Strangers among us

It was hard not to think of the USA television show “In Plain Sight” when the preacher talked about refugees last week at Compassion Coalition. “They have one unique attribute – somebody wants them dead.”

The refugees who spoke were protected from photographs and the use of full names. A woman with three sons said, “Now I feel safe.”

A young man on crutches said Bill (we’ll get to him later) is his grandpa.

Present were Marilyn Bresnan, executive director of Bridge Refugee Services Inc. and Woods Nash, Bridge’s sponsorship developer. Both were seeking religious groups and individuals to sponsor and support the refugees relocated here by the federal government every year.

These individuals and families are not terrorists; they are not bums. They are legal residents of the United States who were victims of religious, political or ethnic persecution in their countries of origin.

They have broken ties with their homeland and want to become contributing American citizens. Many already speak English; others are learning as quickly as possible.

A sponsorship depends on what a group can do. Bridge suggests $500 to $2,000 to help a family until they are self-sufficient, usually two to six months.

Bridge also seeks employment opportunities, volunteers for tutoring and socialization, medical support, and even household items ranging from furniture to pots and pans. Anyone who can help should call 540-1311.

Marilyn Bresnan laid out ground rules: Protect their confidentiality; do not proselytize.

“Every refugee who comes has their faith. Don’t invade their privacy; don’t ask them to tell you their story. They are poor; we want to preserve their dignity.”

While social service agencies are stressed and even closing during tough economic times, the need to help refugees is great. Bridge settled 370 families this year and currently has 13 families in Knox County without a sponsor. “The hardest (client) is a single guy,” said Bresnan.

And that brings us to Bill. He shielded his last name to safeguard his new friend, Naseem.

“I was not prepared to do what I’m doing,” said Bill. The retired construction worker drives up from Chattanooga every week to coach Naseem, since his arrival here in March. “Our relationship has become an honest friendship,” said Bill.

Naseem responded: “Bill is my friend; Bill is my grandpa.”

Bill arrives on Monday, spends the night in Naseem’s apartment, coaches him in English and drives back home on Tuesday. Sometimes they dine at a favorite spot – Captain D’s.

“I am overwhelmed with the strength of these people,” said the preacher. “They are determined to plant roots in America.”

A Bridge poster quotes Matthew 25:8: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

And the preacher said, “Some people worry about their safety. Are these refugees terrorists? Are they safe? They ask why we do this.

“But the churches should be on the front lines, because we have been told by Jesus that’s where we will meet Him.”