Missions - Good Neighbor Program

Why the Good Neighbor Program?
Every year literally hundreds of persons and families move to the St. Louis area from throughout the world.  Some come as immigrants, some as refugees.  They are often the looked over, left out, left behind and least of these; precious people made in God's image.

And yet they are coming here to live, to make a new home and a fresh start.  Their challenges are immense.  The past pain of where they once lived, fears for their children, finding decent employment, loneliness and more are among those challenges. Yes they have many needs, but often their greatest needs are simply acceptance, a sense of belonging and friendship.

These new residents of St. Louis are also our neighbors.  Jesus said we are to love our neighbors and the The Good Neighbor Initiative is an effort to help us do just that.  The “Love the Refugee” portion of Good Neighbor  is a program created in partnership with St. Louis Metro and Oasis International and is open to members of churches connected with either of these organizations.  When members in good standing of those churches  have applied and been selected, they are invited to the training and will eventually be matched with a neighbor new to St. Louis they can befriend.  You can become involved with The Good Neighbor Initiative as an individual or as a family! However, just as Jesus sent the disciples two by two, The Good Neighbor Initiative will send people two by two into the home of a refugee family.  It doesn't take much to be a friend!  You can do this!  You can sign up to be a part of The Good Neighbor as an individual, a family or a small group / Sunday school class from your church.  

The Commitment 

• visit your new neighbor  at least once a month
• pray for your new neighbor regularly
• as you are comfortable and God leads, invite them to your home for a meal, special occasion, a holiday
• complete the "Checking In" form on a monthly basis

We would like for you to start the process with a 12 month commitment in mind, but we realize that sometimes people don't connect or relate well.  It's ok!  You can always choose another refugee to befriend.  It's not a big issue.  Just communicate with us!

1.  Pray.  Ask the Father if He would like you to become a good neighbor to a refugee family.
2. Understand the GNI is a program for partnering churches of St. Louis Metro and the Oasis International network of churches.  If you or your church is not a part of those churches, you can still volunteer to help refugees in incredible ways!  
3.  Be prepared to pay $15.95 for your application fee, which includes your training and required background check.
4. Understand and agree to a two-hour training session.