By Delores Stimpson, Global Service Corps

The Triangle West Welcome Network welcomes refugees and immigrants and provides temporary housing. It is common to receive families from very warm climates, at a time when our winter seasons are cold. We partner with refugee agencies to find local resources for seasonal clothing. When we cannot, I turn to established resources for children and adults and utilize my relationships within our community who support our Ministry. 

We welcomed a family from Syria a few months ago, and they arrived without warm clothing for adults and five children. I took them to a shop that I knew would help, and a source for clothing. My friends quickly assigned an employee to help us find all the items they needed. Having been there several times before, they were extremely helpful and familiar with our ministry in supporting refugee families. Their inventory is high-end, gently used clothing donated by academic and medical staff from Duke University and other community sources.  
When we finished shopping and moved to the register, the cashier rung all the items while we waited for the total. She handed me the receipt and offered help to load everything in the car. The family had gathered close by, wondering about payment for the purchases. 

The total on the receipt was zero! Thinking something was wrong, I called the manager over and she said it was all free! She added that she could not charge anything to the beautiful family, and it was their way to extend of thanking me for what we are doing to help this family and others. I could not hold back the tears, and neither could the family, for the kindness shown that day. When we returned to the house, we had a fashion show! it was a beautiful afternoon. 

All ministry is about relationships and the assurance that people do see Jesus at work through us. These relationships are blessings that encourage those who are most vulnerable as well as all of us who show care and love to those in need.