BC Churches get involved with New Immigrants
How your church can too!
May 2011
Ministering to migrant workers
Migrant workers are employed in agriculture across Canada, and many are from Central America; some come from the Caribbean islands, and some are from as far away as the Philippines. In BC, most come from Hispanic countries. They speak little or no English.
• ESL is a big part of the ministry to the migrant workers in BC. This opens the door to many English-speaking volunteers from our churches.
• Churches host activities in their facilities. They provide a place to hang out on Friday night, meals and sports programs such as soccer (a big draw for Hispanics).
• Meals are provided regularly as an added draw at the big sporting events. Volunteer groups in the church shop, cook the meals and serve.
• Spanish-speaking people in our churches are involved in practical ways. Counseling, trips to the doctor, interpreting English letters from government agencies, discipleship, etc. are huge needs. Some of our Hispanic Churches serve in this area.
• Spiritual food is provided through the Hispanic volunteers, and in our area we have a full-time Hispanic leader that coordinates the ministry. The focus is on evangelism with the view of the worker returning to his homeland with the gospel. This has proven very fruitful.
Currently we are working in four areas of BC. Between 100 and 200 migrant workers attend the functions each month.
Ministering to Refugees
We have been given an awesome opportunity to respond to many cultures from around the world that arrive in BC as refugees.
1. Churches can organize teams to assist new refugees adjust to their new home. A simple call to the refugee centre of your province will give you a window of opportunity. In Vancouver most refugees are processed through a refugee services centre for placement. They welcome help.
2. Churches can get involved with assisting an existing refugee house with simple things such as rice cookers, blankets, house hold items, etc. on a regular basis. These set up the new refugee for independent living.
3. Churches can be involved in ESL with individual families. Most come with limited capacity in English.
4. Churches can open their facilities, free of charge, to small Christian groups amongst the refugees who want to reach out to their own. Teams of volunteers from the church can gather household items and work through this small Christian group to help new arrivals in practical ways.
5. Churches can set up a separate society to serve refugees. Faith Baptist in Vancouver has done this with marked success.
6. You need a champion to make this happen in your church.
Currently we work with three language groups of Burmese refugees and Nepalese-speaking refugees from Bhutan.
Dan Chapman is the coordinator of Ethnic Ministries for Fellowship Pacific.