Tabletalk Schedule
Tabletalk Schedule Roundtable 2024
Session 1: Thursday 1:30-2:30
1. State of the Refugee Highway: Panel Discussion with Liliana Reza and Maria Galleta – Moderated by Alison Witt
Description: This panel discussion, moderated by Alison Witt, will lead participants into a deeper discussion with those who presented during the first plenary session on the State of the Refugee Highway. Liliana Reza and Maria Galleta will provide further depth and detail about current movements along the highway.
Organization/Website: Refugee Highway Partnership, RHPNA.com Location: Youth Room
2. Reaching the Children – Jesús Sandoval
Description: Knowing how to build relationships with international and refugee children is so important. Oftentimes it creates opportunities with their parents to eventually reach the entire family as a whole. This session is for those who work directly with families and children and want to share their best practices and discover ways to better reach this population. Examples and stories will be shared about how Tucson Refugee Ministry has been connecting with children and their families on a long-term basis, sharing God's word with them in respectful and relevant ways.
Bio: Jesús Sandoval is the Youth Director at Tucson Refugee Ministry in Tucson, AZ. He has been leading the youth programs for international and refugee kids for over five years. Presently he coordinates weekly programming and annual events such as the Summer Kids Camp for over 100 children and teens. Jesus loves building relationships and sharing God's word with children from all over the world and training up others who have the heart and desire to do the same.
Organization/Website: Tucson Refugee Ministry, tucsonrefugeeministry.com
3. Church Mobilization: Moving the Needle from 0 to 100! – James Grunau and Mim Wickett
Description: The local church is the ready-made community to embrace and support refugees. Join us as we discuss some successful and some failed strategies for engaging churches in refugee ministry. We will also take some time to strategize together in forming ways to involve the Church.
Bio: In 2005, James Grunau and members of his church home group launched Journey Home Community, a ministry providing housing, settlement support, and opportunities for connection to refugee claimants arriving in Vancouver, BC. Now with a staff of close to 20 and in partnership with multiple churches, JHC has assisted hundreds of asylum seekers from some 60 nations.
Since 2016, Mim Wickett has been a key volunteer for the refugee support ministry at Tenth Church in Vancouver, BC, in partnership with Journey Home Community. During this time, Tenth Church has provided housing for hundreds of refugee claimants and currently supports a community of 400-600 newcomers in their settlement and integration.
Organization/Website: Journey Home Community Association, journeyhomecommunity.ca
4. "Come and see!": The Glorious Message of Jesus the Messiah – Ed Beach and Ramón Padilla
Note: No Pictures or Audio/Video recording is permitted in this session.
Description: "Come and see!" is a very flexible approach to biblical storyweaving conversations that begin with "Listen first and listen well" whether that requires 4 or 40 or 400 cups of tea. Developed and tested by a multinational team, this conversational, oral-learner-friendly approach to Scripture engagement has proven fruitful on various continents. Although developed specifically for use with Muslims, the principles and process can be applied anywhere people converse.
Bio: Ed Beach has translated the Bible for a Central America people group that has half of its population in North America. He now works with a multi-national team that facilitates training on four continents for Scripture engagement conversations that begin with active listening for truly relevant personal connections. Ramón Padilla did Bible translation in Mexico. He now works in Scripture engagement with international diaspora in Canada.
Organization/Website: Storyweavers Global, swg.world Location: Room 6
5. Global Migration and Conversion: How the Migration Journey Influences Religious Switching – Richard Kronk
Description: Though scholars debate whether migration serves to increase religious participation or not, for some migrants, the migratory act seems to encourage conversion. The objective of this topic is to seek to understand how migration does so and if this knowledge can inform outreach and discipleship for Churches in the receiving/host country.
Bio: Richard Kronk and his wife spent 15 years in ministry to North African Muslim immigrants in France. He currently serves as Professor of Intercultural Studies at Toccoa Falls College and Adjunct Professor at Dallas International University where he teaches courses related to missiology, biblical studies, and immigration.
