HomeTown

Today’s bonus episode features a recording from the October 25th webinar – Safeguarding Refugee Resettlement: Navigating Policy Shifts in a Changing Political Landscape - co-hosted by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries.  The panel discussion explores the impact policy changes and financial constraints have on the ability of agencies to support and integrate refugees into their local communities. The panelists discuss the crucial role that faith-based organizations play in resettling refugees, welcoming them into our communities, and advocating for the continuation of this vital program.   Panelists include:   Asad Bigzad, Program Officer for Post-Arrival Quality Assurance, Episcopal Migration Ministries, and former refugee from Afghanistan   Sarah Shipman, Director, Episcopal Migration Ministries   Troy Collazo, Policy Advisor, The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations   Troy Elder, Executive Director, Interfaith Refugee & Immigrant Service (IRIS), Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles   Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram, where we are @emmrefugees.         Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.        Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

Today’s episode of Hometown features an interview with Salemu Alimasi. Salemu and his family, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, came to the U.S. as refugees in 2011 and settled in Houston. A passionate advocate for years, Salemu has worked as a grassroots community organizer with Church World Service since 2023.  We invite you to join us for a lively conversation where we learn about Salemu’s early years, his family’s experiences living in refugee camps, and the transition and adjustment to living in the U.S. Prepare to be inspired by Salemu’s passion and commitment to advocating for the rights and protections of all forced migrants.  For even more background on Salemu, we encourage you to visit the EMM blog on our website for a three-part series on Salemu’s journey - Salemu’s story, Part 1: Child of Lake Tanganyika - Episcopal Migration Ministries. Thank you for listening.  Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees.     Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to sustain and expand our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.    Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

In this episode, we speak with Robert Vivar, migration missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego since January 2023. Having lived on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border, Robert understands the factors driving sustained levels of global migration as well as the vulnerabilities of people forced to leave their homes. He also brings to this role a deep faith in God and long-established connections with organizations serving migrants, asylum seekers, deported veterans, and others in need on both sides of the border.     We invite you to tune in to our conversation with Robert Vivar. He offers such a fresh and genuine perspective on questions of enduring importance: Who is our neighbor? How might the notion of "courageous love" help us respond to our neighbors’ deepest needs? Where and how are we called to be the church in today’s world?  Whether borderlands are part of your current landscape or a distant reality, we think you will find this conversation with Robert as invigorating as we did. Join us in embracing "courageous love" as we welcome our newest neighbors.     Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees.         Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.        Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

NOTE: This episode has been rereleased to include a missing piece of audio. Today’s episode features a conversation with members of the Ocean Springs Remote Placement Community Partner team out of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Cynthia Ramseur, Lena Melton, and Peggy Butera share their experience of joining together as a community to welcome and support a newly arrived refugee family. Their stories highlight what is possible when we trust that we already have all we need to make someone feel welcome. Listen as they share their “aha” moment, how they invited the gifts and skills of their congregation, and the many lessons learned. Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.  Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

Today’s guest on Hometown is Karimullah Kamwar. Karim is an Afghan national who lives and works in Syracuse, New York. Karim grew up in Mazar-e-Sharif, a city in northern Afghanistan. After college and graduate school, he began working in the nonprofit sector and started a family.  However, in August 2021, when the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban took over, Karim and his family were in danger, due to the work he had done for many years.  Fortunately, they were able to be evacuated, first to Qatar and then to the U.S. Along with many other Afghan evacuees, they were granted humanitarian parole. After spending several weeks on a U.S. military base, Karim and his family were resettled in Syracuse. There, they received support through InterFaith Works of Central New York, which is one of Episcopal Migration Ministries’ affiliate organizations, and also from a legal organization that offers pro bono services to people in need of help applying for asylum and other immigration status changes. Karim and his family saw right away how important it was for newcomers in the U.S. to have digital skills. As soon as he could, Karim began working as the Digital Empowerment Manager with a Syracuse-based community center. For his work, Karim was recognized in 2024 as a Digital Equity Champion and Emerging Leader by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.  The story of the Kamwar family illustrates the challenges of entering the U.S. with humanitarian parole, which provides temporary permission to live in the U.S., but no guarantee of legal permanent residency. As you listen to our conversation with Karim, we invite you to imagine the hopes and the obstacles that many newcomers face, as under dire circumstances beyond their control, they seek a safe place to call home for themselves and their loved ones. We are grateful to Karim Kamwar for joining us today, and for the impact that he is already having on his new community. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees.   Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to sustain and expand our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.  Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com .

