The Ministry of Hospitality
As Disciples Women study the conditions of women in the country of Colombia this year, the Aspen Hill congregation continues its tradition of hospitality by resettling Colombian refugees! In 1985, Aspen Hill (Md.) Christian Church built an addition that included a new apartment for people in crisis. The Christ Center was intended to be a space for short-term emergency housing (3 days to two weeks) for people in crisis with no place to go. God has enabled the Christ Center in more ways than could be imagined. Although the original vision and design was for short-term crisis housing, church members discovered another possible use. Christ Center became a place for refugee families to get established in America. Church members felt so blessed to live in this great country that they wanted others to enjoy the same opportunities. For more than a year they housed a political refugee from an African nation. This man was an accomplished journalist and his stay in the Christ Center helped establish him here. Later a refugee family from Bosnia was approved to come to America and the church provided housing and full support for one year to help them get established. They came speaking not one word of English and were totally dependent. Today, they are totally independent, living in their own home, working at wonderful jobs raising their young son and looking forward to a new baby. This family is a great success story in coming to this land of opportunity and becoming full citizens. The congregation shares their pride of accomplishment. Currently, Johanna and Ivan, a young couple escaping terrorism in Colombia, are living in the Christ Center. The congregation is once again pleased to share in another journey toward independence. Operating a small business in one of Colombia's larger cities, they were threatened by terrorists demanding money. The young couple stood up to the terrorists, refusing to pay them anything, despite repeated threats. After months of harassment, extortion, and surviving a kidnapping attempt, the couple was forced to flee to a neighboring country, where they were still not safe. Finally they applied for placement in another country as refugees. Since their arrival, the couple has thrived in the United States. They have found jobs, are learning English and are enjoying many of the simple pleasures that most Americans take for granted. They look forward to the day when they can move into their own apartment, finish their education, have children, perhaps open a business of their own, and one day soon become citizens of this country. The love of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed through the wonderful ministry of the Christ Center. People from all walks of life and with all kinds of emergencies and crises in their lives have found a place of refuge and security. God has opened many doors of ministry for Aspen Hill Christian Church during the last 20 years of the Christ Center ministry. Jim Nuttle is a member of Aspen Hill Christian Church in Aspen Hill, Md. |
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