Organization/Website: Dallas International University Location: Room 7
6. Welcoming Displaced Afghans with Love to Your Community – Andrew McGavin
Description: This is for those who wish to: grow in understanding Afghan cultures, worldviews, religions and migration journeys; build meaningful, mutually life-giving relationships with displaced Afghans in a North American context; express the Father's heart towards the stranger; share their own experiences and ask questions; learn how Bridges USA could serve them through its no-cost/no-obligation resources, network and expertise.
Bio: Andrew McGavin is the Director of Bridges USA, which equips, resources, and networks those welcoming displaced Afghans into their communities, particularly in the USA. He lived for five years in Afghanistan as a child, has visited the country several times as an adult, taught for 11 years in the Middle East and has advocated for Afghan refugees since August 2021.
Organization/Website: Bridges USA, bridgesusa.us Location: Room 14
Session 2: Thursday 3:00-4:00
7. Refugee 101 - The Basics – Laura and Nick Armstrong
Description: In this seminar, we will go over the basics of resettlement: Who is coming, Where are they coming from, Why do they come and What happens once they reach the United States. We will also do an activity and have time for a discussion. Join us if you are new to refugee resettlement or if you present Refugee 101 in your area so you can help make our discussion richer and broader for all of the US.
Bio: Nick and Laura Armstrong are the co-directors of Glocal Community Partners. After living in Indonesia for 23 years they came back to Boise, ID, where God laid on their hearts to work with forcibly displaced people who came to Boise to find safety, freedom, and healing. With that in mind, Glocal was started with the aim of mobilizing, training, and connecting volunteers with forcibly displaced people to help foster friendship and build social capital. This has become their heart work where they have received much more than they give.
Organization/Website: Glocal Community Partners, www.glocalboise.org Location: Youth Room
8. Sports for Integration and Connection – Andre Leitao
Description: Andre has worked in Egypt with a soccer project and in Brazil to promote integration with refugees. In Canada, he is trying to implement a project with soccer and judo, while still exploring different sports options that are unknown to newcomers. Sports can be a key tool to bring people together and build relationships that last. The activities are important for integration and the mental health of children and adults. The relationships built in these projects are key to community integration and building bridges that can open doors to share the love of Christ. Research in Canada shows that newcomers want to have more access to sports activities but don't know how or don't have the means to do it. I believe that as a church we can promote these sports activities with a special welcoming atmosphere that will bear the mark of Jesus' love and hospitality.
Bio: Andre and his wife, Fatima, have served in Africa for 14 years. They are from Brazil and have served in three different countries. In Egypt they served four years with the Sudanese refugee community and had a soccer program with Sudanese and Egyptians. In 2013, they returned to Brazil and founded an NGO with their church to serve refugees coming from the war in Syria, Iraq, and other Arab countries. In 2022, they left that ministry to join the Interserve team working in Canada. They came to a local church in Montreal to serve the newcomers in the area.
Organization/Website: InterServe, stmarkstpeter.org Location: Room 3
9. Exodus Experts: The Expanding Role of Refugees in Bible Translation – Trevor Deck
Description: There are many Bible-translation needs represented among the refugees here in North America. Currently, Bible translation work happening among them here is growing. This session presents an overview of current Bible translation work underway in North America with refugee participants, including a look at how they got involved and what their role and contribution are now. Discussion time will be focused around the remaining opportunities for the refugee community to get involved.
Bio: Trevor Deck works with SIL International, connecting with strategic refugee communities for Bible translation work, especially where that work is difficult to do in the home country for any reason. Displaced community members who stay connected through technology are already contributing to and benefitting from Bible translation work, and these opportunities are growing.
Organization/Website: SIL's Global Diaspora Services Location: Room 4
10. Orality: Meeting Literacy Needs of Oral Learners – Anne York-Herjeczki
Description: Some community-based ESL programs are challenged with teaching newly arrived refugees from oral cultures. Teaching ESL to refugees from oral cultures requires pedagogical approaches that are based on orality. This means understanding and adapting to the unique learning strengths and methods of oral-based cultures, where spoken language and storytelling are the primary modes of communication and learning. The absence of literacy shapes the learners' epistemology, and with a better understanding, literate teachers can help weave new ways of knowing to help newcomers gain literacy through orality. This session will introduce ways to support this unique population in learning English. Participants will explore the learning strengths and methods used in oral-based cultures. The presenter will define orality, explain the differences in learning between oral and literate cultures, and provide sample lessons, resources, and examples to support oral English learners in gaining literacy in English.
