More Than Welcome staff and Board celebrating Christmas in February 🙂
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are filled with gratitude for your continued partnership, prayers, and support as we journey alongside our refugee and asylum-seeking neighbors. God has been faithfully at work, and we are excited to share how His love is being made known through More Than Welcome and the love of the Church in recent months.
Reflecting the Heart of Jesus
In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This is the heart of More Than Welcome—to embody the love of Christ by embracing those who have been displaced, offering not only practical help but also the deep, abiding love of Jesus.
A Season of Growth and Transformation
This year so far has brought both challenges and opportunities, and we have seen the Lord grow us in our ability to serve and love those who need it most. The refugee and asylum-seeking community faces significant obstacles, but through your generosity and God’s provision, we are loving and serving them with compassion, praying for holistic healing and restoration. We are doing this together.
Since the beginning of this year, we have had the privilege of serving 40 new families in addition to the many families we were already serving, walking alongside them as they navigate and adjust to a new home.
ESL Program: Empowering Through Education
Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program remains a cornerstone of our ministry. It has been incredible to watch our refugee and asylum-seeking friends grow in confidence as they develop language skills, helping them navigate daily life in the U.S. We know that English is a prerequisite for building community, getting better paying jobs, navigating our city, and education. It’s also a means for us to build strong, trustworthy relationships with our students that gives us favor to have spiritual conversations. This is why we put so much emphasis on ESL and doing this really well.
One of our daytime ESL classes
Expanding Our Team to Serve More
This year, we have welcomed three new team members who have joined us in carrying out our mission. Their experience and passion have expanded our ability and capacity to walk alongside our friends from around the world and has also blessed our team immensely. Please welcome them if you see or interact with them!
 Liz Lybrand, Chief of Staff |  Belyse Kamana, Employment Coordinator |  Katelyn Rogers, Volunteer Coordinator |
Grateful for Our City’s Response
We are deeply grateful for the people in our city who are stepping up to serve and love our refugee and asylum-seeking community. Over the past two months, we held two volunteer training sessions, and we were amazed to see 80 people attend! It is incredibly encouraging to witness so many stepping forward to love and support our community, especially in this current situation. Your willingness to serve reflects the heart of Jesus and we thank God for each of you.
Volunteer training in February
Loving Our Neighbors, Even in the Hardest Times
Many of those we serve are carrying the heavy burdens of displacement, trauma, and uncertainty. Yet, in these moments, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in Mark 12:31: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is our calling—to meet these challenges with love, compassion, and practical assistance. In February, we launched two healing groups! Participants, many for the first time, have a safe place to share about how their family and life experiences have shaped their hearts and minds. We are praying that God would meet them with healing and peace as they work through this process of unpacking their stories.
Recent Highlights: Empowering Through Employment
One of the most pressing needs for refugees and asylum seekers is stable employment. This semester, we have provided resume-building workshops, job application assistance, and interview coaching to help individuals take steps toward financial independence.
We rejoice in these recent testimonies:
A Congolese refugee searching for a job for over two years, was finally hired this month!
A Syrian refugee family found new employment.
An Afghan refugee was able to find a job where she can take her child to work.
An Afghan asylum seeker was able to find a job to begin supporting his family.
Each story is a testament to God’s provision and the power of a loving, supportive community.
Job Fair – City of Austin Career Expo
Summer Camp is coming soon!
Summer Camp 2024
Please Keep Our Staff and Volunteers in Your Prayers
We ask that you keep our dedicated staff and volunteers in your prayers as they serve on the front lines, loving and supporting refugees and asylum seekers — especially those who are hurting and experiencing deep trauma. The work is both beautiful and challenging, and we trust in God’s strength and grace to sustain us as we continue to serve.
If you would like to learn more or find ways to serve, please reach out. We would love to connect and explore how God might be calling you to be a part of this work
As we continue this journey, we invite you to partner with us through prayer, financial support, and volunteering. There are many ways to get involved, and together, we can keep building a community that reflects the heart of Jesus.
Thank you for walking with us in this mission. With your support and God’s guidance, we know that lives will continue to be transformed for His glory.