Love for the Alien

Sam Chang, Jackie and Thong Diep at the FIRM Christmas party on Saturday

LOVE FOR THE ALIEN

Jackie Diep (center) attended the Christmas party with his 10-year-old son, Thong Diep (right). Jackie, originally from Vietnam, spent 18 years in the Philippines as a refugee before immigrating to the United States.  He was able to bring his son, Thong, to the U.S. this year, where Thong has only recently become a naturalized citizen.

“We are glad Jackie came to the right place at the right time and talked to the right people,” says Sam Chang, Peer Support Specialist for Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM). Sam works with refugees, helping them navigate the system of legal documentation.

“Without legal documentation, you can’t apply for a Social Security Number (to get a job), a driver’s license or MediCal,” says Sam. “Hmong refugees come to the United States not knowing how to speak English, often with no relatives to help them. They are like babies. They don’t even know how to ask for help. FIRM is like loving parents. We teach them skills and independence.”

Jackie Diep says that when he first came to the U.S. six years ago, other people took advantage of him, stealing everything he had, and not giving him any help. That was before he found FIRM.

“We helped him at no cost,” Sam said. “And we remind refugees that they have to be willing to comply with the regulations of their new country.”

“We have to be willing to learn, to survive, to improve ourselves and follow the regulations of the United States,” Jackie Diep says.

How does Jackie feel now that his son, Thong, is a U.S. citizen, thanks to the help of Sam Chang at FIRM?

“I feel happy,” Jackie says. “I don’t want to leave behind my kid. Imagine a kid without a parent, they get the wrong direction.”

Sam has also helped 10-year-old Thong get a passport so he can visit his mother, who is still in the Philippines.

“We try to assist refugees and help them reduce stress as they start a new life in the U.S.,” Sam Chang says.

FIRM’s mission is to “share Christ’s love, to build communities of hope with new Americans”.

If you would like to learn more about the ministries of FIRM, donate money or time, please go to www.firminc.org or call 559-487-1500.

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:17-19 (New American Standard Version)

--Posted by Mama O.