Volume 03 | June 2021
Welcome House Raleigh is part of CBF North Carolina's Welcome House Community Network, a collaborative missions program of CBFNC, CBF field personnel, partner churches and individuals that provides hospitality ministry to vulnerable neighbors across the state.
A Step Back into Normal
In March of last year, we were all struggling with the unknowns of a pandemic and the stress of adapting to new safety protocols. Welcome House Raleigh adapted, learned and stretched. By the grace of God and the creativity, resolve and grit of our volunteers and community partners, we were able to shift. We implemented safety guidelines for the house and have had no Covid-19 cases in our guests or staff. We began to teach ESL online and were able to grow this ministry exponentially by removing all geographical limits. We put on masks and continued to set up apartments for newly arriving refugees. We saw opportunities in the midst of the chaos and were able to make updates to the house, strengthen our social media presence and train new volunteers. This is all wonderful and looking back astonishing. God's Spirit made all the difference. Thanks be to God for providing what was needed at exactly the right time. Now it is time to shift AGAIN! And honestly, we are so excited. In this newsletter you will find glimpses of how our ministry is returning to "in person welcome". We invite you to join us - join us in prayer, in service and in sharing the good news - "No matter where you are from, we're glad you're our neighbor!"
Recent Health Clinics

So many of our refugee and asylum seeking neighbors are hourly workers with limited transportation. Getting to the doctor is a struggle especially for adults who have limited insurance at best. Many of our friends have never been to a dentist. The only remedy they can imagine for a dental issue is to pull the offending tooth. They don't have the technology or the language or the resources to understand how to register for a vaccine.

Working with Trinity Baptist Church, NC Baptists, the Wake County Health Department and a band of volunteers, we recently offered 2 mobile health clinics to overcome these barriers and provide much needed medical services for our neighbors in west Raleigh. Most days we help folks get to the doctor, but this month we were able to bring the doctor to them.
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New Guests at Welcome House
We Have a New Record!

One of the families we welcomed recently now holds the record for shortest stay - 13 hours. The family of 5 arrived from Africa and was expected to stay for about a week as their new apartment was readied. But while we were busy providing a hot Congolese meal and orienting them to the house, their grandfather learned of their arrival. Although he lives a great distance from Raleigh, he immediately began driving. You see this family had been separated in the confusion of fleeing for their lives many, many years ago. They were lost from each other. The grandfather drove all night and arrived at Welcome House at 3:30 am to bring his family home.

Our hearts rejoiced as this family was reunited, and we wished them all the best as they loaded the car to begin their new life in America with their family. In the pre-dawn hours of a May morning, we realized that we were caught up in a modern day parable of God's love that is steadfast and unfailing. We gave thanks and then began to prepare for the next guests. We have such a privilege to work in a ministry filled with beginnings and reunions and the miracles of grace and mercy every day.
Volunteer Spotlight
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)

Barbara Best serves in so many different ways at Welcome House. On any given day you might find her cleaning or sorting items in the house, greeting visitors, or stocking the pantry. A teacher by vocation, Barbara can always be found close to the children who come to Welcome House - offering a space of welcome and engagement.

Recently, she has returned to one of our apartment sites to teach preschoolers. Amy Waters of Lutheran Family Services shared her gratitude for Barbara's work: Barbara stepped right up to help prepare 5 year olds from our community for kindergarten in the fall. They had not had the opportunity to attend preschool so Barbara and her classes are a special opportunity for these students.  She arrives ready for each class with lesson plans, engaging materials, patience and a smile.

We are grateful for the many, many ways Barbara welcomes refugees and asylum seekers into our community by sharing her heart and passion for all God's children. Thank you Barbara for leading us back into in-person classes in our neighborhood sites.
Give to Welcome House Raleigh
Use this button to give now to Welcome House Raleigh through the CBF of NC website. IMPORTANT: Under Additional Information - in the drop down menu: "Where would you like to direct your gift?"
PLEASE CHOOSE "WELCOME HOUSE (WYATT MINISTRY)"
If you would like to mail your gift, kindly use this address:
CBFNC
2640 Reynolda Road 
Winston-Salem, NC 27106 
Please indicate on your check: Welcome House Raleigh
Needs Nook
Welcome House is all about people, but the ministry still needs pens, paper, printer ink, dry erase markers, tape and stamps to supply the administrative side of our work. This month we are collecting office supplies. Reach out to Amanda for more information. Here is a calendar of upcoming collections.

June- Office Supplies 
July- Paper Products 
August- Kitchen Items 
September- First Aid Supplies 

We also have a few specific items that are needed at the house.
  • poison ivy killer
  • curtains for kitchen
  • pillows for outdoor chairs
  • outdoor mat
If you can provide one of these items, please contact Ashley for more specifics.