 First
Thanksgiving & Christmas in the United States
Last year partners generously chose Gift #1 - Holiday Groceries and Gift #5 - Warm
Clothes in our Holiday Gift Catalog. Meet four of the impoverished families that benefited from
these gifts! More than 28,000 refugees arrived in the United States during 2003. Among them
were Emanwella, her brother, cousin, aunt and grandmother. The 13-year-old girl and her family
had fled war-ravaged Sudan with hopes for freedom from horrible religious persecution. Seven months
after arriving in Seattle, the hardworking family was informed that Thanksgiving was coming. They
had no idea what to do for this new holiday.
Two years ago Emanwella’s friend Susan, 14, came with her mom and brother from Sudan. Determined
to succeed in the new culture, Emanwella’s mother works full time and attends English classes
while her children go to school. Both Susan and Emanwella’s families had never observed
Thanksgiving. They were delighted when they were invited to come to one of our partner’s
Thanksgiving Dinners last year. It was an eclectic time as volunteers showed people from Sudan,
Liberia, Bosnia and Rwanda the meaning of Thanksgiving's celebration.
This holiday event was one of many that our outreach center in Seattle sponsored! Last year,
center leader Bud Bylsma partnered with 118 ministries to bring holiday joy to 6,394 immigrants,
refugees and impoverished people living in the surrounding area.
Reaching Immigrant Families
Some times the unthinkable happens. Valentina’s husband died in early 2003, leaving her
to care for their six children. The Ukrainian widow went ahead with the couple’s plans and
immigrated to the United States several months later. Work was hard to find and she began experiencing
health problems.
Christmas was coming and this would be the first in their new home and without their father.
Valentina couldn’t afford to buy presents. Our partner World Relief found out about the
family’s need and took Valentina shopping for things the family needed. Her children were
so happy to receive basic clothing and shoes. “Thank you for helping my children. God bless
you,” she said.
Mikhail, Galina and their eight children also appreciated the kindness we and World Relief gave
them in time for Christmas. The Russian family struggles financially as their father battles cancer.
They received presents of new clothes and shoes.
Share the Joy this Holiday Season
Many boys and girls right here in America endure harsh temperatures without warm coats or appropriate
clothing and shoes. Your gift of $25 or more can help to make sure that a child receives these
basic items. Your gift of $25 or more can also provide a family with holiday groceries.
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