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God
teaches us of His love that we might extend love to others. He
opens His arms to us that we might open our arms to others. He
has brought us together as a church that our arms could reach places
that we never dreamed possible. This time, our church arms
extended to the Burmese Gyi family, and for this opportunity we are
grateful and blessed.
The church, together with the Interfaith Refugee Ministry in New Bern, is sponsoring this refugee family. The Gyi family comes from Burma and arrived in Morehead City on September 6, 2006. They are a wonderful family. Lah Say Gyi (Paul) and his wife, Aye May Gyi (Pauline) and their three kids, Lah-May (14) (Christina), Khu Khu Htoo (12) (Sabrina) and Sen Sen Htoo (9) (Martha) are quickly fitting into the Morehead City life. The church has found them a place to live at 104 Fisher Street.
Because the Gyis were persecuted for political and religious beliefs (They are Christians.), they were captured and lived in a refugee camp in Thailand for nine years. Try to visualize living in a 10' X10' plastic enclosure with no modern "conveniences" for nine years. Try to imagine raising three beautiful daughters, now ages 14, 13, and 9, in such an enclosed space. Try to imagine the obstacles they have survived and the challenges they are now meeting as they adjust to American life.
If you
long to know how our church is growing in faith, simply ask anyone on
the Refugee Committee about their amazing experiences with this family
and the wonderful miracles that have occurred right before our
eyes! From the moment we witnessed the faces of beautiful
children the first time they had ever seen a balloon, drunk from a
water fountain, marvelled at a microwave, eaten at a table instead of
squatting on the floor, we have been reminded of our blessings and how
we so casually take them for granted. There are many miraculous
moments to be shared. Because of our church's love,
dedication, and willingness to go out on the limb of faith, "our" new
family members are now living in a home of their own, are learning
English, and are learning life skills, work skills, and American
customs.
They are in need of much, particularly employment. Click here to see a current list of their needs. If you can help either through providing something from the list, or perhaps through a contribution, please contact either of the two co-chairpersons of the Refugee Care Committee, Stan Stanonis (447-3054) or Cynthia Capps (726-7589), or contact the church office.
That the
Gyi family has "been delivered" to us is no accident! They have
been delivered straight from the hands of God. Come and join us
in thanksgiving for this opportunity, and please don't hesitate to
extend your helping hands.
On November 5th the Jacksonville Daily News featured the Gyi Family in a newspaper article. To see that article, click here. On November 17th, the Carteret County News-Times published a front page article. Click here to see that article.
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