Refugee Friendship Month
Meet: The Nerak Family*
Tenth welcomed the Nerak family in 2024. The Neraks have one son and recently welcomed a new baby girl into growing their family.
How did Tenth Church welcome you in your journey?
For political and religious reasons, we could not live in our own country and were forced to emigrate. We sold everything we owned to come to Canada. Because our country’s currency has very little value, after staying in Canada for less than three months, all of our money ran out. If it were not for the support of Tenth Church, we would have been forced to return to our home country, where we would have faced the risk of torture and execution. But in most difficult times, God gave us a miracle. Mim came to visit us and saw our situation firsthand. From that moment on, we received unwavering support from Tenth Church. Helen, Mim, Mike, and the entire church community helped us with everything. We are indebted to all of them, especially Helen, as they helped save our family.
What are some things you love sharing with Canadian friends about your culture?
Our country has a very old culture and civilization. Its history of 2,637 years has seen many kings, scientists, and poets. I think the most important part of our culture is the closeness we share with each other and our love of nature. We love to be in nature with our family, relatives, and friends, especially when we are on holidays. Spending time with family is very important to us.
How have you seen God at work during your journey of settling in Canada?
During our trip to Canada, we always felt God was by our side and in our lives because He always helped us in the most difficult situations. Whenever we go to church, we feel a strange peace. We believe this is a sign that God's presence is near. When my wife was five months pregnant, the doctors did an ultrasound and took some tests, and they said the baby had some health problems and the pregnancy may have to be terminated. We were already anxious about having a baby in a foreign country, so we were very distraught by this news. We shared this news with Pastor Mike and asked him to pray for us. We were encouraged by his prayers, which gave us hope and peace. Later, the doctors did more tests, and to our disbelief, they told us that the baby was fine and the pregnancy could continue. We were amazed by this news! We are thankful for the power of prayer and the presence of God by our side.
What is your life like now in Canada and what do you hope for your future?
We had never planned to go to Canada, so we did not know any English when we arrived. But I am now enrolled in two adult classes to learn English. I hope to learn as much English as possible and find a job, so that I can support my wife and two children. I also want to learn English so that I can be a part of Canadian society and contribute to its future. My son is happy and satisfied with his school. The Canadians we have met have treated us and other refugees very well. We are grateful to them and their generosity. My family and I hope to be able to repay the kindness shown to us and to contribute to Canada’s future. This is our goal, and we are working towards this.
Since 2016, Tenth Church has welcomed refugee claimants like the Nerak* family into friendship, housing, and a community of hope.
To learn more and to support our mission, please give at www.tenth.ca/give and select "Refugee Fund."