The Heart of Service

One of my favorite parts of working at City of Refuge is the incredible team we have. Each of them brings their unique personality, experience, and passion into the work we do every day. Every person is here for a different reason, motivated by their core values. I’d venture to say that it’s not “just a job” for any of us.

When I hear about the furloughs and layoffs occurring across the country at refugee resettlement agencies, I’m saddened–not just because of what it means for the refugees who are no longer receiving the services they were promised, but also because of what it means for the staff who were, more often than not, doing much more than “just a job.”

So, we’re working hard to ensure that our team can continue working alongside one another, united by the mission of serving and empowering our refugee friends. Read below on what Care Coordinator J.J. has to say about what motivates him each day.

We are, collectively, doing life-changing work. Thank you.

If you haven’t yet, we’d love to see you join our growing crew of monthly givers. When many give a little, it has the power to make the impossible possible. Help us reach our goal of $50,000/month through private donations! Together, we can.

Debbie Beal | Executive Director

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From JJ Angelo, Care Coordinator:

Reward. 

A typical response after explaining my job to a friend or family member is: “that must be very rewarding work.” I’ve always struggled to know how to respond to such a statement. 

Sure, it is great to be in a role that allows for the service and support of refugees. Being a care coordinator comes with challenges that yield unique learning experiences. The meals and hospitality from refugee families are more of a spiritual nourishment than a physical one. There’s so much that naturally comes out of this work. 

But reward? I hesitate to say so. 

Reward generally comes when an expected outcome is achieved. When the job is finished, the game is won, or when a level of recognition is finally met, then comes the reward. I speak for myself, and my fellow workers, that reward is never the aim. 

Relationship, that is the aim. 

Romans 12:10 says, speaking on marks of the true Christian, “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.” 

When a refugee comes into our office, we seek to listen, to help the best we can, and ultimately to love and honor them. Their response may be a simple thank-you, it may be nothing at all. If the relationship is reinforced, though, the aim has been met. 

So yes, there is a natural level of reward that comes with working here, but my hope is to not allow it to ever be my motivation or expectation. 

My human nature tells me that I ought to seek a reward for everything I do, especially for that which is inherently not self-serving. However, I am learning that it is more of a blessing to set aside thoughts of personal gain and simply say: I want to love you as Christ does, whatever comes after that, so be it.

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