By Rev. Dr. Jeanne Anderson
It was mid-July when I met with the grandmother of almost 3-year-old Emmanuel who had just passed away. Emmanuel’s uncle John interpreted. Since January, John’s parents had asked Fredericksburg Baptist Church to pray for Emmanuel and his family, which we did and still do. Emmanuel had a heart condition and had developed serious breathing issues that kept him from traveling from Tanzania for further treatment. From the time he was a week old, his parents juggled his health issues and meeting the needs of their five other children, all while living in the Nduta Camp.
Emmanuel’s grandparents came as resettled refugees to Fredericksburg with their unmarried, minor children 18 years ago. They and several other arriving Burundians became members of Fredericksburg Baptist Church. Through Conversational English classes, our volunteers met them, welcomed them and established relationships with them and their extended families that continue to this day.
As advocates for the life God intends for all people, Fredericksburg Baptist Church listens and responds spiritually and tangibly. We listen and pray. We discern what is beneficial and then do what we can to redeem and restore the flourishing life that God desires for all of creation. Fredericksburg Baptist Church wired funds to help the family of seven get through that first difficult month after Emmanuel’s passing and supported them as they received friends and relatives gathering in their home. Additionally, Emmanuel’s grandmother, Rose, voiced a future concern on the day we spoke with her. Although grateful for at least getting to see and speak with family so far away over the Internet, like any grandparent or parent, she longs to see, comfort and just be with her family in person.
In partnership with LUCHA Ministries Immigration Legal Services (LMILS) at Fredericksburg Baptist Church, Grandmother Rose’s concern will be remembered and addressed. Despite a continuing language barrier, she and her husband are hoping to get their citizenship which will provide more freedom and security to travel back to see family in Tanzania and Burundi. Fainas Veriak, Department of Justice Accredited Representative with LMILS, is ready to explain and guide the way forward for this family and others. Fainas, a resettled Burundian refugee now U.S. citizen and college student, continues the immigration advocacy work of CBF Field Personnel, Greg and Sue Smith. Greg’s legacy of immigrant advocacy work continues, and we are thankful!
Jeanne Anderson is Associate Pastor of Worship and Missions at CBF-affiliated Fredericksburg Baptist Church and the Program Director for LMILS in Fredericksburg, VA. Contact her (Jeanne@fxbgbaptist.org) or Fainas Veriak (fainasveriak@gmail.com) if you’d like to learn about and support this vital community program of LUCHA Ministries or consider how your church could partner with or start a similar legal services advocacy program.