It’s been a very busy last couple of weeks. Early last week, a group of friends from Central Church that gather together each year to enjoy a soup lunch decided to surprise me by letting me know that the Asha’s Refuge organization had been chosen as their non-profit/ministry to assist during the year 2012. When they announced it, I was not really sure what it meant but I could tell it was an honor and I was very grateful to God for how He chose to work through the many ladies I met that day in behalf of my refugee friends. I was caught off guard with the sweetness of the soup friends who had gathered together to thank me for my heart to help others, pray with me, learn more about Asha’s Refuge, deliver an abundance of donations they had collected and just let me know I had their support. Their generosity was overwhelming and it caused me to immediately fall to my knees and praise God.

My coworker and dear friend, Deborah was with me. I think she was quite surprised as well. Deborah and I were truly thankful and we very much appreciated knowing we were being prayed for even when we may not know it. Everyone must know that without my supportive and true friend, Deborah, I and Asha’s Refuge would still be circling around trying to succeed. Deborah helps me make it happen and she is just as devoted to serving and loving refugees as I am!

The Soup Friends worked hard to gather many of the items we had a need for that were listed on our Needs Page on our website. They had one whole room full of donated items they had worked hard to collect. We’ve updated this page now since many of the needs from before we’re fulfilled. Thank you Soup Friends!

Our refugee friends have an ongoing list of needs but I think one of their biggest needs is just people who are willing to walk beside them and encourage them as they resettle in Memphis. Some days it may mean taking them to the doctor while other days it could mean sitting with them and having tea. I pray that God will show us the needs He wants us to help fulfill and design in us a heart to slow down and just be a friend. If I were brand new to a country, a friend I could trust from that country would be something I would really hope to gain. Even though I am not new to America, I am stretching myself into some very different areas doing complicated work and it’s great for me to know I’ve gained some new Asha’s Refuge supporters and friends with the Soup Friends Club. I am appreciative for their prayers and know that I’ve gained some true friends.