Today’s episode features a recording from the April 26th webinar, Part 1: LGBTQIA2S+ Migrants, from The Office of Government Relations (OGR) of The Episcopal Church and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM). The first of three installments of “A Closer Look” Immigration Series, this session features LGBTQIA2S+ migration expert Craig Mortley, M.Sc., who provides a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and legal hurdles faced by this community as they navigate the complexities of migration. Through personal stories and expert insights, we explore the intersections of sexual orientation, gender identity, and the immigrant experience. You’ll gain valuable knowledge on the barriers LGBTQIA2S+ migrants encounter, from accessing essential services to securing legal status. Additionally, we discuss effective ways to advocate for the rights and well-being of this marginalized group, empowering you to become a stronger ally and advocate for positive change.   *The acronym "LGBTQIA2S+" stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the "+" symbol represents the many other sexual orientations and gender identities that are not explicitly included in the acronym. This inclusive term acknowledges the diverse and expansive spectrum of human sexuality and gender expression.  Take action: Support LGBTQIA2S+ action alert: https://www.votervoice.net/EPISCOPAL/Campaigns/115033/Respond  Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees.   Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com .

Today’s episode features a conversation with Mariti Zirarusha (also known as Martin), who with his parents and six siblings were resettled in Tucson, Arizona, as refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Martin shares about his time living in the Kyangwali Refugee Camp in Uganda, the journey to become acclimated to life in a new community in the U.S., and the joy of feeling at home. In addition to attending high school, Martin participates in the Refugee Youth Mentorship Program (RYMP), led by Melissa Benvegno-Bryant of LSS-SW-Tucson. Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees.  Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to sustain and expand our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

Today’s episode features a conversation with Nasratullah Khalil. Khalil, as he prefers to be called, is an Afghan national who now lives and works in Syracuse, New York. In August 2021, Khalil and his family were forced into hiding after the U.S. abruptly withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban took over. Since Khalil had worked for a U.S. military subcontractor, he was eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa. However, at the time that U.S. troops withdrew, his visa had not yet been granted, and thus he and his family, including four children under the age of 10, were in danger.  Our discussion highlighted the pleasures of living in Afghanistan before the civil war broke out, the challenges of getting an education and being an adult during war, and the perils and obstacles Khalil and his family faced once they were no longer safe in Afghanistan. Khalil also underscored his children’s efforts to make sense of their fate, as the family fled their homeland, saw their savings and options dwindle, and wondered if they would be forced, for lack of options, to return to Afghanistan. At the last possible minute, Khalil’s SIV was granted, and the family made their way to the U.S. and settled in Syracuse. Khalil now works with Interfaith Works of Central New York, helping to pave the way for other newcomers.  Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees.   Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.  Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

