Sponsor Rev. Mitch - Beaufort 5K Swim/Run
Dear Friends and Family,
Photo from Beaufort Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry
What does it mean to make a promise?
In February, I wrote about Episcopal Migration Ministries shutting its doors. EMM, along with Lutheran Services and Catholic Charities, had their federal funding frozen. EMM had to close and lay off all of its employees. Lutheran Services and Catholic Charities have had to lay off hundreds of employees from around the country, particularly those working in refugee services.
At the same time as these layoffs were happening, St. Martin's, in coordination with Lutheran Services, welcomed a family of eight who had legally migrated here from Syria. They are the third family we have welcomed through this program. Our current family has endured refugee camps, a devastating earthquake, poverty, and violence. St. Martin's, through Circle of Welcome, our Outreach Committee, and our Vestry, promised to care for them through their first 90 days and also over the course of their first year. We gave our word to do our best. This promise was not based on funding or lack thereof; it was simply a promise of support.
We have chosen to keep our word. In order to do this, we have asked our Missions Committee, Foundation, and Vestry to work together and make up for shortfalls where we can. While St. Martin's will never be able to make up all of it, we can do some. This is where you all come in.
To my family and friends around the country, I’m asking you to sponsor me as I participate in a charity race. I will be racing in the Beaufort River Swim/Run, a 3.2-mile open water swim followed by a 3.1-mile run. The race will be on May 31, 2025. All donations will go to our migration ministries at St. Martin's and the New Americans Program at Lutheran Services Carolinas. The first 90 days for a family cost roughly $30,000. Until three months ago, we thought that money was guaranteed.
Ministry leaders at St. Martin's gave their word to help this program and our family, which means as St. Martin’s Rector, I gave my word. I promised. From the beginning of Lent to May 31, it is roughly 90 days. For a refugee family, the first 90 days of citizenship are the period most critical for success. I restarted my swimming journey roughly 6 weeks ago. My goal is after 90 days of training, I will be able to compete in and complete the Beaufort River Swim/Run (3.2 miles of swimming without a wall is a long way), and in doing so that I might raise both money and awareness about a group of people we have made promises to, legal refugees, who came to America because of the opportunity it promises. Sponsor me by making a gift to our Circle of Welcome fund, and help raise money for refugee resettlement.
Thank You,
Mitch