A Season of Renewal

Spring is a time when everything feels fresh and renewed, offering us the opportunity to reset and remember what is most important in our lives. As the seasons change, we are continually reminded of God’s faithfulness and His call for us to joyfully serve those around us.

I was introduced to Refugee Resources in September 2021 through my church and friends who also serve as mentors in the program. Until then, I had no idea that a large refugee population lived just a few miles from me. It has been a blessing and an eye-opening experience to spend time each week with students, forming relationships and learning from them just as much as they are improving in their reading and comprehension skills.

Since joining, I have mentored two students, both elementary and middle school girls. My current student, Sofia*, arrives early each week eager to work on our reading passages and vocabulary. During drop-offs each week, I’ve also gotten to know her family a bit – and though her parents don’t speak English, their kindness and joy transcend any language barrier.

Sofia’s dedication to memorizing Bible verses never ceases to amaze me. Watching her absorb Scripture and commit it to heart is a powerful reminder of the ways God’s Word is alive and active! Each week, Bible stories and prayer time offer moments of reflections and the opportunity to witness our students piecing together how God reveals Himself throughout Scripture. It is a privilege to walk alongside them as they grow in their understanding of the Lord’s love and faithfulness. Seeing Sofia proudly recite Scripture verses from memory, with joy on her face and excitement in her voice, reminds me of the power of God’s Word and encourages me to reflect on my own faith—am I as eager to commit God’s Word to memory? Do I approach Scripture with the same enthusiasm?

Another rewarding aspect of serving as a mentor is seeing how much these students grow in their confidence. When I initially met my first student, she was incredibly shy and hesitant to speak up. Over time, I witnessed her come out of her shell, not just in reading and writing, but also in sharing her thoughts and engaging in conversation. It is so sweet to see how a little encouragement and consistency can build up a child’s self-esteem.

Being a part of Reading Circle shows me how universal childhood truly is. The things Sofia and her friends are interested in – from their style choices to the latest preteen slang (that I can never keep up with) – are the same across cultures. Even though they may have different backgrounds, they share the same interests and excitement – a sweet reminder that, despite cultural differences, so much of what makes us human is the same.

Serving in this program has also deepened my faith in unexpected ways. Each week, I am reminded that God calls us to show up, to be present, and to trust Him even in the small, everyday moments. Some days, I leave feeling like I’ve made a tangible difference—helping with a challenging reading passage, sharing a laugh, or encouraging Sofia after a tough school day. Other days, the impact might feel less – but faithfulness is not about grand gestures; it is about consistently showing up and trusting that God is working even when we can’t see it. My husband now serves with Refugee Resources as well, mentoring his own student – and what a special time it is for us each week.

This spring, as flowers bloom and the world around us feels renewed, I am reminded that the same God we read about with our students each week is the God who is present with us now. He continues to be at work in our lives, calling us to love and serve our neighbors, and to be present in our own communities. May we take time in this season to recognize His hand in our lives and answer His call to serve those around us. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply being more aware of the needs in our communities, we all have a daily opportunity to reflect God’s love in tangible ways. The beauty of spring is not just in the renewal of nature, but in the reminder that God is continually renewing us as well. As we step into this season, I hope we can embrace the call to serve and love with joy and humbleness, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

Written by: Emilie Clark

Edited by: Emily Thompson

*Student’s name has been changed to protect privacy.