Abigail's & Sandrine's Story

"For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love." Galatians 5:13

Last year, I moved in next door to my older cousin Meredith, and at the end of last summer, she invited me to an orientation for Reading Circle. I had known that she had been a part of Refugee Resources for the past 5 years, and I had even seen her FaceTiming the young girl that she mentors during the spring and summer of 2020, but I really did not know exactly what it was that this organization did. I am so thankful that she encouraged me to attend that orientation, and I have been a part of Refugee Resources since then.

Every Wednesday night, I get the incredible honor and privilege of meeting with a beautiful 12-year-old girl named Sandrine at Reading Circle. We read and discuss a Bible lesson together, pray, and then spend time working on her reading and writing.

Sandrine is a very bright and strong girl. She goes to school, she plays sports, and she helps take care of and lead her three younger siblings while both of her parents work. You can imagine that her life is far from easy. I am blessed that I get to spend a small amount of time during her week encouraging her and showing love to her through our reading and lessons. It is so rewarding for me to see her progress with her reading each and every week. Even though she comes to Reading Circle after a long day of school, she works hard and truly wants to get better. She is a determined and creative girl and she is truly a joy in my life.

Last October, Sandrine and I read a story together about what it means to trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Sandrine told me that she had never done this before personally, and that she would like to do so. We prayed together that night and Sandrine accepted Christ into her heart. It has been so amazing to see her faith in Christ grow even since that day back in October. She lights up during the Bible story portion of our time together as she recants the lesson to me that we just learned, and she always gets so excited to work on and memorize our verse for the month. The Holy Spirit shines through her and I know that she is a light for Christ wherever she goes.

Refugee Resources has opened my eyes to a vast community, right here in the heart of Dallas, that needs our help and needs to be reached. I am just one of many on a team of volunteers who meet every week together to pour into and invest in this community by being the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of why we do what we do, and ask for nothing in return, no reward or recognition. Jesus cared for others, and he especially cared for children. People often think that to serve, you have to go travel to a far-off land that is less fortunate than we are. But the reality is, that people need our help right here in our very city. We have an amazing opportunity to reach those people and make an eternal impact on the Kingdom of Christ, and I am grateful that I am able to do my part through such an incredible organization like Refugee Resources.

Written by: Abigail Miller

Creative photography by: Veil and Vine