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5,000 Miles to Safety
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Imagine leaving your home in the middle of the night, knowing you will never be back, taking only what you can carry. Eighty thousand refugees from the Balkans experience this every year, searching for a better life in the United States. Many are finding help, hope and a home in The United Methodist Church. |
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Ezmin Subasic remembers well the life he left behind.
Nat sound: “Tonight, four family members from war-torn Bosnia began their new life in Central Texas …”
Two years ago, the Subasic family came to the U.S. as refugees.
Ruth McLeandon, University United Methodist Church member: “They didn’t know what to expect, but they were overwhelmed with generosity.”
Like so many others, they were forced to leave. And, as Muslims, they were not allowed to return.
Ruth McLeandon: “By the time the Subasic family arrived, we had rented an apartment and we had it completely furnished.”
In fact, they were given virtually everything, even an automobile – all gifts from University United Methodist Church.
The church supports the interreligious ministry’s “Refugee Resettlement” program, teaching English classes and helping refugees find work.
Sefrika Subasic, Bosnian refugee: “Nice America, it’s very nice for living, for, you know, make money, for you have job.”
Despite the tangible gifts, the Subasics, who remain Muslim, are most grateful for the church’s intangible offering.
Rosie Johnson, University United Methodist Church senior associate: “We are the embodiment of God’s love to people, and so there’s that sense of community, of belonging, of not being left alone.”
With steady work, they have done well enough to sponsor other family members.
Ruth McLeandon: “They knew how to take care of themselves very well, they just needed to know how to do it here in this country.”
5,000 Miles to Safety – Tag:
The Austin area interreligious ministries helped to settle 139 refugees in 2000. Due to heightened security after Sept. 11, only half that number was settled in 2001.