Each week FTNRO serves over 600 individuals in one way or another. Some of these folks have lived in the US for years, others have just arrived; some speak English well, others hardly at all; some are children, others are adults between the ages of 19 and 75+. They are from many countries – Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, etc. Each of them is an image bearer of our Holy God and each of them has their own unique story. Most of their stories include hardships of many kinds; persecution, war, living in refugee camps, losing children, and separation from family just to name a few. Because of these experiences we have much to learn from them. It is an honor to get to know and serve these amazing people.
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In our last update we gave you an overview of FTNRO and what our roles are. The more we get involved here and learn about this ministry, the more excited we become.
One couple from Iraq
This couple brings much life to the classroom. They were married in 2002 and have three boys ages 13 down to 9 as well as a 7 year old daughter. They came to the United States September 1, 2017. When asked why they left their country the dad told a long meandering story. He told of how he held a master’s degree and had a good job in Iraq as a corporate trainer. He told of his oldest son being able to go to the market on his own in Iraq, but being frustrated it was not safe for him to do that in Dallas. He told of having to move suddenly because they could no longer afford to stay in their first apartment after the rent was raised 25%. Did he even understood the question? It was as if he was trying to say why they should not have left Iraq. Then, he said they moved to the US for his children’s futures – that they would have a future with opportunity and stability.
What I realized after listening to this story and thinking about it is they probably left a difficult situation that he still isn’t really able to discuss. Then they came to a place he knows will be better. However, because living in the States has also been difficult, they must at times long for the good old days in Baghdad. But, it was obvious he still feels he did the right thing bringing his family here. We hope to learn more of their story as we get to know them better. Trauma is real for most of the refugees we meet, getting the whole story definitely takes time.
This couple brings much life to the classroom. They were married in 2002 and have three boys ages 13 down to 9 as well as a 7 year old daughter. They came to the United States September 1, 2017. When asked why they left their country the dad told a long meandering story. He told of how he held a master’s degree and had a good job in Iraq as a corporate trainer. He told of his oldest son being able to go to the market on his own in Iraq, but being frustrated it was not safe for him to do that in Dallas. He told of having to move suddenly because they could no longer afford to stay in their first apartment after the rent was raised 25%. Did he even understood the question? It was as if he was trying to say why they should not have left Iraq. Then, he said they moved to the US for his children’s futures – that they would have a future with opportunity and stability.
What I realized after listening to this story and thinking about it is they probably left a difficult situation that he still isn’t really able to discuss. Then they came to a place he knows will be better. However, because living in the States has also been difficult, they must at times long for the good old days in Baghdad. But, it was obvious he still feels he did the right thing bringing his family here. We hope to learn more of their story as we get to know them better. Trauma is real for most of the refugees we meet, getting the whole story definitely takes time.
Please pray for this lovely family.
Pray for good friends for this couple and for their children. Pray their children would excel in school. Pray for work that would afford them adequate housing. Pray they would come to know Christ or to know him better if they already do. Then, multiply those prayers by several hundred in order to include all the other folks served at FTNRO. |
As always, we can not thank God enough for you!
We praise him for your love and friendship!
We praise him for your prayers!
We praise him for your financial support which helps us help refugees!
Even though it is God we give the praise to, please know ...
YOU are each appreciated!
Please let us know via email or text message how we can be praying for you!
timandlori@ftnro.org
Tim: (214) 940-3328
Lori: (214) 940-3330
Mailing Address:
Tim and Lori Ford
7414 E Northwest Highwy
Dallas, TX 75231
timandlori@ftnro.org
Tim: (214) 940-3328
Lori: (214) 940-3330
Mailing Address:
Tim and Lori Ford
7414 E Northwest Highwy
Dallas, TX 75231