Newbreak Church working with Bridge Builders

Newbreak Chruch encouraged its congregation to participate in helping Afghan women in their Afghan Sewing Program. (Photo taken from the official website of the Newbreak Chruch)

Newbreak Church invites members to help their new neighbors by asking Afghan women to come and sew an outfit every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The church events section noted that this program is in partnership with the Bridge Builders network. They aim to create a welcoming venue for these ladies to earn for their practical needs. Also, this program is an opportunity to meet Americans and one another.

The website posted various ways for the members to be part of this initiative. They could provide transportation and prepare tea or snacks. Interested congregants could also assist them with the sewing.

Welcoming Afghans Initiatives

According to the Bridge Builders Network website, on May 9, 2022, a few new families are still arriving from neighboring nations. Some are coming to US bases in the Middle East.

Some have been in the US since the fall of 202. Others are looking for long-term housing, and some are still in hotels.

The organization changed its focus as it continued to reach out to families and now provides programs. These programs include men’s driving lessons, men’s ESL classes, and women’s sewing. The website also posted that they are giving tutorials for school children and providing used bicycles for adults. They also created particular group events with local church partners.

Meanwhile, they mentioned that most families attending the said programs do not have cars. But they thank the Lord that one of the organization’s friends donated a passenger van to serve Afghan families. Besides, they are grateful to the San Diego office of Jane Oak Law Firm for their collaboration in offering immigration clinics.

The organization aims to bring hope by nurturing and building new friendships based on security and trust, as posted on its website. They also follow what Jesus told in His scripture to love their neighbors as themselves.

Current Needs

On the same webpage, they also stated the current needs of these families. They said they need a female volunteer to drive their van to bring women to their sewing program and children to tutoring.

Moreover, they are asking for monetary support for their staff and overhead expenses. The website added that they need more church partners and families willing to enrich friendships with families who need local friends. So they have someone to assist with transportation. Also, they would have someone glad to be hosted as guests in their hotel rooms or houses.

The Uphill Battle for Resettled Afghans

The Wort website revealed that some may have forgotten that America was in the middle of a chaotic evacuation of Afghans as the country was retaken by the Taliban nine months ago. Director of SWANA Region at Center of International Relations and International Securit at UC San Diego, Mursel Sabir, discussed the problems with the resettlement of these refugees.

These issues include inflation, high housing prices, and accepting minimum wage jobs despite their unique skill set. He also noted the problems of Afghans left behind in a country under complete international prohibitions.