Today’s episode features Rebecca Hamlin, a professor of political science and legal studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Professor Hamlin’s research and teaching interests center on law and immigration, with a special interest in understanding how people who cross borders are categorized under the law and in public discourse.  In our discussion with Professor Hamlin, she explained her approach to teaching about global migration and underscored the legacy of colonialism and wealth inequality in much of global migration today. Drawing on her research, Rebecca Hamlin highlighted the variability of different countries’ systems for deciding who should receive asylum; key turning points in the history of immigration in the U.S.; and factors that drive global migration.   Her most recent book, Crossing, focuses on ways in which terms such as “refugee” and “migrant” are used in public discourse, as organizations and individuals endeavor to build support for specific policies and practices. In brief, her work provides much food for thought about the deeper questions that all societies must face as they determine who is deserving of safe haven, assistance, and access to essential resources. For those interested in learning more, we highly recommend these publications by Rebecca Hamlin:  ‘Migrants?’ ‘Refugees?’ Terminology is Powerful, Contested, and Evolving. Migration Policy Institute, 2022. Accessible here.  Crossing: How We Label and React to People on the Move. Palo Alto, CA:  Stanford University Press, 2021.   Let Me Be a Refugee: Administrative Justice and the Politics of Asylum in the United States, Canada, and Australia. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2014.    As well as these related resources:  E. Tendayi Achiume. “Re-Imagining International Law for Global Migration: Migration as Decolonization?” American Journal of International Law 111: 142-146. 2017.  Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin. Illegal: A graphic novel telling one boy's epic journey to Europe. Illustrated by Giovanni Rigano. Hodder Children’s Books, 2018.  Suketu Mehta. This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant’s Manifesto. New York: Penguin Random House, 2019.  “The Left to Die Boat” (podcast). BBC World Service Documentary (2012) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0101r27 (53 Minutes)      Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees.   Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to sustain and expand our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.    Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com .

Today’s episode features a conversation with Mohammad Jawad, a refugee from Syria, who was resettled in Syracuse, N.Y., with his wife and children. Mohammad shares memories of his youth in Syria before the civil war, the obstacles he and his family faced as they fled their homeland and lived for ten years in a refugee camp in Jordan, and the opportunities they found when they were selected for resettlement in the U.S.  Using the skills in information technology that he honed against all odds during their years in limbo in Jordan, Mohammad now works for InterFaith Works of Central New York, one of EMM’s affiliate organizations in Syracuse. To hear his story is to be amazed at the power of human resilience and determination in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Follow us on FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram, where we are @emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to sustain and expand our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

On this episode, we speak with Rev. Chris McNabb, the Program Officer for Recruitment & Engagement of Neighbor to Neighbor. We explore the experience, evolution, and expansion of this program since its inception around August 2021, as well as some continued challenges around funding, and the call to respond to issues of forced-displacement as a result of environmental changes and gender identity. Fr. Chris McNabb is an Episcopal Priest who has been called to the work as Program Officer for Recruitment & Engagement of Neighbor to Neighbor, a program of Episcopal Migration Ministries. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity, and earned his diploma in Anglican Studies from The General Theological Seminary. Prior to his role with EMM, Fr. McNabb served as the Curate for "Caritas, Justice, and Healing" at Trinity Church in Princeton, NJ and was the Priest in Charge of St. Francis Episcopal Church, on the south shore of Long Island. When not working, Chris enjoys hiking, camping, and hanging out with his dog Lucky. Neighbor to Neighbor trains community groups to welcome newcomers into their communities. You can play a critical role in this ministry. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To support the ministry of welcome, make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

On this episode of HomeTown, we speak with members of Neighbor to Neighbor's own St. John's Norwood Sponsor Circle team, doing the critical work of welcome with individuals arriving in their communities. We speak with the Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon and St. John’s Minister for Community Engagement, as well as St. John's parishioners Melanie Folstad and Rick McCumber, husband and wife team-leads for the St. John's Norwood Neighbor to Neighbor Sponsor Circle team. Our Neighbor to Neighbor program trains community groups to welcome newcomers into their communities. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To support the ministry of welcome, make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

In this episode of HomeTown, we speak with members of Neighbor to Neighbor's own Tri-Parish Sponsor Circle team. This Sponsor Circle consists of three Episcopal parishes who have teamed up together with EMM's Neighbor to Neighbor program to do the critical work of welcome with individuals arriving in their communities. I speak with Embry Howell and Rev. Julianne Buenting from All Souls Episcopal Church in Washington D.C., Jess Sanchez and Lacy Broemel from St. John's Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square, Washington D.C., and Dana Martin from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA about their process, experience, and call to this critical work of welcome. Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers into welcoming communities. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or SoundCloud. To support the ministry of welcome, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

