Anyone that’s attempted the classic D.I.Y. move before understands the value in having a friend with a truck. One of GoTEN’s driving purposes is to connect the refugees we serve with an American friend. This often happens naturally in our ESL classes at the training center, as volunteers and students form connections throughout the course of the lessons. However, not everyone connects naturally through small talk. This was Dale’s predicament, as he struggled to establish bonds with the students he was serving, but knew that God had placed in him a desire to develop discipleship relationships within the refugee community.

Dale pondered on this for some time, asking himself “how can I naturally show these students that I am their friend?” Then, one night, it hit him. He had recently lent his truck to a member of his church so that she could move, and was able to be a blessing to this lady simply by offering up a resource. Refugees move rather frequently, and often lack adequate transportation, making the task expensive and/or difficult. Dale had always felt he was more a man of action than of words. Responding to God’s urging, he printed out a simple message on a piece of paper: “Do you need to move a large item? You have a friend with a truck” followed by an invitation to call or text him.

A few days later he got a text, and was able to help a lady who attends class, and her husband, move some items. The couple has since followed up a few times, thanking Dale for his help and letting him know how much God had blessed them through his offer. A couple of weeks ago, Dale got his second opportunity to help — this time, a student that he had been encouraging in ESL class. With the help of several of the young man’s friends, they were able to knock out a pretty large moving project, and Dale was even introduced to some additional members of his student’s community.

For Dale, success came in identifying something that he brought to the table, trusting God to use it to benefit the Kingdom, and taking the step needed to allow this resource to be put to use. Dale hopes his new service, helping refugees move, will continue to give him opportunities to bless the refugee community and further develop friendships outside of English class.

In Genesis, God tells Abraham “I will bless you, and you will be a blessing... and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:2-3). In the same way, we are blessed with abilities and resources that God intends to use to bless others. Dale thought outside the box, and came up with a wonderful way to live out this passage. What creative way to serve might God have placed on your heart? We’d love to help you connect and get started! 

Know of a refugee family that might need a friend with a truck? Reach out to us, and we can put them in touch with Dale!