Loving and Serving Our Neighbors!
A new year has just begun and for many people, myself included, this is a time of reflection on the past year and goal setting for the future. In January of 2021, I listened to a sermon about our call to love and serve our neighbors in Dallas. I came away from that sermon feeling both convicted and inspired to get involved in my community. At the time, I was not sure how I wanted to be involved, but I knew that I did.
A few months later, I started a new job that came with a better work-life balance, and my new boss encouraged me to be more involved in my community. About that time, my friend Chase reached out and asked if I would be willing to serve as a substitute mentor at Reading Circle. I did some research about Reading Circle and the work that Refugee Resources does in Dallas and was drawn to their mission of empowering refugees through literacy. Several of my friends were also involved in Reading Circle and had great things to say about the impact it has on their lives. I told Chase I was in.
Soon after, Chase introduced me to his mentee, Gentil. Gentil is a young middle school-age boy who is full of energy and just generally stoked on life. I typically spend 1 -2 weeks a month mentoring Gentil and was quickly impressed by his curiosity and determination to improve his literacy skills. I’ve also learned that Gentil loves basketball and plays on a local school team. He always has a funny story from school or basketball practice that he is eager to share. Gentil and I quickly found a common interest in sneaker culture and have enjoyed conversations about the latest Jordans or Nikes.
With Christmas approaching, Chase and I were trying to decide on a gift for Gentil and settled on a pair of basketball shoes (he had shared with Chase that he needed some) and a basketball. To say he was excited about the gifts would be an understatement. He had the biggest smile when he opened the basketball and was speechless, which is quite an accomplishment for Gentil, when he unwrapped the shoes. The joy I felt in those moments was unmatched. It is truly better to give than receive.
As a substitute mentor, I jump in where I am needed and have worked with several different mentees. Another boy that I have mentored is Anowar. I don’t know him well or know much of his story yet, but what I do know is that he is energetic and always willing to help with different tasks at Reading Circle. A short conversation between us has stuck with me. We were finishing up our bible study and Anowar asked me “where are you from?” I responded with “I live here in Dallas but was born in India.” His face lit up and he said “wow! You look like me and that is so cool.” I had never previously considered that shared skin color could make a young refugee’s day.
As I look back on my life, I can think of many people who have mentored and poured into me over the years, and the visible impact it has had on my life. My own parents chose to adopt me from India. They brought me into their already established family and gave me the gift of a life better than a young Indian orphan could ever imagine. They have been consistent role models of Christ’s love and a life well-lived in service to others. In my life, I have faced many struggles and uncertainties, but nothing matches what I imagine these refugee families have experienced both in their home countries and as they navigate learning to live in a new country here in Dallas. I hope and pray to make their experience and little more certain and a little bit brighter.
Even though there is so much uncertainty as we begin this new year, I am sure of one thing, I want to spend my Wednesday nights at Reading Circle, learning, and laughing with Gentil, Anowar, and the rest of Reading Circle crew.
Written by: Isaac Houston