Happy New Year in October!

The new resettlement year began on October 1st. Although this is a somewhat arbitrary date sitting out by itself, it does mean that all governmental quotas and targets for refugees and asylum seekers are reset. As the new year began, our partners shared with us that their case loads are full of new arrivals coming this month. Because of your support and compassion, we are ready.

In Galatians 5:6 the Apostle Paul reminds us, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (NIV)

Every day at Welcome House we set this as our intention. The expression of love takes many shapes. It may be moving a washer and dryer, teaching the alphabet, gathering produce, reading school fliers, cutting the grass, scouting out a Dunkin Donuts or sharing a smile. Grounding and rooting ourselves in love, we open the door for more love to enter in and find a home. We hope that you will read on and discover how you can join us in CELEBRATING a love filled welcome for those who are and will make their way to NC in this new year.
Celebrating a New Space:
Welcome House South Raleigh
This month we were able to open Welcome House South Raleigh. This new space raises our capacity of temporary housing, serves as an ESL site and will extend our ministry of hospitality. AND it has a washer and dryer that our guests and new friends may use. WOOHOO!!

None of this is possible or sustainable by individuals. This celebration is brought to you by a church that stepped up as a sponsor, a community group that provides furniture for people who are starting again, a bicycle ride, hundreds of people praying, and the resolve of God's people to care for the vulnerable among us.

Is there room in your community for a Welcome House? We would love to talk with you about it and grow the celebration!
Celebrating ESL Heroes:
A Story of Overcoming "Too Many Gates"
Click the link below to learn how an online ESL class came together to help two new students overcome barriers and launch friendships. You will feel a bit better about the world after reading this story. You might even shout a hearty "Go Pack!" (as the Spirit leads). Gwen Bowles, a Welcome House volunteer, shares the story.

Photo is of Gwen and Hannah (WHR Community Liaison)
Celebrating Christmas:
Sign up to donate Christmas Bags
We would like to distribute 100 gift bags this Christmas for families and individuals who are friends of Welcome House. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of the season by sharing with people who are not only new to our community but also may not know why we celebrate.

If you, your church, your prayer circle, your friends, your family would like to participate, please use the SignUp Genius site to let us know how many gift bags you would like to donate.
Please include the following in each bag:
  1. Start by providing 1 Large reusable bag
  2. Christmas Card with Christian message (keep unsealed – don’t lick it)
  3. $100 gift card to Walmart - or - $100 Visa gift card (place inside Christmas card)
  4. Moisturizing soap (like Dove)
  5. Calendar
  6. Colored pencils/coloring book
  7. Pencil sharpener
  8. Umbrella
  9. Activity Book (grades 1-3)
  10. Stuffed animal
  11. Board game (Like: Connect 4/Checkers/Go Fish or UNO cards)
  12. Outdoor toy (Soccer ball/sidewalk chalk/Frisbee)
We will also include the story of the Life of Jesus in every Christmas Gift Bag. The message is offered in multiple languages so all our friends may hear the Good News of Christmas in their heart language.

Churches should ask families, SS Classes and Mission Prayer Groups to complete one or more Christmas Gift Bags and return them to your church on or before Sunday, December 11, 2022.

Please drop off collected bags to Crabtree Valley Baptist Church between 10 am-2pm on Monday, December 12. For more information, please email Kim Wyatt
Celebrating Your Support
Welcome House works because people come together. By sharing what we have and offering ourselves to God's faithful work in this world, we are able to provide a foundation of welcome and care to people who are starting over in a new land. One of our Ukrainian-American friends said to us recently: "We have a saying in Ukraine - if everyone brings a thread the poor will get a shirt". If you would like to contribute to this work, we welcome you.

Click here to give now to Welcome House Raleigh through the CBF of NC website. 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

If you would like to volunteer or learn more about Welcome House,
click here to access our website and reach out to us.
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.