Bio: Anne York-Herjeczki (Biola MA TESOL) has over 20 years of experience teaching English in the US and China. She is in her third year of the Biola University Ph.D. program in Intercultural Education. Her research interests include refugee care and creating thriving spaces for newcomers through community-based resettlement programs.
Organization/Website: Biola University/Voice of the Refugees
11. Won't You Be My Neighbor? – Samira Izadi Page
Description: As Christians, we are called to “go and make disciples of all nations.” But what happens when God brings the nations to us as displaced and often wounded people? How are Christians to carry out this essential and non-negotiable mandate from God in ways that are healing and mutual? The majority of Christians never become vocational missionaries abroad and the Great Commission is a nice sentiment to them. While no fundraising is needed, no packing up your family and moving across the globe, receiving people who are from other cultures and religions and accepting them as our neighbors can be fraught with fear, apathy, and even unwillingness. Yet, refugees are among the “ends of the earth” people, and Christ wants, yes, commands his church to reach them with love. This seminar aims to pull refugees out of public and political sectors of debate and place them squarely on our Damascus Road to the Church. It will also provide an opportunity to ask those difficult questions many have but are uncomfortable asking among Christians. Be challenged, transformed, and inspired to serve refugees.
Bio: Samira was raised in Iran as a Muslim and due to persecution, fled Iran and obtained political asylum status in the US, where Samira converted to Christianity. Samira has committed her life to bringing the love of Christ to those whose hope and dignity have been taken away by oppressive governments and circumstances. Samira works cross-denominationally. She helps congregations embrace new ways of doing mission in our rapidly changing world.
Organization/Website: Gateway of Grace, gatewayofgrace.org
12. What God is Doing among Afghans in North America – “Daniel” and Cindy Wu
Description: A Canada-based Afghan believer will share his testimony of coming to faith in Christ and then becoming an evangelist, discipler, and mobilizer. The presenters will share about how God is moving in Central Asia and using displaced Afghan Christians here in the North American context to build his Church.
Bio: "Daniel" is Co-founder and Vice President of Ariana Ministries. He and his wife served in Turkey and Afghanistan, leading a network of house churches in the years before the Taliban takeover. They are now based in Canada.
Rev. Cindy M. Wu is co-director of Mosaic Formation, a spiritual formation ministry she and her husband founded to serve leaders serving marginalized and underserved communities. Cindy is the founder and director of Ride with Refugees and published author of books and chapter contributions on global Christianity and refugee welcome.
Organization/Website: Ride with Refugees/Mosaic Formation and Ariana Ministries
Session 3: Friday 11:00-Noon
13. "Once You See It, You Can't Unsee It" - Seeing Refugees in the Bible – Pete Seiferth and Michelle Hillis
Description: Reading the Bible through the eyes of the displaced helps us to know God's heart for refugees. In this interactive and participatory table talk, we will invite participants to remember and reflect upon where refugees can be seen in the Bible and the implications for Christian faith and practice.
Bio: Pete Seiferth was appointed Executive Director of Tucson Refugee Ministry (TRM) in December 2023, after serving since 2016 on TRM's Board of Directors. From 2001 to 2023, he served in lead and associate pastoral roles, leading missional discipleship and outreach with refugees and asylum seekers, and bridging relationships with immigrants and non-immigrants. Pete has studied at the University of Arizona (BA Anthropology/Religion), Austin Seminary (MDiv), and Fuller Seminary (DMin Missional Leadership).
Michelle Hillis started as the Director of Connections at Tucson Refugee Ministry in 2024, returning to TRM after previously serving as an intern in 2021. After receiving her MA in Christian ministry, she worked in hospice care as a Chaplain and bereavement coordinator. Michelle has spent over two decades serving in various church leadership roles including children, youth, and women’s ministries, with a special passion for Christian spiritual formation and discipleship as well as serving with local and global church missions.
