Ryan's Story
Dear RHPNA Network,
After moving back to the USA from ministry overseas, I hoped to serve refugee communities in Amarillo, TX. Instead, I felt overwhelmed by the need. I had no idea what to do next. I was completely alone!
From Overwhelmed to Equipped
A friend invited me to attend the 2017 RHPNA Roundtable in Dallas. There I learned from like-minded people who were asking the same questions I was. I listened and prayed. I took pagefuls of notes and met dozens of people who are now my colleagues and friends.
The following year I attended the Roundtable in Chicago with a team of volunteers. I had put into practice what I learned at the first meeting; this time I came as a presenter to equip others!
Will you join me in supporting the future mobilization of refugee workers like myself through a donation to the Refugee Highway Partnership North America? Our RHPNA Leadership Team has a goal to raise $15,000 toward initiatives that continue to connect and mobilize us in this ministry of welcome, including a NA Roundtable in 2022.
Ryan connecting with others at the 2018 Roundtable in Chicago.
From Isolated to Networked
When I attended the Dallas Roundtable, I did not have any relationships with others who were serving refugees. I met folks from the organization Abounding Service and later visited them in Phoenix to learn from their program, later implementing some of what I learned in my own context.
Eventually, I established my own organization in Amarillo called Refugee Language Project. Throughout this journey, I’ve been confronted with confusing cultural exchanges, concerns about strategies, and feelings of loneliness. Each step of the way, friends I’ve made through RHPNA have helped me overcome the obstacles.
Roundtables, Regionals, the RHPNA Slack channel and occasional webinars have allowed me to learn from others who’ve been on this journey far longer. At the same time, as I’ve built new programs, others have learned from me and offered their own improvements in their own contexts. It’s truly a Kingdom partnership with these new friends!
Everything I’ve accomplished in Amarillo has been the direct result of RHPNA’s influence. I’ve benefited so much from my RHPNA network that I want to share it with others. Your donation of $25 or more goes a long way in making sure that RHPNA members like you and me stay connected, encouraged, and equipped in our journey with refugee neighbors.
From Separation to Welcome
In Amarillo, I was serving a Congolese friend with frequent English classes when he suddenly moved out-of-state. I was brokenhearted! I connected with colleagues through RHPNA’s Slack channel and found someone to welcome Matthias in his new city. What a beautiful picture of the Church’s ability to envelop people into its family!
With Mattias before he departed Amarillo.
If you are reading this, you likely have your own story of how RHPNA has provided a network of support both for you and refugee friends you know and love. I invite you to help us sustain this supportive network through a financial gift.
We are 100% volunteer-run, and your donation has an exponential impact in fueling a Kingdom movement of transformational ministry with and among forcibly displaced people in North America and beyond.
Thank you!
Ryan Pennington,
Refugee Language Project (Amarillo, TX) and
Regional Roundtable Coach for the RHPNA Leadership Team