Gateway of Grace: Fostering Thanksgiving Spirit in Dallas
As the warmth of Thanksgiving filled the air, Gateway of Grace, a local nonprofit, extended its welcoming embrace to immigrants from diverse corners of the world, hosting a bountiful dinner at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral Episcopal Church in the heart of Dallas. In a bustling city, the true essence of Thanksgiving revealed itself, as reported by FOX 4 News, with newcomers to America joining local residents in expressing their gratitude.
Among these newcomers was Justin Rahimi, an Egyptian immigrant, who shared his journey, saying, “My family and I were migrants in Turkey for seven years. We arrived in the United States 1.5 years ago.” FOX 4 News highlighted that these refugees, hailing from eight different countries, undertook the challenging journey to North Texas, with some having provided significant support to U.S. military efforts in their home countries.
Volunteers from local churches and community members collaborated with Gateway of Grace to provide substantial assistance to these new residents. Their efforts encompassed teaching American customs, aiding in employment searches, and offering much-needed care. The Thanksgiving meal was just one facet of a broader narrative of support and camaraderie. Reverend Donald Parrish Jr. of Real Lee Missionary Baptist Church expressed his appreciation, saying, “It’s a wonderful event. It’s a great way to express whatever spiritual beliefs you have, right? It’s an opportunity to show love to people who have been displaced from all over the world,” as reported by FOX 4 News.
The fabric of kindness is woven by those who have previously sought solace in its embrace; it does not materialize out of thin air. Consider the story of Awel Deng, a former South Sudanese refugee who now proudly bears the mantle of American citizenship. Her deep-seated desire to reciprocate the kindness she once received is what motivates her. Deng, as cited by FOX 4 News, stated, “It’s important for me to give back because I was once like them. I was not new to this country, and I was finding my footing and my place. If helping people feels so good, then so be it.”
Gateway of Grace diligently works to equip refugees with the tools they need for a promising and secure future. Serving as a compassionate intermediary, this organization assists over 250 migrants from 20 different nations by providing English language instruction, financial literacy classes, and even trauma counseling. Dennis Page, Chief Operating Officer of Gateway of Grace, acknowledged, “They may also be, to some extent, traumatized by what they have experienced.” FOX 4 News covered this aspect of their work as well.
In the heart of Dallas, Gateway of Grace exemplifies the spirit of Thanksgiving by extending a warm welcome to newcomers, offering them support and guidance as they embark on their journeys toward a brighter future in the United States.