On November 23rd, we went to a funeral of a Burmese gentleman in our Denver community. He had no family but the chin community became his family. There were about 300 people there as well as 50 cars following to the cemetery. This was a very difficult and sad occasion, but it also made us aware of how proud we are to be apart of this amazing community.

Thang Tir lived alone and was isolated from the refugee community. His family had all passed away. He attended Project Worthmore’s ESL classes faithfully, and sometimes had to ride 2-3 buses to get to class. He was trying hard to learn english, so he could pass his citizenship and continue receiving social security income. He tried and tried and failed the test. Who can be expected at his age to learn a whole new language? If he didn’t pass the test, he was worried about what would become of him. He didn’t believe anyone would hire an old man. If he lost his social security benefits his funds would be gone, and he would potentially be homeless. Overcome with despair he took his life.

We have been devistated by Thang Tir’s death. Everyone needs a safety net and a support system. Many people are lonely, and feel alone in their problems, especially in our individualized western country. This makes it especially hard for those from eastern cultures who have immigrated here and are acustom to community and relationship-oriented life to then try to integrate to western culture.

Help us pray for and befriend refugees who may feel hopeless and overwhelmed. Pray that we would be able to reach them in time and be a place of hope and help in their life. To let them know they are not alone and someone cares. Pray that systems would be changed to include the forgotten and overlooked. And pray for the refugee community in Denver who are pretty shaken up over it.

Blessings,

Frank Anello

Executive Director