On this episode of HomeTown, we are joined by some of our very own Episcopal Migration Ministries team members, Allison Duvall and Zoë Bayer, who will help us break down the different types of sponsorship and how community groups can get involved. Many efforts to welcome our newest neighbors are happening in the form of co-sponsorship, community sponsorship, and Sponsor Circles-- but as folks who are called to this work, we want to know: what exactly is the difference between them all? Join us for this illuminating breakdown of sponsorship. Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers into welcoming communities. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or SoundCloud. To support the ministry of welcome, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

In this episode recorded on International Women's Day, we spoke with some special guests from Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston about their Women Refugee Art Program (WRAP), and the Women's Empowerment Group (WEG). We spoke with Narelle Sissons, a visual artist, theatre designer, professor, and art instructor who teaches and empowers the women of WRAP to use art concepts to express themselves and their stories. We also spoke with Chloe Krane, a former TV producer for Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and BBC, who is now the Interfaith Ministries' Women’s Empowerment Liaison and leader of the Women's Empowerment Group, and Sucre Woodley, Director of Marketing & Communications at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. We explore the complex, and often traumatic journeys of rebuilding one's life in a new place, and how creating safe places and brave spaces for expression and education are crucial, liberating opportunities for women refugees, asylees, and parolees as they go through resettlement processes. Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers into welcoming communities. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To support the ministry of welcome, make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today's episode features a conversation with with some members of the St. Matthew's & St. Andrews Pentecost Partnership Committee, a joint effort between two parishes in Evanston, IL, who are working with RefugeeOne to do the critical work of welcome within their community. We speak with Cynthia Doucet, Marta Humphreys, & the Rev. Terri J. Morrisey, who are parishioners & clergy of the two churches in Evanston, along with Kelli Wendt, the Community Engagement Coordinator at RefugeeOne. This episode highlights what it looks like for organizations to get involved in this critical work of "welcoming all in community, joyfully doing God's work in the world." episcopalmigrationministries.org/neighbortoneighbor Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers off of bases and into welcoming communities in the coming weeks. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google Play, or SoundCloud. To continue to support the ministry of welcome, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today's episode features a conversation with Fr. Chris McNabb, the Program Manager of EMM's new Neighbor to Neighbor program initiative, to discuss the beginnings of this program, and also how it brings communities together in a ministry of welcome, inviting faith communities to join together in community sponsorship to welcome our newest neighbors. episcopalmigrationministries.org/neighbortoneighbor Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is now an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers off of bases and into welcoming communities in the coming weeks. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To continue to support the ministry of welcome, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today's episode features a recording from the Thursday, Jan. 20th webinar hosted by EMM called: "Welcoming Afghans: EMM's Neighbor to Neighbor Program", where we join with Fr. Chris McNabb, Program Manager of our new Neighbor to Neighbor program, along with Beth Frank, program director of the Community Sponsorship Hub's Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans, and Brian Dyck, national migration and resettlement program director, from the Mennonite Central Committee Canada to discuss this monumental joining of efforts to create communities of welcome through sponsorship for our newest Afghan neighbors, and to introduce EMM's new Neighbor to Neighbor initiative. episcopalmigrationministries.org/neighbortoneighbor Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is now an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers off of bases and into welcoming communities in the coming weeks. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To continue to support the ministry of welcome, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Join us this spring and summer for Season 6 of Hometown, where we zoom in on EMM's newest ministry of welcome program, called Neighbor to Neighbor. We'll hear the voices who are directly involved in this emerging ministry of welcome, such as our Neighbor to Neighbor Missioner, Fr. Chris McNabb, as well as congregations who are stepping up and doing this vital ministry. We will also feature the voices of individuals positively impacted by this new, monumental program, and voices of leaders who are on the ground spearheading this ecumenical initiative. To learn how you can get involved in community sponsorship, visit: https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on FB, twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To continue to support the ministry of welcome, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.or/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode features a recording from the June 10 panel discussion hosted by EMM. The discussion highlighted the work to rebuild the refugee resettlement program, perspectives from different faith traditions and practitioners, and the role of community support in providing welcome and integration to newly arrived refugees. The 90-minute event included a moderated panel discussion, followed by a question and answer session, with the following guests: - The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church - Demetrio Alvero , Director of Operations for Episcopal Migration Ministries - Dr. Heval Kelli, Cardiologist, co-founder and president of the Kurdish American Medical Association, and former refugee - Larry Bartlett, Director of the Office of Refugee Admissions, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, U.S. Department of State Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today's episode features a recording of the June 1 webinar hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations - Welcoming our Newest Neighbors: How Americans and the Episcopal Church Integrate Refugees into Their Communities. The event featured the following experts: • Jessica Darrow, Assistant Instructional Professor, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago • Drocella Mugorewera, Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services • Rachel Peric, Executive Director, Welcoming America Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today's episode features the recording of Reflecting on The Geneva Convention: The State of Global Refugee Trends and Refugee Policy Today, a webinar from Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. In addition to the Church’s migration ministry and policy staff, the event featured the following experts: • David FitzGerald, Professor, Gildred Chair in U.S.-Mexican Relations, and Co-Director, Center for Comparative Immigration Studies, UCSD • Susan Fratzke, Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute • Jana Mason, Senior External Relations Advisor, UNHCR ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s reflection comes from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the 27th and current presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. In this season of giving we invite you to make a gift to support the refugee and immigration ministries of The Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries.. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode features a reflection from Ana Reza, Bridge Chaplain at the Diocese of the Rio Grande, living in El Paso, Tx and working in Juarez, Mx. Ana works within one of the asylum shelters in Juarez, MX. Ana provides pastoral care and seeks and trains volunteers to go to the shelters and do a variety of activities from teaching to prayer. During COVID she is involved with EMM in building solidarity with other members of the community working along the border and with asylum seekers throughout the USA. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. In this season of giving we invite you to make a gift to support the refugee and immigration ministries of The Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode is part of EMM’s weekly Advent reflections from our supporters and friends. Our reflection author is Thomas Diaz, a 5th generation Angeleno. Thomas is from the diocese of Los Angeles and his home parish is All Saints Church, Pasadena. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. In this season of giving we invite you to make a gift to support the refugee and immigration ministries of The Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries.. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Our reflection author The Rev. Anna Page is a priest in the Episcopal Church and Captain in the United States Army. She is canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts but serves as the Curate at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Raleigh, NC. When not on Zoom, Anna enjoys lifting heavy things, tending to her plants, and renovating her camper van. Join us on December 13 from 7-8PM Eastern for a virtual Advent Vigil, available by Zoom webinar or Facebook live. Register for the Zoom webinar at bit.ly/emmvigil. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. In this season of giving we invite you to make a gift to support the refugee and immigration ministries of The Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries.. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode is the first in a series of weekly Advent reflections from EMM supporters and friends. Our reflection author Rushad Thomas is a policy advisor in The Episcopal Church’s Washington, D.C.-based Office of Government Relations. We invite you to join us each week during Advent for reflection and prayer. Reflections are also available on the EMM website blog - www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog. Join us on December 13 from 7-8PM Eastern for a virtual Advent Vigil, available by Zoom webinar or Facebook live. Register for the Zoom webinar at bit.ly/emmvigil. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. In this season of giving we invite you to make a gift to support the refugee and immigration ministries of The Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries.. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. We also invite you to get your very own EMM swag at bit.ly/weareemm. We have a variety of EMM branded shirts to help you proclaim loudly that you welcome our newest neighbors. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode features an interview with Ben, a pastor, evangelist and asylee from Nigeria. He lives in the Southeast United States and was granted asylum in 2020. We also speak with the Reverend Leeann Culbreath, who has accompanied individuals and families impacted by immigrant detention in South Georgia, most often at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ccilla, Georgia. In 2017, she helped found South Georgia Immigrant Support Network, which they referenced in today's interview. South Georgia Immigrant Support Network is a humanitarian nonprofit that provides a hospitality house, visitation, pen pal, post-release, and advocacy programs. Leeann frequently travels around the Diocese of Georgia teaching and preaching about immigrant detention and accompaniment ministry. And in 2020, she became one of our volunteer co facilitators for EMM's detention ministry network. Join us on December 13, from 7 to 8pm. Eastern for a virtual Advent vigil and it will be available by Zoom webinar and also Facebook Live we invite you to register for the zoom webinar at bit.ly/EMMvigil. Follow EMM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where we are @EMMrefugees. In the season of giving, we invite you to make a gift to support the refugee and immigration ministries of the Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text Hometown to 91999. We also want to invite you to get your very own EMM swag at bit.ly/weareemm. We have a variety of EMM branded shirts to help you proclaim loudly that you welcome our newest neighbors. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

