Refugees
city at peace
"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” – Leviticus 19:34
Welcoming Refugees
Salem Alliance Church has a heart to extend the love of Jesus to refugees – our new neighbors. Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes because of war, persecution and violence around the world. We believe that the Church is called to be at the forefront of welcoming them to our community, learning from them and walking alongside them as they establish a new home in Salem.
Our refugee ministry is called Baraka, which means “blessing” in a variety of languages. Through Baraka, we seek to bless our new neighbors through long-term practical, social and spiritual support. Our programs include Women's English Classes, Sparrow Furniture, the International Prayer Gathering, the Airport Welcome Team, All Nations Soccer and a partnership with Salem For Refugees. Below, you’ll find a volunteer interest form and more information about each program.
Women's English Classes
Baraka offers English classes for women. These classes provide a warm, relational environment for women to learn English and build community. Childcare and transportation are provided. To register for English classes, click below. To volunteer with teaching, childcare, hospitality or transportation, contact Anya Holcomb below.
At Sparrow Furniture, refugees access opportunities for meaningful employment by acquiring English and woodworking skills through a paid apprenticeship. To learn more and support this ministry, click the link below or watch the video.
The International Prayer Gathering is a place where refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and friends from all over the world gather in community with multiple cultures, languages and nationalities. Every Sunday we meet together to share a meal, learn from Scripture and worship and pray in a variety of languages. To learn more or to get involved, email Doug Holcomb below.
Airport Welcome Team
The Airport Welcome Team welcomes new refugee families when they first arrive in the United States at the Portland Airport, and provides transportation back to their new home in Salem. To learn more or get involved email Anya Holcomb below.
All Nations Soccer
We partner with New Hope Foursquare Church to offer weekly opportunities for community and discipleship around the most popular global sport. To learn more or get involved, email Doug Holcomb below.
We partner with Salem For Refugees, our local refugee resettlement agency, to support the initial resettlement process for refugees coming to our city. To volunteer as a Host Home or a Good Neighbor Team, click the link below.
Questions?
Doug and Anya Holcomb, Pastors of Refugee Ministries, are here to help. Reach out to them and they'd be happy to
connect with you.
