The Gift of Freedom

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13

Elina arrived in Canada in June 2024 with her mother, her sister and brother-in-law, and the couple’s child. Elina’s sister and mother have requested that we not share their photos. Perhaps, like many families who escape conflict and oppression, they fear what sharing their story and photos could mean for the safety of loved ones who still live in their homeland. 

But Elina wanted to share her story. She said she wants to be the voice for oppressed women in her home country, Afghanistan. She wants the freedom she now enjoys to be available for other Afghan women.

What is freedom for Elina? She explained, “Freedom is being able to sleep peacefully without terrifying nightmares, not having to hide the fact that I am a girl – and, above all, the kindness I have received from Canadians. They truly care about us. Thank you for giving us the gift of freedom.”

With support from the World Renew Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team, a Baptist church in Ontario, sponsored Elina and her family members, who had fled Afghanistan and had sought asylum in Pakistan. As Christians, the family faced persecution in their homeland and, like many others in their situation, chose to flee the country rather than live in hiding. 

Living as refugees meant they continued to exist in fear: fear of not being able to afford basic necessities due to lack of employment opportunities; fear of not having a safe place to live; fear of never truly having a country to call home. 

But Elina said she placed her trust in God: “Our Lord Jesus Christ was with me and my family throughout this journey. We are one in the body of Christ.”

Elina continues to hold on to faith and trust in God’s goodness as she settles into life in Ontario. She gives praise to God that she has found a country to call home.

“I was able to connect with the Canadian community, and I can truly say that Canada feels like home to me,” said Elina. 

She also rejoices in the freedom she now has to worship God and give him praise. 

“I am able to attend church freely and read the Bible—something I could never do in the past,” she said. “I no longer need to hide myself.”

Elina understands that freedom doesn’t mean life won’t have challenges. She is excited to work and be a contributing and supportive member of society. 

“Finding a job is very difficult, and I have not yet been able to enter my professional field. However, I will soon start volunteering to help newly arrived immigrants,” she explained. “My hope is to become a successful dentist and to serve Canada, the country that accepted me. Canada is my homeland.”

When asked what has been most helpful as she adjusts to life in Canada, Elina said, “The love and acceptance I received from the community and the warm welcome extended to us.” 

She encourages other newcomers to “strive to be valuable members of this society and never stop trying—there is always a light shining through the darkness!”

June 29 is Refugee Sunday in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Through your gift you can help World Renew’s Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team to provide crucial support for sponsoring churches and groups throughout the entire sponsorship process. Please give generously so that more people like Elina can experience the joy of being free to practice their faith in Canada. To find out more about Refugee Sunday, access our church resources, or watch our newest video, click here.