Today’s episode features the recording of Walking with Asylum Seekers: Ministry Opportunities for Congregations, the first of a three-part virtual training series offered in partnership with The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s AMMPARO program and Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains. The three 90-minute virtual events are for congregations interested in supporting and walking alongside asylum seekers. We provide advocacy updates, resources for group discernment, ministry models, and important considerations when engaging in ministry with asylum seekers. Visit bit.ly/asylumministrytraining to register for one or both of the virtual sponsorship trainings. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode features our interview with The Rev. Mike Wallens, co-chair of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries (RGBM) for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, and Nellie Fagen, project coordinator for Rio Grande Borderland Ministries (RGBM) through Blueprint. Mike Wallens is the Vicar of an Episcopal church in Marfa, Texas and serves four other churches in the Big Bend region of Far West Texas. The Rio Grande Borderland Ministries which Mike serves covers all of New Mexico and Far West Texas. The ministries of Rio Grande Borderland Ministries include working with the Anglican Diocese of Northern Mexico as well as shelters on the U.S. side of the border. Mike helps coordinate responses to the humanitarian crisis along the southern border of the United States, maintaining open communication with the Border Patrol in the Big Bend Sector and supporting Rio Grande Borderland Ministries partnership with Boquillas Beyond Mexico Mission, Inc. Nellie Fagen serves as project coordinator for Rio Grande Borderland Ministries and focuses on developing and implementing strategy for marketing, communications, and fundraising. Nellie has passions for social justice, advocacy, and community building. Be sure to learn more about Rio Grande Borderland Ministries at their website riograndeborderland.org. Sign up for their monthly newsletter and stay up to date on their ministries and ways you can be involved. Follow Rio Grande Borderland Ministries on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @RioGrandeBorderlands. Follow EMM on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Today's interview is with Jessica Goudeau, author of After the Last Border: Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America. Goudeau has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, among many other places, and is a former columnist for Catapult. She produced projects for Teen Vogue (“Ask a Syrian Girl”) and “A Line Birds Cannot See,” a documentary about a young girl who crossed the border into the US on her own. She has a PhD in literature from the University of Texas and served as a Mellon Writing Fellow and Interim Writing Center Director at Southwestern University. Goudeau has spent more than a decade working with refugees in Austin, TX and is the co-founder of Hill Tribers, a nonprofit that provided supplemental income for Burmese refugee artisans for seven years. Be sure to follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Join us this fall and winter to hear the voices of those involved directly in this ministry of welcome - from on the ground support, to advocacy, to folks finding creative ways to participate and contribute to the welcoming movement. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at www.abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.

