You may have heard Nancy O'Donnell speak at Sunday, June 4th service about a new ministry called Welcoming Arms. MFUMC and this ministry has committed to sponsor 2 refugee families in our community by showing them friendship and Christian fellowship. The Bealongandi family is currently in need of basic household items. If you are able to help, please donate one of the needed items listed HERE.
Sponsor family: The Baelongandis from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Yvon Baelongandi is a pastor and a civil rights attorney who, as a result of his profession, was targeted by the authoritarian government in Congo. He suffered persecution for years, including violence against himself and against his small children. Eventually, the Baelongandis were forced to flee their home. After six years in a refugee camp in Uganda, they were accepted into the US and arrived in January of this year.
The family includes Yvon and his wife Nadine along with their six children, Aurelie (18 year old girl), Arsene (14 year old boy), Victoire (12 year old girl who is disabled and wheelchair bound), Gloridi (10 year old boy), Fortuney (8 year old boy) and little Benjamin (3). They are a delightful family. Yvon, Nadine and Aurelie are gainfully employed, the three older children are enrolled in summer school and the others will begin school in August.
Having arrived in our country with no material belongings, they are in great need of many basic household items. We have compiled a list of those needs in a SIGN UP GENIUS. If you are able to help this very deserving family, please sign up and deliver your items to the church welcome desk marked "Welcoming Arms". And thank you in advance for your generosity!
The Baelongandis greatest need is for their own transportation, which would allow Yvon and Nadine much greater options for employment. We are praying that someone has or knows of a car that is underutilized or available at a reduced price. Does not have to be large enough to transport the entire family.
DONATE HERE
Any questions please reach out to Nancy O'Donnell at nancyreeseodonnell@gmail.com.