Organization/Website: Tucson Refugee Ministry, tucsonrefugeeministry.com
14. Shelter, Hope and Healing: Housing Solutions along the Highway – Bethany Ringdal
Description: For people who have been displaced, finding a place to call "home" can seem like an impossible challenge; even for those who have arrived safely in North America, legal processes, lack of resources, and isolation can make achieving safe and stable housing and life-giving community difficult. Gather with other practitioners of home-making among asylum seekers and refugees to discuss a variety of models for providing shelter and restoring hope.
Bio: Bethany Ringdal is learning to live a Jesus-shaped life of hospitality and solidarity among global neighbors. She leads IAFR's Jonathan House ministry, a community of shelter, hope and healing where asylum seekers and Americans can thrive together. She lives with three generations in Crystal, MN, where her greatest aspiration is to grow fruit trees and make lots of pie.
Organization/Website: Jonathan House at International Association for Refugees, www.jonathanhouse.org
15. Partnering with Churches in Welcoming the Stranger – Michelle Larson
Description: Michelle will facilitate this table talk discussion on what are creative ways to connect, mobilize, and train the church to come alongside those engaged in loving those who have come as refugees into our communities. The discussion will seek how to identify churches and their readiness. And then to engage them to give time, treasure and talent sharing best practices on how to evolve your church partnerships to the next step.
Bio: Ten years ago, Michelle helped to found Glocal Community Partners with Nick and Laura Armstrong. She has been blessed to work with the church and local community to serve those who have come as refugees to the greater Boise, ID, area. After many years in industry traveling the world and working with those from many countries, coming alongside Nick and Laura as they came off the field was perfect to continue working to build community across cultures and countries.
Organization/Website: Glocal Community Partners, www.glocalboise.org Location: Room 4
16. "Research-Based Systems of Care: A Qualitative Inquiry Reveals Care Preferences of English Learners Impacted by War" – Anne York-Herjeczki
Description: In light of the growing number of students from war-affected regions enrolling in our English Language classrooms, some educators are incorporating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Trauma Pedagogy techniques to assist students in recovering from the aftermath and hardships of war, displacement, and loss. The benefits of helping students recover within the ESL classroom have been well-researched. However, what is less known is whether the type of care recommended by researchers is considered adequate by the students. In this presentation, Anne will share findings from qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with thirteen war-affected students who study at an English-medium university that incorporates SEL and Trauma Pedagogy as a care system. Anne will discuss the main findings and the students' recommendations for care and facilitate a conversation with participants to exchange strategies for supporting war-affected students in achieving linguistic, cultural, and economic integration through systems of care.
Bio: Anne York-Herjeczki (Biola MA. TESOL) has over 20 years of experience teaching English in the US and China. She is in her third year of the Biola University Ph.D. program in Intercultural Education. Her research interests include refugee care and creating thriving spaces for newcomers through community-based resettlement programs. Before starting her Ph.D. at Biola, she was on the California State University, Northridge faculty, teaching academic reading and writing courses. Anne enjoys spending time with her two young daughters exploring the urban and natural environments around Southern Orange County.
Organization/Website: Biola University/Voice of the Refugees
17. Power Dynamics in Cross-cultural Engagements Among Refugees and Immigrants – Dr. Ria Llanto Martin
Description: This topic will explore the power dynamic between refugees and immigrants and their non-profit parties or host organizations. Through the use of interviews and research, this seminar hopes to elucidate if or how power dynamics are indeed present, in what ways they are manifesting, and how they contribute to the hindrance or success of an immigrant or refugee in starting a new life in their host communities.
Bio: Dr. Ria Llanto Martin received her Doctor of Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. She serves as a Director of Intercultural and Global Services in Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, and adjunct faculty at Dallas International University. Her dissertation on Filipino diaspora engagement in the Global North is now a published book. She has a coaching and consulting firm where she coaches internationals and professionals; she also conducts workshops on intercultural competency in religious settings. She continues to advocate for intercultural awareness and competencies, a necessary skill in this globalized world.
