I have gotten to know a young family from Nicaragua over these past four years and have visited them three times. They were operating a bakery and worked very hard selling to the small communities in the area. Unfortunately in the last two years, due to an increasingly challenged economy in Nicaragua, the bakery has stopped. This has become a very difficult situation for my friends, living with an extended family of four generations. In January 2023, the White House announced a new program for citizens in good standing from Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Nicaragua. A vetted US citizen is able to sponsor a family, allowing them to enter the US legally, receive work permits, and stay for two years. In April my application to be a sponsor was accepted and three weeks later this young family was approved as beneficiaries. They flew into Minneapolis this Wednesday, May 17. Starting June 1 they will live in an apartment close to the church. Jobs are already being arranged. They are a Christian family with a very trusting faith, and are looking for a church home.
As the church of "open doors" and "open hearts", the wonderful staff at Mountt Olivet, and many other members, have gladly seen this as an opportunity for hospitality and "OPEN ARMS". This young family came with one suitcase and two backpacks, so there is certainly a need for other things to help them make a home here. We have already received donations of beds, tables, a crib, chairs, a couch, but many other household items like pots and pans, utensil, towels, diapers, blankets, linens, pillows, etc. will be needed. I also know a tricycle will be much appreciated as their child had to say goodbye to her much loved one back home. We have a wonderful team of 10 members who are already working on all of these things. More specific information will follow. This young family doesn't speak English yet, so that will be one of their many challenges living here and getting used to living in Minnesota. But one thing I know - this is a dream come true for them!
Let us all say - Welcome!
Tim Strommen