Over the last 15 years, a refugee sponsorship committee made up of members of four Christian Reformed Churches in Chatham, Ontario has worked together through the process of sponsoring refugees from Ethiopia, Syria and Burma. One member of the committee, Randy Vanstemp shared, “There is no denying that it is a ton of work and a lot of responsibility. But you’re giving hope and a whole new life to people…Is it worth it? Yes, it certainly is. Not only have we been a blessing in the lives of these new Canadians, but they have also been a tremendous blessing to us.”

The sponsorship committee has not only welcomed refugees to Canada, they have welcomed the newcomers into their hearts too. Randy explained, “In most cases, [those we sponsored] become friends and in some cases…lifelong relationships have been established.” The committee has also had occasion to welcome newcomers into their worship. Randy said, “Although we did not expect it, nearly all of the folks from Burma have chosen to worship at one of the local Christian Reformed Churches.” And, as relationships develop, the sponsors rejoice in the accomplishments of the new Canadians. A beaming Randy shared about one man from Burma, who just five years after arriving in Canada with no money, built and owns his own home.

Recently, the Chatham refugee sponsoring committee worked under challenging conditions to welcome a family* of five who, as members of a Burmese minority ethnic group, faced persecution in Burma. Because the travel restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 caused a delay in refugees arriving to Canada the committee was expecting a long delay in getting government approval for the family’s entry into Canada. However, Randy said, “Out of the blue, the government notified us that our refugees would be arriving in two weeks.” This sent the refugee sponsorship committee members and their church communities into action and prayer.

They had two weeks to find housing for the family–no small task in a tight rental market. But through God’s grace they found a house and were able to repaint, furnish and prepare it in time for the family’s arrival. During this time, they also secured a job for the father–and even managed to arrange transportation for him to and from work. In addition, tutoring and ESL classes were set up for both the parents and children. And, Burmese-speaking members of the CRC community translated documents and prepared important resources to help the family navigate life in Chatham. The family arrived in Canada in September 2021.

When asked why he and the refugee sponsorship committee do what they do, Randy replied, “There is so much need in the world that it is almost overwhelming to think of. How can anyone make a difference? We cannot cure the problems of the world, but together, we do have the opportunity to totally turn around the lives of a few individuals–to make an incredible difference in the lives of some.” They have certainly made a difference for this family who left behind a life of persecution and are now cherished members of their community in Chatham.

By joining us for Refugee Sunday and supporting our work, you can help our Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement team provide support to sponsors, like the CRCs in Chatham, ON, through the entire sponsorship process. To find out more about Refugee Sunday, access our church resources, or watch our newest “Making Connections” video, click here.

*To protect the family’s privacy, names have not been provided