Organization/Website: Dallas International University
18. What to expect after arrival: Looking for Post-Arrival Settlement Support for Refugee Newcomers in Canada –
Paula Chisco
Description: This table talk will provide a wide array of information on the importance of quality and informed settlement support for newcomer refugees and asylum seekers in order to have a successful settlement process. This talk will include ways to develop a settlement plan and make sure that it is being followed through by the private sponsors. In doing so, private sponsor groups need to also build awareness about the importance of contacting settlement workers and growing settlement capacity.
Bio: Paula is Colombian and serves as the Director of Resettlement at Naomi House. She works with Refugees and Asylum seekers in the resettlement sector. Her role at the ministry is to collaborate with pre-arrival and post-arrival services for refugees; follow up the settlement plan for privately sponsored refugees; and help sponsors to follow a plan for the first year of settlement for their sponsored individuals. She is trained on trauma-informed approach, gender-based violence, and rights of women with precarious immigration status. Often part of her work is to do information and referral processes for newcomers and work closely with sponsors and refugees making sure the newcomers have access to services and support.
Organization/Website: Naomi House, naomihouse.info
Session 4: Friday 1:30-2:25
19. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program in Canada by Candace Loewen
Description: This seminar is a detailed overview of the Private Sponsorship program in Canada, including ways refugee sponsorship has opened the doors to share the gospel.
Bio: Candace Loewen has been serving at Naomi House in Winnipeg since 2019 and is the Director of Refugee Sponsorship. Naomi House is a transitional home for refugees and a Sponsorship Agreement Holder. She is passionate about bringing refugees to Canada and believes this opens the door to share the hope of Jesus Christ.
Organization/Website: Naomi House, naomihouse.info
20. Inclusion & Mission by Shanna Doughty
Description: Within the variety of ways that ministries are organizationally and financially structured, leaders have common questions regarding the inclusion of volunteers and employees who are not Christ-followers. How do we maintain our identity and mission while including people of other faiths in work toward the common good? There are no answers here, just questions for dialogue. Bring your experience and thoughtful theological perspective for this table talk discussion. Some models will be provided for discussion with space for participants to share what they are familiar with. Together participants will flush out some of the blessings and challenges with each model discussed.
Bio: Shanna began serving in refugee ministry in 2008. She currently serves as the Northern Colorado Ministry Leader for the International Association for Refugees. She is also the Co-Facilitator for the Leadership Team of the Refugee Highway Partnership of North America. Shanna holds an MA in Justice & Mission from Denver Seminary.
Organization/Website: International Association for Refugees, IAFR.org
21. Practicing Radical Hospitality Even When Resources Are Limited – Pastora Adriana Reyes, Maria Galleta, Pastor Gustavo Banda and Jose Serrano
Description: Having limited resources often deters the Church from extending welcome to refugees and immigrants. Learn how you too can walk alongside people experiencing displacement even when resources are scarce. This seminar will be led by two church pastors and a direct service provider from Tijuana, Mexico. Each will share their experience serving hundreds of refugees on a daily basis despite the lack of funding. Pastora Reyes, Pastor Banda and Maria Galletas share the same heart for hospitality—each embodying God's love for thy immigrant neighbor.
Bio: Pastora Adriana Reyes, Pastor Gustavo Banda, and Maria Galletas have served hundreds of refugees and immigrants in Tijuana, Mexico, since the large number of arrivals from Central America and Haiti in 2018. Today, both Pastora Reyes and Pastor Banda run shelters out of their respective churches, providing safety and welcome to hundreds of people arriving at the US–Mexico border. For decades, Maria Galletas has been serving refugees and people who have been repatriated to Mexico. Her center—right across from the US port of entry—offers food, clothes, general healthcare, and English classes to anyone seeking support.
