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"Each one reach one" is the motto at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kitchener and to Pastor Roland Syens and his wife Anita that means, among other things, building relationships, getting more involved and stepping outside of the church and into the world.
In 2007, their RIDE team raised $4,500 and about $2,000 was returned to them as a result of the RIDE Partner Grant Program.
This money was channeled through the Canadian Lutheran World Relief Organization to a refugee family from Iran now living in Pakistan.
Anita, who is an avid biker, organized their RIDE team and the refugee family was found by Shelley Smilek a member of their sister church, Messiah Lutheran Church in Waterloo.
"As Christians we have a mandate to care for those in need," Shelley said. "Coming from Iran this family was under Shiria law and were persecuted. I'd like to think that if that happened to me that someone would help me."
Hassan*, the father of this Muslim family, spoke out against the Islamic government and was arrested, persecuted and tortured. He became very discouraged in his Muslim faith and while in jail he became a Christian. Now he was really in trouble and needed to leave Iran.
"This man was willing to face death for his Christian faith! We need more Christians like that in this country," Shelley said.
When Hassan was released from prison, the family travelled to Pakistan. As a foreigner in Pakistan, Hassan has faced even more troubles. A man who was stalking his daughter and other girls was found murdered. Hassan, who had threatened the stalker to stay away, was arrested. After a long inquiry Hassan was acquitted but now the stalker's family is seeking revenge.
As a result of fleeing persecution, refugees are often forced to enter more than one foreign country where they must cope with new, temporary languages and cultures. As a result, a family's problems become compounded and the downward spiral can be devastating.
Shelley estimates that this Iranian family will need to raise $35,000 to $40,000 in their first year in Canada to repay the Canadian government for the flights and to cover other costs. There will be no social assistance for this family in Canada.
"Jesus came to reach out to the underprivileged," Pastor Roland said. "We can help by finding finances for families who need it. Here we have to have garage sales to get rid of all the junk we collect when other people don't even have enough money to buy food. The love of Christ compels us to get involved."
*name has been changed for his protection
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