The Thach Family

The Thach family's arrival to the States was sponsored by First CRC of Freemont, MI. When they arrived in the country, they had little belongings with them, and knew no English. Since their arrival, First CRC and PARA -Program Assisting Refugee Acculturation - have helped to assimilate this family into their new surroundings with astounding results. All of the adults have found work and are learning English skills. Ten-year-old Tri is doing very well in school and is one of the best readers in his grade.

The Thach family expressed their gratitude to First CRC in this letter:

Dear Rev. Petroelje and members of the church:

I would like to thank you for your open arms and warm heart to welcome us to the United States. You have been helping us from every step from the first day until now. You always take the extra step to make sure we are comfortable in the new way of life and the society that we encounter on every day activities.

To the congregation and ministries: What you all have done to my family, we are deeply touched and grateful. There are so many words we would like to say thank you, but it could never be enough. The only thing we know is to ask God and pray his blessing upon all of you and your family.

As time goes, if I and my family have caused any one of you an uneasy situation or uncomfortable feeling, please forgive us. We mean no harm or any intention to cause it. We are still learning every day and step by step. That includes how to live as a Christian person and at the same time to become a good person in society. You have shown us of your warm heart and open arms and that has had a great impression on us. Only Christian people would have these open arms, and we would like to become a part of the congregation of the church, and we would like to become good Christian people like all of you. Again, thank you for everything you have done for my family.

Might God comfort and watch over all of you, his bright guiding light always shine on every one of you. We wish you all the best and might all your wishes come true.

Yours truly,
The Thach Family

Jotham Ippel of PARA writes: "The US culture of independence, as opposed to inter-dependence, often means that refugees and immigrants who are not welcomed by family or by a church face a difficult transition into American culture. On the other hand, churches today face an uphill battle in our attempts to understand and build bridges cross-culturally. Refugee ministry is an opportunity to learn to appreciate and accept cultural differences. Involvement in refugee ministries means changed attitudes and changed lives for both church members and the refugees involved. Church partners start asking bigger questions: Globally, why are countries producing refugees? What can we do to help? And ultimately what injustices can we help change locally?"