Showing Up and Loving Well

Showing Up and Loving Well

I started serving with Refugee Resources in late 2025. I was looking for community service hours I needed to complete for school and felt called by the Lord to give my time to serving refugee kids. I was eager to find an organization that aligned with my values and that also helped kids. Most importantly, I learned how the staff at Refugee Resources taught the kids who Jesus was and what life with Him looks like. I prayed for a place like this to volunteer my time and services, and I was led to Refugee Resources by my friend Cohen. He had started serving a year before me and told me how amazing the kids and fellowship were. From the moment I went to my first week at Refugee Resources, I saw a glimpse of the amazing ministry taking place, and I knew this was where the Lord had called me.

My second week at Refugee Resources was the week before Christmas break, when I finally got to meet Leah*. From the moment I met her, she was very welcoming, curious, and sweet. She got to open gifts from her previous mentor, and watching the joy on her face was one of the sweetest moments. I am blessed by her love, joy, and eagerness to learn about the Lord. She inspires me to show up and serve selflessly.

My first couple of weeks with Leah were spent still getting to know each other and building a relationship. Seeing how much she has grown in such a short amount of time has been so encouraging. She went from not speaking much during Bible study to now asking questions and even praying us out at the end! She has been so brave with praying, and it is such a big step in her faith! She used to be very nervous to pray and was scared to mess up, but she has shown so much growth by stepping out in faith and eagerly praying for us week after week! Leah truly has a heart for the Lord, and I have been so encouraged by her this year! She is constantly seeking to know more about the Lord and understand Him more!

One of my favorite moments with Leah was the week of Valentine’s Day. I brought her a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a handwritten card. She was so thankful and so happy that I would think of her. I was not expecting anything from her, but she pulled a piece of notebook paper and a bracelet she had made for me out of her pocket. This little gift meant so much to me because it showed that she had taken time to make me a special gift and write me a note. This is just one of many stories that show how thoughtful, selfless, and kind Leah is!

Through Refugee Resources, the Lord has shown me that one of the greatest ways to serve is simply showing up for others and loving them well. The Lord led me to realize I didn't need to be perfect; I just needed to be someone Leah could trust to talk to and feel safe with. I have also learned about joy no matter what the circumstance is, through listening to Leah’s weekly stories. No matter what happened that week at school or at home, she consistently shows up with a big smile on her face,  ready to read God’s Word and memorize Scripture. I am blessed by this mission, these servants of Christ, and these refugee kids.

Written by: Eve West
Edited by: Julianne Elson

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.