A journey of miles and years
November 3, 2024, was a memorable service for the people of Water Street Church. We were finally able to meet our Eritrean friends, Fitit and Teklegergesh and their four sons. We had heard about and prayed for this family over the span of the sponsorship journey.
In November 2020, one of Fitit’s brothers, who lives in Guelph, approached the church to seek support in sponsoring his sister and her family.
Arrival after more than 19 hours in the air!
The Water Street Church Refugee Committee met all six of the brothers, and they let us know very simply that they are six brothers here in Canada, and they have one sister still in Eritrea whom they want here in Canada, too. (Mary, who spearheaded the sponsorship for our Refugee Committee, first met with Ftwi, a brother living in Guelph, on November 10, 2020. The family’s arrival in Toronto on August 15, 2024, was the culmination of a “journey” almost 4 years from start to finish.)
While Fitit’s six brothers were able and willing to raise the necessary funds for this endeavor, they felt they needed support to complete the required paperwork. The Refugee Committee worked closely with World Renew, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder. World Renew was able to walk us through the process very well.
Over the years, there were several visits with Fitit’s brothers in order to obtain the needed information. As we met with them, a friendship began to grow. We enjoyed getting to know them, to hear a bit about their stories, and to share our common love of the Lord. We found there was much common ground between us, and it was a pleasure to be on this journey with them!
Fitit and Teklegergesh have settled in Kitchener near four of the brothers. They are well-supported by their family, and we get to simply enjoy visits with them. WSC will continue to visit and support for a year, but we anticipate that the friendship will continue for some time. The boys are in school; Teklegergesh is looking for work, the entire family anticipates an addition to the family quite soon.
Mary Blydorp (seated on the right), along with other committee members Tina W. and Barb vD., visits the family regularly and keeps us updated on the life of this very special family.
