Refugee Friendship Month

Meet: Annah
Annah walks alongside youth, teaching them life skills and offering encouragement. She is a Mom of two kids and loves to get to know her neighbours, sharing in their joys and challenges. 

How did Tenth Church welcome you on your journey? 

I arrived in Canada from Zimbabwe in June 2024 as a refugee claimant, and I didn’t know anyone. I was staying at a shelter and feeling very stressed and anxious. I had no money in my pocket, no food, and no clothes of my own.

After a month, I was introduced to Tenth Church by Lookout, and everything in my life changed. I moved into a townhouse for three months, where I was finally able to experience some stability—and cook a meal for myself. During that time, Helen, Mim, and others helped me by consoling and encouraging me, and helping me to move forward. I felt very welcomed!

I was introduced to the low-cost food market at Tenth Church, which I went to almost every Tuesday! When it was time for me to move into more permanent housing, I was grateful to have a work permit, a bank account, ID, and income assistance.

Many generous people from Tenth helped me along the way—donating clothes, blankets, kitchen items—everything I needed to start my new life on my own. This really touched my heart! One volunteer helped me move a big bed, and others checked in on me from time to time even after I moved out of the townhouse.

People who are new to Canada really need your support, and I’m willing to chip in. I want to help new immigrants to Canada. The help I received reminded me that I also need to offer help.

God bless Tenth Church and people who are volunteering—this church is full of people full of love.

What are some things you love sharing with Canadian friends about your culture?

My culture is very social! We really care for our neighbours and are often greeting everyone, asking, “How are you?” By doing this, we remember that we are one. If you have a problem, we can share the burden together and help care for each other. Your neighbour can console you, and this brings unity to the community! It’s really important in my culture to know who is living right next to you. When I see a neighbour suffering, I think to myself, “I need to help.”

I am a watchkeeper of my neighbour, and I believe it really helps kids grow up together through social interaction that continues into adulthood. Kids experience anxiety because they don’t have friends or people to share their problems with.

We learn a lot through knowing our neighbours and sharing our lives with each other. I love to share that part of my culture with my fellow Canadians.

How have you seen God at work during your journey of settling in Canada?

When I came here, my prayer was to meet a community that is prayerful. My prayer life was weakening as I experienced anxiety and depression after arriving in Canada.

Slowly, my prayer life strengthened as I experienced stable housing and food on my table. I prayed and fasted twice in the first few months. On both occasions, God answered my prayers and provided for my needs.

Prayer was the key to unlocking the doors.

When I was applying for work, I spent time discerning whether to move to a different city to accept a job offer. I was scared and uncertain about the change, but I prayed a lot so that God would show me the way. I know God will never disappoint me.

The management team was very supportive of the time I took to decide, and they held the job for me. I knew this was a job I needed to say yes to—and I went.

When I arrived in this new city to begin the job, the first thing I looked for was a church because I want to keep my faith strong. I am now part of a church community that uplifts my spirit.

When I pray, I pray for Tenth Church and its volunteers. I have been surrounded by people who have love in their hearts and who support others through difficult times.

Where I came from and where I am today is not by my might and power, but by God’s grace.

What is life like now for you, and what do you hope for in your journey? 

Life for me is stabilizing, though it's not yet normal since I am still working on my immigration status in Canada.

Today, I can afford to rent a room for myself, put food on the table, and provide financially for my kids back home in Zimbabwe. I’m also able to save some money.

I work as a youth support worker and a training facilitator, helping to train youth with life skills. Both of these jobs draw on my previous experience as a teacher!

My hope is to go back to school to study nursing. I'm interested in becoming a mental health nurse because I want to help end substance use in children and youth—often a result of unaddressed depression and anxiety.

Since 2016, Tenth Church has welcomed refugee claimants like Annah 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."