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Title: No Longer Strangers: Ministry With Refugees Florence Li |
Workshop Description:
“…I was hungry and thirsty and nearly died…until….” (anonymous)
“The war determined our life path” Esad Balic (resettled from Yugoslavia, September 1996)
War, Famine, Epidemics, Religious and ethnic persecution, Natural disasters, Economic crises…all cause people to be uprooted from their homes, seeking for a place of refuge. American Baptists have been gracious hosts to 100,000 plus refugees around the world since the end of WW II. But can we continue with this legacy of “Christian friendliness” and “hospitality”? Are we being overwhelmed by the refugees who have come to our town and sanctuary? What can we do together in ministry with the 21st century refugees who are seeking a safe haven?
Come and journey with us through a time line, skits, and bible study to experience the passage into a new freedom. And depart with the restored hope to be a voice for the voiceless.
Presenter:
In her current role, Li works with the Intercultural Ministries Team to strengthen Asian church ministries, empower leadership and build relationships with the larger American Baptist family. She provides resources to pastors of Asian churches and brings them together through conferences and other local, regional and denominational events. Li holds an MSW, in Administration, from Hunter College, New York, New York; an M.Div. from American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkley, California; and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas.
Li also serves on the denomination Burma Refugees Task Force to strategize ministry needs for local churches and regions that are impacted by newly arrived Burma refugees from Thailand and Malaysia.