Immigrant outreach builds valuable relationships
WINNIPEG, MB—Shoaib Ebadi can clearly recall what it was like to immigrate to Canada from Afghanistan in 2000.
"You experience a lot of differences—differences in weather, differences in cultural values, differences in behaviour," Ebadi says. "You have to learn a new banking system, new life values. … The reality doesn't match your expectation and you experience culture shock."
Ebadi appreciates the help he and his family received when they arrived. So, in an effort to show other newcomers that same kindness, Ebadi started New Immigrant CHAI Centre in 2007. "CHAI" stands for Christians Helping All Immigrants and also represents the fact that the centre is a place to meet for tea. Ebadi and his volunteers meet the needs of immigrants by building relationships with them as they make Winnipeg their home.
CHAI currently runs two programs. During the Friday evening program, men and women gather together to eat snacks and play games. After 45 minutes, a presentation is made during which a guest speaker teaches the group about some aspect of North American culture—from finances, to healthy eating, to housing, to the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Afterward, everyone breaks into small groups led by volunteers. They discuss questions based on the presentation and also talk about whatever they are interested in.
The second program, CHAI Athletics, takes place on Saturday mornings at Calvary Temple and gives participants the opportunity to meet new people, practice their English and play sports.
"Our intention is to integrate them into Canadian society and also help them know about Christianity," Ebadi says, adding that all CHAI volunteers are Christian and they occasionally share their faith during the small group times, as well as during one-on-one discussions with CHAI participants.
Ebadi adds that while government services aimed at newcomers are helpful, what they don't provide are relationships.
"Our volunteers come and build relationships with immigrants," he says.
CHAI runs two sessions of its program for men and women, each lasting 20 weeks. Each session includes 35 to 40 immigrants as well as roughly 14 volunteers. Ebadi says the sessions are always full, and even on a stormy winter evening, a group of 45 people will show up.
"For some of them, it's the highlight of their week," he says.
Alan Wiebe has volunteered at CHAI for three years and says it's a rewarding experience.
"I think we make a tangible difference in building relationships and making newcomers feel safe," Wiebe says. "We try to be the hands and feet of Jesus."
Ebadi agrees, saying he is happiest when a new session starts and he gets to know new people, and he is saddest when a session ends and he has to say goodbye to them.
"It's a ministry that blesses both sides," he says.
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
