Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Reaching Out in the Local Community.

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done. (Thanks, Frank, for that email.)

I had the great pleasure to photograph an event for RRISA last week where they invited different organizations, churches, companies, and politicians to learn more about their work in resettling refugees here in Atlanta. Check out their website to learn more about what you can do! I was first introduced to this organization through our church in hopes to reach out to our local Atlanta community. It's so crazy how much you can do to serve right in our own backyards if you only allow yourself to be available to do it.

Working with the community, RRISA strives to improve the plight of displaced and uprooted people. RRISA answers the humanitarian call to serve those fleeing from persecution, war, famine and extreme poverty. Their mission is to help refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, and Cuban/Haitian entrants resettle in the U.S. and regain self-sufficiency. (Taken off their website)

What's so cool about these types of organizations is that you can work with them right here in the community that you live. You don't have to go overseas to help out. You can give monetary donations as well as furniture and clothes. You can also get more personal and help out with assisting the families in adjusting to the U.S. or in tutoring English. Not only will it be a blessing to them, but I can assure that it will be a huge blessing to you too.

It's all about thinking globally, acting locally. Here were a few photos from the night. The first one I shot right before the event of the church right next door.















2 comments:

kjow said...

nice pics!! reaching out and volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. you really can't do too much to help those in need. :)

Esther Julee said...

So maybe we can figure some other stuff to do in the community too while I'm there. :P Not that I'm trying to *compartmentalize* But I'd also like to check it out.