"I was a stranger" - LDS refugee outreach program

[Jeff Lebowski]

I could not be more proud of how the church has responded to the refugee crisis. Especially in light of the current political climate. Seems significant enough to warrant a thread. Official site:

https://www.lds.org/refugees?lang=en..._IWasAStranger

People are starting to notice:

http://www.upworthy.com/what-this-mo...ll-about-faith

[PaloAltoCougar]

I love this program. We thought it would be good to get the kids and grandkids involved, so shortly after Elder Kearon's talk, we went to the International Rescue Committee (a partner with the Church and whose link appears on the Church's program website) and purchased a few modest gifts (e.g., a year in school, school supplies, four temporary shelters, toys for kids, etc.--honestly, they're amazingly cheap) in the name of each of our grandkids. The IRC sends a card to each grandkid (or to whomever you say the gift is in the name of) telling them about the gift. We alerted our kids to what we were doing and they've already had conversations with our grandchildren about the refugee crisis. It turns out our older grandkids have already become involved, and are looking for ways to do more. I realize that even talking about this is vain and self-serving (LOOK AT ME!!!!), and I apologize, but the experience has been great thus far and I wanted to encourage others to join in if and to the extent they're able.

Note: I wouldn't have done this in lieu of a birthday or Christmas gift for the grandkids, lest I seem too much like George Costanza sending cards to his co-workers notifying them that a donation to the {non-existent) Human Fund had been made in their name.

[Non Sequitur]

I hadn't watched conference in a dozen years but watched this last weekend. I was genuinely moved by Elder Kearon's talk. That's never been my experience.

[Katy Lied]

Unlike PAC, I'd like to actually do something. Because unlike PAC, I am female, so can do something.

[YOhio]

Unlike PAC, I'd like to actually do something. Because unlike PAC, I am female, so can do something.

But like PAC you have to let everyone know about how great you are. :rollseyes:

[smokymountainrain]

I love this program. We thought it would be good to get the kids and grandkids involved, so shortly after Elder Kearon's talk, we went to the International Rescue Committee (a partner with the Church and whose link appears on the Church's program website) and purchased a few modest gifts (e.g., a year in school, school supplies, four temporary shelters, toys for kids, etc.--honestly, they're amazingly cheap) in the name of each of our grandkids. The IRC sends a card to each grandkid (or to whomever you say the gift is in the name of) telling them about the gift. We alerted our kids to what we were doing and they've already had conversations with our grandchildren about the refugee crisis. It turns out our older grandkids have already become involved, and are looking for ways to do more. I realize that even talking about this is vain and self-serving (LOOK AT ME!!!!), and I apologize, but the experience has been great thus far and I wanted to encourage others to join in if and to the extent they're able.

Note: I wouldn't have done this in lieu of a birthday or Christmas gift for the grandkids, lest I seem too much like George Costanza sending cards to his co-workers notifying them that a donation to the {non-existent) Human Fund had been made in their name.

My mom said that the Monday morning following conference, there were flyers left on all the doors in the neighborhood by an 11 year old boy in the ward saying he was collecting baby/toddler clothes for refugees. We need more talks like that in GC.

[CJF]

A good blog on Huffington by a member.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seth-a...b_9610100.html

[myboynoah]

I bought lemonade from kids in the neighborhood who said they were collecting money for charity.

BOOYAH!!!!

EDIT: I was wearing my BYU cap, so I was representing.

ANOTHER EDIT: The lemonade was very, very tart and quite refreshing.