(As this article was being finalized, news came to us that the U.S. is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, accusing the African nation’s government of “taking advantage of the United States.” People from South Sudan had been granted temporary protected status by the U.S. because of insecurity at home. That status expires on May 3. We will provide further updates as we learn more about this situation.)

First Arabic Presbyterian Church (FAPC) is our presbytery’s newest, youngest, and fastest-growing congregation. Many of its members – Sudanese refugees and immigrants who left their homes to escape the horrors of war – have endured untold obstacles to make their way to safety. Here in this country, they have faced many challenges in adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, a new culture and a foreign language.

Our presbytery’s Sudanese Support Team – along with several other churches in our presbytery – have been walking along side this young congregation, providing assistance and support. However, when we reflect on this partnership, we realize that WE, too, are the ones who benefit.

We enjoy friendships with people we might not have otherwise had a change to meet. We are inspired by their strength, their endurance and their faith, which has carried them forward through unspeakable challenges. We have come to realize that there is much we can learn from First Arabic Presbyterian Church:

• FAPC is a growing congregation – we can learn how to grow our churches.
• We can learn about inclusive fellowship, which is very strong at FAPC. In addition to worship, the congregation gathers regularly for meals, holiday celebrations, special events, etc.
• We can learn how to offer extraordinary welcome, which FAPC does so very well. Among those who are drawn to FAPC are several Arabic-speaking folks from the Muslim community, because they feel comfortable, knowing they are welcome. If you attend FAPC worship services, you, too, will experience their warm and genuine hospitality.
• We can learn about the plight of refugees in this country, which can bring deeper understanding to the current climate of polarization and division.

We celebrate this beautiful, growing congregation, and we ask for your continued support and prayers for their well-being.

Sincerely,
The Sudanese Support Team