Organization/Website: Iglesia Camino de Salvación, Madres y Familias Deportadas en Acción A.C., Templo Embajadores de Jesús
22. Caring for Wounded Hearts: A Scripture-based Oral Method for Promoting Healing Community among Refugees and Friends from Muslim-Majority Countries – Ramón Padilla
Description: Many individuals, churches, and organizations have a sincere desire to help their Muslim and refugee friends who are suffering from the emotional and spiritual heart wounds caused by difficult life experiences. However, they are not sure how to do so, or they are considering creating their own resources. The “Caring for Wounded Hearts” program applies a methodology that combines the truths in God’s Word with sound mental health principles. It is a story-based curriculum adapted for oral preference cultures. It has proven effective in helping people around the world heal from many types of pain and loss—the effects of violence, war, abuse, and even poverty and natural disasters. The “Settled Refugees Story Set” as well as the “Finding Our Comfort in God” adaptation for people from Muslim-majority countries are ready to help support your refugee ministry!
This seminar provides an overview of the program and the training process (facilitators are certified with the Trauma Healing Institute). You will briefly experience this community discussion-focused resource to begin to address your own and others’ heart wounds.
Bio: Ramón is a facilitator in the “Caring for Wounded Hearts” program, with ministry experience among refugees and Muslims. Since 2021 he has focused on promoting bridges for Bible engagement that help newcomers find deep connection with God and others. He and his wife previously served in Mexico alongside indigenous Bible translators.
Organization/Website: Outreach Canada & SIL Global (Americas North), rpadilla@outreach.ca.
23. How Are You Sharing Jesus with Refugees? – Vance and Carol Nordman
Description: In this table talk, come ready to share effective ways of exposing refugees to Jesus and learn from others and how to utilize “The Jesus Film” resources and other materials to introduce Jesus to others.
Bio: Vance Nordman worked with Campus Crusade for Christ for 47 years serving in Egypt, Russia, and the Jesus Film Project with Carol serving by his side. For the past 20 years he has been developing Jesus film resources for those reaching out to immigrants, refugees, and international students in North America.
Organization/Website: Jesus Film Project, jesusfilm.org
24. Welcoming Refugee Individuals and Families Through Hospitality – Rhonda Martin and Marjie Brecht
Description: Together Rhonda and Marjie will present stories from their experiences of welcoming refugee families and expectant mothers in their new homes in the USA and from their community center, Building Bridges Community Center. They will encourage discussion about how to be welcoming and show hospitality in various ministry efforts.
Bio: Rhonda is originally from Illinois but has lived in Arizona for 23 years. She holds a degree in law but her passion has always been in making others feel welcome and like they belong wherever they are in life. She has served as the Building Bridges Community Center Coordinator for two and half years.
Marjie has been on staff with Tucson Refugee Ministry for over three years now. Her position with the ministry puts her in daily contact with refugee families, children, and expectant mothers, and she thrives in making connections with international families and welcoming them to our country.
Organization/Website: Tucson Refugee Ministry, tucsonrefugeeministry.com
Session 5: Friday 2:35-3:30
25. US Private Sponsorship: Building a Welcoming Community for Refugees – Carissa Zaffiro and Jody May
Description: Hear stories from a Private Sponsor Organization in the US as we reflect on the first year of the Welcome Corps, the boldest innovation in refugee resettlement in 40 years. Gain an understanding of Private Sponsorship, hear insights from some of the first sponsors, and learn how to bring this exciting program to your community! Exodus World Service is a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 that mobilizes volunteers to welcome and befriend refugees in Chicagoland and beyond. In 2023, Exodus expanded its programming and became a Private Sponsor Organization, helping mobilize groups to resettle refugees in their communities. Note: This is a US-based program; while we will reference the Canadian resettlement model, the session will focus on US opportunities.
Bio: Carissa Zaffiro, Mobilization Manager at Exodus World Service, engages the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees. As a mobilizer at the 14th organization in the nation to be accredited as a Private Sponsor Organization, Carissa brings valuable insights about the Private Sponsorship program and engaging volunteers. She enjoys walking alongside sponsors in the cross-cultural relationships she too has found so enriching. Carissa received her BA in Global Studies from Taylor University.
