soundbites; opinions without knowledge risks our Christ-like compassionate responses.
Ethical adoption is always on AtL’s radar, and with our 2Nations project, we’ve been able to assist 3 families with fair-trade fundraising for their adoption processes. Our family in Washington DC welcomed home their child, and another family just hosted an extremely profitable fair-trade sale, providing them with means to move forward with their adoption plans. AtL’s 2Nations project combines our Sasa program with our adoption networking to bring a win-win solution!
And so, these highlights illuminate our view of the coming year - 2024. Regardless of ongoing struggles, we continue abiding in God’s throne room and move as the Spirit leads. We believe Jesus stands as the Lord over all. We submit to His voice, asking for your continued encouragement and prayers.
Ever hopeful,
Among the Least