wfn.org | ABCUSA: 90,000th Refugee Resettled by American Baptists

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 11/15/03)--With the
resettlement of the 90,000th refugee this September, American Baptist
Churches USA passed another milestone in 55 years of refugee resettlement
ministry.  Florence Mukabahizi, who came to the United States from Rwanda
with her four children, was sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church in Denver,
Col., where the Rev. Mary Hulst is pastor.

American Baptist refugee resettlement work is directed by National
Ministries (The American Baptist Home Mission Societies) in cooperation with
Church World Service and local churches.  American Baptist congregations
across the country sponsor and provide support for refugees, assisting
individuals and families in finding employment and housing and in adjusting
to cultural life in the United States.
	
"Following September 11, 2001, certain persons already in this country, and
those seeking to enter, have been subjected to harsh and more restrictive
government measures," said Ken George, who coordinates the refugee
resettlement program for National Ministries.  "However, American Baptists
have a long and honorable tradition of welcoming the stranger and
ministering to the newcomer, even during times when these activities run
contrary to public opinion and policy."

The nonprofit U.S. Committee for Refugees has documented about 15,000,000
refugees worldwide; millions of additional internally displaced persons also
have been identified.

American Baptist Churches USA consistently has been a leader in refugee
resettlement ministries among Protestant groups working with Church World
Service. The denomination was one of the founding members of CWS Immigration
and Refugee Services, organized to address the needs of millions of
displaced persons in Europe following World War II.  From 1955 to 1993 the
late Matthew Giuffrida directed resettlement ministries for National
Ministries.

The Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, executive director of National
Ministries, said, "Matthew Giuffrida established an unparalleled legacy of
ministry on behalf of refugees and others seeking safe haven in this
country. We rejoice in knowing that American Baptist individuals and
congregations are continuing to offer hope to those who have been forced to
flee from their homes and homelands."

To continue Giuffrida's legacy National Ministries has established the
Matthew R. Giuffrida Memorial Fund to benefit asylum seekers, undocumented
persons and those with visa problems. For more information call
1-800-ABC-3USA/x2034. 

Additional information on refugee resettlement is available from National
Ministries at the same phone number or by visiting
www.nationalministries.org.

K/2003ABNS/03ABN142

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org