Organization/Website: Exodus World Service, exodusworldservice.org
26. Partnerships: Good, bad, and why bother? – Ron and Lois
Description: Partnerships are God's idea (a theology of partnership if you will, ever so briefly). But that doesn't mean they always go well. Sharing from real life experience, Ron and Lois will share the success stories and the challenges of partnerships we have experienced. This includes across agencies and with churches. We will then open the time up for participants to share their experience, gleaning good ideas or pitfalls to avoid from each other.
Bio: While living in Central Asia, Ron and Lois were accused of breaking the law, their visa was withdrawn, and they then had 10 days to leave the country. After teaching and mentoring students for two years at Ambrose University, Ron and Lois joined PALM Ministry in 2009 and have been working with new Canadians ever since. Lois grew up in Indonesia and Malaysia. So while she may look like a typical white Canadian, she is a TCK who has a strong pull towards Asia. She is a collaborative leader who does well both listening to God and her colleagues.
Organization/Website: PALM Ministry Association, palmmin.weebly.com/
27. English with Newcomers: Helping Refugees Understand and Speak English – Sara Williams
Description: Sara will present an overview of the three phases of the “English with Newcomers Curriculum,” which is particularly helpful for those without teaching experience when working with preliterate individuals or small groups of people who do not already read a language using Roman script. She will focus on how aspects of this alternate approach can also be used to supplement more conventional approaches. Discussion will include consideration of which ideas and principles might be applied in the contexts where the participants serve.
Bio: Sara Williams has over 40 years experience in both West Africa and the US as a member of SIL International's Global Diaspora Services and Language and Culture Learning Department. She works with learners at all levels, from preliterate to those perfecting their skills, while working in government and technology.
Organization/Website: SIL International
28. Using Spirituality to Find Balance amid Trauma and Mental Health Challenges – Catherine Ogie
Description: This workshop will help our refugees and leaders embrace self-care practices. This table talk is focused on helping refugees and leaders adopt self-care practices to cope with trauma and mental health challenges. Together, participants will explore strategies for building a support system, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and finding balance. Our goal is to move forward together with resilience in the face of mental health challenges.
Bio: Catherine Ogie, known as the 'Mindset and Transformational Coach,' is a highly accomplished motivational speaker, business leader, and transformational coach with over 15 years of experience. She founded Rockhaven Network, a nonprofit that aims to bring hope, health, and safety to refugees. She is also the CEO of Rockhaven Group, a consulting firm and an employment agency that helps business owners and solopreneurs build successful and scalable businesses. She shares global strategies for entrepreneurs and high achievers while hosting the 'Re-Discover to Recover' program for young entrepreneurs.
Organization/Website: Rockhaven Network, www.rockhavennetwork.com
29. Listening Across Borders – Liliana Reza
Description: "Listening Across Borders" is designed to deepen understanding of the US–Mexico border through storytelling and dialogue. Participants will engage with firsthand accounts and diverse perspectives to explore the complexities of border issues through a biblical perspective, enhancing their ability to empathize and advocate effectively.
Bio: Liliana Reza, Director of Border Engagement at World Relief, advocates for refugees and immigrants along the US–Mexico border. Her passion, sparked by growing up in a mixed-status family and cross-cultural work in Latin America, is supported by an MA in Intercultural Studies from Nazarene Theological Seminary. She is also an ordained elder with the Church of the Nazarene.
Organization/Website: World Relief, worldrelief.org
30. Three Ways Canada Welcomes Refugees (focus on Asylum/Claimants) – Brad Kinnie
Description: Canada has three distinct pathways to welcome refugees. These are: Government Assistance, Private Sponsorship, and Refugee Claims. While each system will be discussed, we will take additional time to focus on the refugee claim pathway and its unique challenges.
Bio: Brad is currently serving as Executive Director of Journey Home Community in Burnaby, BC. Brad leads a small organization of 18 staff. We are inspired and motivated to share God's love with displaced people and we are passionate about welcoming refugee claimants with transitional housing, settlement support, and relationships.
Organization/Website: Journey Home Community Association, journeyhomecommunity.ca