The History of Welcoming the Stranger (thus far)The board of Lower Bucks County Center for Church and Community (LBCCCC) saw a need for a ministry of outreach to the many immigrants and refugees moving into the area during the 1990's. There was no money available and no leader for this ministry. In September 1998, I told Al Krass, president of the board of LBCCC, that I was feeling led by God to work in full-time ministry with immigrants and refugees Soon the LBCCC board approved my proposal outlining an educational ministry staffed by workers and volunteers from area churches. I would direct the program and also be in charge of raising money. Planning began in January 1999. The first English class was held in February 1999, at Langhorne Presbyterian Church. In the summer of 1999 the first computer skills classes began in the computer labs of First Baptist Church, Langhorne. Next, at the request of the Lutheran Children and Family Services, WTS began Citizenship Preparation classes in Bensalem. 150 immigrants have become US citizens with the help of this program. During the summer of 2000, in cooperation with VITA of Bucks County, English classes were started at the Philadelphia Park Racetrack for immigrant workers. The vision of an outreach ministry to immigrants and refugees of LBCCCC and WTS has expanded to sites in Warminster, Bristol, Levittown, and Morrisville. Partnerships with VITA, LCFC, the St. Mary's Family Center, the Latino Leadership Alliance, the YWCA, the YMCA, the Morrisville Senior Activity Center, and the Ivins House Ministry in Morrisville continue. As of April, 2008, 1525 students have been touched by this caring community of churches, organizations, and individuals and welcomed to life in the U.S. and offered skills that have made their transitions to this new life smoother. The volunteers, over 200, also are enriched by the insights they have gained from working with diverse groups of adult immigrants and refugees. Another vital link in this ministry is financial support: from individuals, churches, and civic groups, who share the vision of Welcoming the Stranger and have concern for the stranger in a strange land. The love of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed through the vehicle of education for life in the USA. Thanks be to God! Sturgis Poorman, Director |