Help Provide Afghan Refugee Assistance

A Message from Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe & Provost Eddie Rivera:

"In the coming days, weeks and months, our Churches around the New Mexico Conference will be offered another opportunity to practice radical hospitality as tens of thousands of Afghan individuals and families are now entering the United States for resettlement purposes. They are holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIV's) for aiding the United States military mission in Afghanistan for almost 20 years. A team of leaders and their congregations from our Conference are organizing efforts to be part of those welcoming Afghans families and individuals into their communities.

This is not just a humanitarian response, but an action based on our Christian principles. 'Remember that when we show hospitality to strangers, we may be entertaining angels without knowing it' (Hebrews 13.2)."

This is how we at St. John's can help, at this moment, by donating:

1. New only Diapers, Formula, Bottles, Baby Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Products (sanitary napkins/pads only, NO tampons).

2. New only Laundry detergent and fabric softener.

3. Toys and stuffed animals (new or gently used/cleaned only)

4. New only Baby Items: clothing, blankets, baby lotions, etc.

5. New only Personal hygiene items for men, women, and children: soap, body lotion, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

6. Clothing for women: long sleeve tops, long skirts, scarves that can cover head and hair. New or gently used/cleaned

7. New underwear for men, women, and children.

During the month of September, you can bring your donations to church and place in the bins in the Hospitality Center. Near the end of September, we will arrange another drive-in, drop-off opportunity for those of you who have not returned to in-person church services.

If you would like to provide monetary support, submit a check (or donate on-line) to St. John's with "Afghan Refugee Assistance" in the memo line.

We love God and this is a way for us to show love to others and perhaps, in some way, help change their lives! Loving God, loving people, changing lives!!!!