Portraits of Freedom: World Refugee Day 2010
By Beth Azarow, LIRS Project Associate for Mission Advancement

LIRS has many reasons to remember, reflect and return thanks on World Refugee Day, June 20. We are thankful to God, our refugee resettlement partners and Lutheran congregations across the country that in 2009 we had the privilege of welcoming 10,904 refugees from 55 nationalities to the United States. We are especially thankful for the freedom former refugees now experience in their new communities. Freedom to speak openly. Freedom to practice their religion. And in many cases, freedom from the worry over daily survival.

Former refugees themselves say it best. Celebrate freedom with these newcomers, and pray that all refugees around the world would likewise find protection and freedom.

“In Burma we cannot speak about democracy or human rights or justice or peace freely like we can here.” —U Agga, former refugee from Burma, Utica, New York

“The most pleasant [part of coming to the United States] was the freedom we had— the ability to express my thoughts, politically and socially, without discrimination.” —Gabriel, former refugee from Cuba, Miami, Florida

“Being a refugee, coming to the United States was a big challenge; it was a big change. It was difficult but we survived. This country is a free land, it is a land of opportunity.” —The Rev. Ner Clay (Moe Win), former refugee from Burma, Omaha, Nebraska

“There was a time in my life where I had to think about how I was going to make it through the day, but now, coming to America has opened up so many doors for me. I can think 10 years ahead. It has expanded my life in so many ways.” —Khalid Ibrahimi, former refugee from Afghanistan, Gainesville, Florida

“My children are learning fast and have a positive mind in the United States. The living standard is much better, and we don’t worry anymore for our daily bread or our food.” —Vung Lam Man, former refugee from Burma, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whose children are pictured on the front cover.