Layne Matthews Story

Hi, my name is Layne Matthews and I served as the summer intern here at Refugee Resources. I am a rising senior at Texas A&M University and it’s been a growing desire of mine to form friendships and work with the families living in the Vickery Meadow community. Being an intern at Refugee Resources this summer, I was finally able to feel a part of this vibrant neighborhood! And wow, did God pick for me an interesting summer--the summer of 2020 amidst a global pandemic--to begin engaging with and helping students grow in their literacy skills. Little did I know I was in for so much more.

Although I regret the difficulty and pain this virus has caused, I would also not change a bit about my time as an intern this summer. Refugee Resources’ mission did not change--empowering in Christ through literacy and relationships--but needs and circumstances did. We had to shift and address these. And of course, the Lord is not surprised by the changes in our world, nor would a pandemic disrupt the work he was doing in the lives of these children and their families. Perhaps special needs were addressed and opportunities were opened that would have not been otherwise. Maybe we were here, in the midst of a pandemic, “for such a time as this.” 

In addition to office work, my weeks consisted of calling students and their parents and reading with them over zoom. Often we had to deliver zoom IDs and passwords, maybe multiple a day, on a sticky note to apartment doors because a sweet boy or girl had lost the sticky note we had given them the previous week. I would probably lose it too! With the help of many wonderful volunteers, Alysa and I stuffed individualized gift bags and delivered them to each child. In addition, due to the graciousness of LHE and the YMCA, we had the opportunity to give food packages to families that were in need during this insecure time. And of course, the students received their end-of-the-year certificates, celebrating each student’s hard work and success this past year--in spite of a global pandemic!!! 

Alysa pointed out to me one day when we were delivering gift bags to apartments, what a unique opportunity this was to visit neighborhood families who are just as fearful and uncertain as we are, and maybe even more so. We got to meet them face to face (behind masks!) in our mutual uncertainty, our mutual isolation, our mutual need for the kindness of another, and our mutual need to trust someone. I needed to be warmed by Angel and Blessing’s sweet smiles, even over a screen, and work with them toward their goals. I needed to laugh with a mother at her three-year-old son as he extended his arms to hug us. And these kids and parents also needed a smile, a goal to reach and push toward, a laugh, a kind hand--the loving hand of God. 

I believe Jesus met these families as they opened the door and received small acts of love, even six feet away. I know I met Jesus in simply receiving their presence and joyful welcome.  

As I walked around those apartments I felt myself surrounded by a community that I desperately needed and I hadn’t known it until then. How enriched my view of God and the human family has become by being in this diverse community, for even a short amount of time! How much these children have inspired me by their resilience and determination to learn and grow during these times--a resilience they’ve learned in other trials in life. How I’ve learned to “count it all joy” when I get to see their smiles and hear their laughter over a zoom call, knowing that this is still relationships at work, and that I GET to love and be loved by them in this unique way! 

I cannot thank God enough for giving me the opportunity this summer to witness and be a part of the work that He is doing through Refugee Resources. I know I will be going back to school for my final year equipped with an experience that I will take with me the rest of my life and will conform me to be a better neighbor and a more enriched member of the Body of Christ. My hope is that through endless zoom calls, fidget spinners, boxes of food, and showing up in a time when it’s hardest to know that we are still there for one another, that refugees in the Vickery Meadow area see a glimpse of the loving hand of God in some small, mysterious way. I pray that we have communicated the saving power of Jesus alone and that He is near and cares about us, even in a pandemic-- “for such a time as this.” 

I am better for knowing my brothers and sisters in Vickery Meadow and I thank them for blessing and privileging me with their open arms and friendship. Praise be to God!