A few weeks ago, several members of the J&RR team went to Bethany Community Church to hear a keynote address on justice from Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra. The focus of her message was on "Familia Justice" — what would justice look like if we saw everyone around us as family?
This powerful message is now available on video. You can watch the whole event which includes a panel discussion, or if you'd just like to watch the keynote, it begins at minute 8 and ends at minute 40.
Link to Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra's Familia Justice Keynote
Familia Justice in Action – Helping Refugees
by Fawn Johnson
Since the fall of Kabul in August of 2021, my family and I have been partnering with World Relief to provide temporary housing to arriving refugees. We have welcomed over 300 refugees, primarily from Afghanistan, to our six homes while they await permanent housing. We partner with BelPres to provide needed items for the refugees and for preparing the homes for newly arriving families.
We currently have 4 families with us – including 14 children ages 2-18. Two more families will arrive this week and next. Most refugees arrive with very little and are generally unprepared for the cold weather. You can help, too!
We are in immediate need of the following items:
Clothing: (new or gently used – no stains, no holes, no rips)
- Winter coats and jackets – adults and children
- Warm socks – adults and children
- Winter shoes – adults and children
- Winter clothes – especially for children
Toys & Books: (new or gently used)
We have depleted our supplies of children's toys and books. Books that can help them learn English are great. As we go into the fall and winter months, it would be nice to have more books and toys to keep them entertained inside. The families don't have a lot to do while they wait for permanent housing – they generally aren't allowed to work yet, and the kids can't start school.
Household Items:
- Blankets – new or gently used
- Pillows - new
If you'd like to help or have questions, please contact Fawn Johnson at