Abba's House

…a place of refuge and restoration for refugee women and their children in the life-giving presence of Jesus.

“I was a stranger, and you welcomed Me,” ~Jesus

Our mission is to be a safe community of healing for refugee women and their children, restoring their dignity as ones created in God’s image by caring for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

“Abba” is the Hebrew word for  “Father,” the name Jesus used  for his Father.  “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts crying  ‘Abba! Father!'”  Galatians 4:6

At Abba’s House we seek to provide a season of safety, healing, and stability that propels our guests forward to becoming productive members of society. We seek to meet their physical needs, model basic life skills, and make progress toward dealing with the trauma they have experienced. Most importantly, we seek for them to encounter the love of Jesus through His people and the rhythms of life at Abba’s House.

“I cannot love my neighbor unless I get used to letting love go where knowledge cannot penetrate.  Prayer is the place where I can practice loving without knowing.”  Martin L. Smith

“Ruth” is representative of many refugees arriving in America.  She and her two children come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation torn apart by years of war and ethnic conflict.

When government forces destroyed her village, she was forced to flee for her life with nothing more than the clothes on her back and a child in each hand.  For the last 12 years she has gone from one refugee camp to another, experiencing firsthand the unspeakable injustices prompting human rights groups to label her country “the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman.”  Unlawful killings, mass rape, hunger, and torture have been a sad reality for “Ruth” and thousands of her displaced countrymen…producing deep wounds, but also a profound and vibrant faith with a fierce determination to survive.

The U.S. is a compassionate nation, granting refugee status to a set number of displaced persons like “Ruth” every year.  They come with almost nothing, and are provided some basic services, 3-4 months of financial support, and a chance at a new life.

In that time, they must learn a new language, adjust to a new culture, enroll their children in school, and find employment to support their family.  Many make the transition well, but others (like “Ruth”) are in need of additional care and support before fully integrating into a self-sustaining life.

As the body of Christ, we are compelled to reach out to the most vulnerable in this group, knowing we have much to offer…and they have so much to give us as well.  Jam. 1:27 & Lev. 19:33-34

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Abba’s House opened in the summer of 2018. We work with Refugee Services of Texas (RST) to receive placement of our guests, receiving the most vulnerable of the women who come to them from UNHCR. Our most common people group so far is from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These women and children, coming from a rural, hostile environment, tend to need additional time to rest, heal, and adjust to American culture before beginning their resettlement process through RST and the government agencies.

Refugee Services of Texas in Houston (RST)

As we welcome refugee women and their children into Abba’s house, we will be inviting them into our family—sharing our lives, working side by side with them in the kitchen and community garden, and proiding a space of rest and hope so they are in a better position to continue their resettlement process. Anticipating a stay of 6-8 weeks, we strive towards a clear progression:

Entry phase – provide a safe place to simply rest, heal, and fall apart if needed. We will meet their basic needs as we enfold them into the daily rhythms of life in the Abba’s House family

Middle phase – orient them to American life through volunteers assisting in various areas: practice English, learn the basics of apartment life, navigate a kitchen, shop at a grocery store, receive counseling and spiritual guidance, and participate in the faith life of our Christian community if they choose

Exit phase – progress made towards stabilization: welcome fellow refugees, help with daily tasks of home and garden, engage in productive conversations, share the story of their journey, and actively prepare for the next phase in their resettlement process.

A Refugee Woman’s 8-Week Stay at Abba’s House

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House of welcome most similar to us…Jubilee Partners  (outside of Atlanta Georgia).

Nearest refugee houses of welcome to us:

• Casa Marianella (Austin)
• Posada Esperanza (Austin)
• Casa Juan Diego (Houston)

 

Thank you for your interest in Abba’s House and the beautiful survivors that will call this “home” for a season.  Click on your areas of interest to get involved:  Current Needs, Upcoming Events, Group Projects, Valued Volunteer, and Prayer. God’s grace and peace be yours in abundance!