Today's episode is a webinar recording of Love God, Love Neighbor: Episcopal Action on Asylum, an overview of asylum in the United States, information about the new rule proposed, a panel conversation with our guests, and specific actions you can take today to advocate for continued protection for asylum. For the PPT slides, webinar recording, advocacy toolkit, and resources, visit www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog. Make a donation to support the refugee resettlement ministry of The Episcopal Church. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Episcopal Migration Ministries, in partnership with The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, is offering three weeks of webinars geared toward action for DACA, Refugee Resettlement, and Asylum. In today’s webinar recording we came together to pray, to hear from a panel of folks resettled to the U.S. through the refugee resettlement program, and to learn steps we can take to advocate for and in support of refugees. We invite you to join us for the last webinar of the series - Episcopal Action on Asylum on June 23 at 3:30PM ET. You can register at bit.ly/June Advocacy. Make a donation to support the refugee resettlement ministry of The Episcopal Church. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today's episode is a recording from the June 9 webinar - Episcopal Action on DACA Week. Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations are hosting a three-part webinar series - Love God, Love Neighbor: Episcopal Month of Action. In today’s webinar recording we came together to pray, hear from DACA recipients, and find out ways we can take action to support DREAMers. We invite you to join us for the next two webinars - Episcopal Action on Resettlement is June 16 at 3:30PM ET and Episcopal Action on Asylum is June 23 at 3:30PM ET. You can register at bit.ly/June Advocacy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today's episode features an introduction to EMM's latest offering - Virtual Book Club Guides. These guides provide instruction and resources to hold virtual book clubs. All of the books featured cover migration issues from various perspectives and experiences. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ----------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 14 - Jesus is Laid in the Tomb- comes from The Rev. Charles “Chuck” Wynder, Jr. , Officer for Social Justice & Engagement on the Presiding Bishop’s Staff for The Episcopal Church. He works to build capacity for advocacy, embodied witness, and community engagement around social and racial justice in communities throughout the Episcopal Church. Chuck studied at the Episcopal Divinity School, MDiv ’12. A Truman Scholar, he is a native of Hampton, Virginia and is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Michigan Law School. He is married to Bethany Dickerson Wynder. They reside in Washington, D.C. where they are raising their son Charles Allen Wynder, III (Chase). Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 13 - The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother - comes from The Revd Matthew Dumont-Machowski. Matthew is a senior seminarian at Virginia Theological Seminary and has recently been ordained to the transitional diaconate in the Diocese of Virginia. Originally from Poland, Matthew has lived his entire adult life as an immigrant on three different continents. Matthew moved to the United States from the United Kingdom with his husband in 2017. Prior to their move, he served as a research fellow and lecturer in Middle Eastern Politics and Security at the University of London. He has previously worked for the UK Houses of Parliament and political think-tanks in the UK and the Middle East. Matthew is passionate about inter-faith relations, reconciliation, peace-making, and the refugee crisis around the world. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 12 - Jesus dies on the cross- comes from The Rev. Jaime Briceño, a transitional Deacon for Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Director of Admission and Recruitment, and Digital Missioner for Bexley Seabury Seminary. Jaime is from Costa Rica, with an MA Theology degree in Systematic Theology, and Interreligious dialogue from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 11 - Jesus is nailed to the cross - comes from The Rev. Canon Amy Real Coulta, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Kentucky. She serves on the board of Kentucky Refugee Ministries, which has worked with local congregations to resettle refugee families across Kentucky for 30 years. She is a native of Louisville, where she lives with her husband, Kevin. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 10 - Jesus is stripped of his garments - comes from The Rev. Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa. Currently Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, The Rev. Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Th.D. spent his early years in Rwanda, where much of his extended family still lives. His diverse career has included accounting, finance, and economics, academia, refugee resettlement and case management, hospital chaplaincy, parish and diocesan-level ministry in Rwanda, Kenya, and Massachusetts. He and his wife Christine live in Everett and have three children, Jean-Fidele, Peace, and Moses and one grandson, Josiah. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 9 - Jesus falls a third time - comes from Rob Coulston. Rob is the lay campus minister at St. Augustine's Chapel, the Episcopal and Lutheran campus ministry at the University of Kentucky. Raised in the Diocese of Lexington, Rob has served in the church most of his life as a volunteer and professional, including as a director of Reading Camp, a literacy ministry in eastern Kentucky, as an intern at the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge, MA, and as a youth minister in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 8 - Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem - comes from The Rev. Gregory Han and Elena Korbut. The Rev. Gregory Han is a “half-Asian, midwestern-Raised, Jesuit-educated, Harvard-trained, Texas-residing, Presbyterian Minister." ince summer 2014, he has served as the Director of Interfaith Relations & Education at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. He is on the faculty of the Honors College at the University of Houston, and he also speaks and teaches widely across the Houston area. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and Harvard Divinity School. Elena Korbut is the Community Engagement Manager in the Refugee Services Department at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. She works on connecting refugees to the local community as she believes that this connection is instrumental in helping refugees make Houston their home, to contribute to building a strong and diverse community so they can thrive. Her passion for serving the refugee community is fueled by her experience as an immigrant and someone who is familiar with challenges one faces when moving to a different country. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 7 - Jesus falls for the second time - comes from Abraham Mwinda, a Congolese born, Kenyan raised singer-songwriter based in San Diego, California. His lyrics are birthed from life experience and real life daily conversations with self & others. Rhythms from a rich home culture. Creativity that draws each listener to see a bit of their own story in every song. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ Abraham Mwinda 'Believe' music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOoTTdXVoro Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 6 - A woman wipes the face of Jesus - comes from The Rev. Francisco García. A PhD student at Vanderbilt University, focusing on Theological Studies and Ethics, priest, and former community and labor organizer, he also serves as an Assistant Chaplain at St. Augustine's Episcopal Chapel in Nashville. Prior to his doctoral studies, he served as an Episcopal school chaplain, and in leadership roles at two parishes -- most recently as the Rector of Holy Faith Episcopal Church, a multiracial, multilingual congregation in Inglewood, California. Francisco convened and served as Co-Chair of the Sanctuary Task Force of the Diocese of Los Angeles, also known as L.A. Sacred Resistance, formed to implement a Resolution committing the Diocese to be a place of welcome, refuge, and sanctuary to members of the immigrant and refugee community, and all who are targets of hate. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 5 - Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross - comes from the Rev. Deacon Paula Ott. The daughter of a Syrian immigrant and a first-generation German American, Paula was raised in a Jewish household in the Reformed tradition. She was baptized into the Christian faith in 1979, becoming an Episcopalian in 1982. In response to God’s call to her, she was ordained as a vocational deacon in the Diocese of Lexington in June of 2010. Paula currently serves as a deacon at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington, Kentucky, and St. Peter’s Church in Paris, Kentucky. Her ministries include outreach, working with youth and pastoral care. She has worked with immigrants to help them develop a clearer understanding of public school systems. She cares for her two granddaughters and serves as a chaplain for her city’s fire department. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Este podcast es el audio que acompaña las Reflexiones sobre el Vía Crucis. Lo invitamos a rezar con nosotros la liturgia el Vía Crucis. Para complementar su experiencia de este podcast, descargue el libreto que contiene la liturgia del Vía Crucis y las reflexiones que corresponden a cada Estación de la Cruz aquí: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/stations20. Hometown es un podcast de Ministerios Episcopales de Migración

