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The International Friendship TeamThis team ministers to the refugees that come to Albany. They seek to provide assistance in social areas, conversational English, practical areas, prayer and transporation. "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord you God." - Leviticus 19:33,34 During 2008, the United States began receiving several thousand Bhutanese refugees who had been living in refugee camps in Nepal for up to 18 years. Twenty-five such persons arrived in Albany, and we have had the privilege of befriending them through the LCC International Friendship Team. Many more will be coming in 2009 and subsequent years until all 60,000 for whom resettlement was offered in the USA have arrived. In addition to the Bhutanese, we have also come into contact with sixteen ethnic Nepali Burmese refugees who have joined the Bhutanese Nepalis in all of our activities. Our role as volunteer is to supplement the official work of the refugee agencies in Albany. You are welcome to join us as we seek to meet their needs in Jesus' Name, helping them to read and respond to their mail, pay their bills, establish a telephone connection, obtain a library card, get to medical appointments on time, etc. Through generous donations, we have also been able to supplement their furniture, household items, clothing, footwear, etc. We also sponsor special outings and in-house social events, and assist them as they search for employment. During the Sunday School hour, we have been able to help them improve their English skills as we study the life, teachings and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Help with transportation on Sundays is much appreciated. For more information about the Bhutanese refugees, visit www.bhutaneserefugees.com. To join us contact Cynthia Hale or Ruth Askey, Co-Coordinators of the International Friendship Team.
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