This episode features a recording from the February 27 webinar, Accurate Count: Engage the US Census, a joint offering of Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. Our presenters are Alan Yarborough, Church Relations Officer for The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, and Shagufta Ahmed of the National Partnership Program at the US Census Bureau. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 4- Jesus meets Mary - comes from The Rev. Cristina Rathbone. The Rev. Rathbone served for ten years as the Canon Missioner for the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, working primarily with homeless and marginally housed women and men in that city. Together with the homeless community, she birthed a new faith community named as MANNA (Many Angels Needed Now and Always) which is now a thriving and multi-faceted ministry of the Cathedral. Cristina has spent the past seven months developing the new Bridge Chaplaincy Program for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, helping them find pastoral, incarnate and flexible ways to serve migrants and asylum seekers in Ciudad Juarez and El Paso. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for the latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Today’s reflection on Station 3 - Jesus Falls for the First time - comes from The Rev. David Ulloa Chavez. Fr. David serves as the Missioner of Border Ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. Prior to serving as Missioner, Fr. David served as Priest-in-charge of Iglesia Episcopal Santa Maria and as Curate of Hispanic Ministry at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. His service to the larger church includes being on the Advisory Council for the Hispanic Latino/a Ministries of TEC and as a member of the Anti-racism committee of the Diocese of Arizona. Fr. David is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where he completed his M.Div. and ThM. degrees. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ----------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees