This week on the Family Style Podcast, we sit down with Mercia and her son Adrian, a mother and son from South Africa who have only been in the States about six weeks. Pastor Ben met Mercia last Friday at Feather Sound Community Church's food pantry, after Pastor Art Dykstra called and invited Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor to help minister to South African families living here in Palm Harbor.

They share why they left everything behind: the farm attacks and threats they lived under, and the year and three months it took to get here, with just four days to pack and say goodbye. They landed first in Chicago, then Tampa, and arrived with two suitcases each and $246. They talk about the freedom of being able to walk after dark, the kindness of the people who received them, and the real needs these families still face. Those include jobs, especially for the men, rides, hygiene products, and help with things like a resume, a driver's license, and a bank account.

Adrian shares how this process drew him closer to the Lord through prayer and faith. Mercia has walked with the Lord for years. We close by inviting you to pray for these families, to come minister with us on Fridays at Boot Ranch, and to reach out to Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor or Feather Sound Community Church. If you want to give to help these families, the link from Feather Sound will be posted here so it goes directly to them.

0:00 Welcome and how we met

4:27 Why they left South Africa

9:43 The journey to America

13:28 First weeks in Florida

21:29 Real needs and how to help

27:26 Walking with the Lord

35:29 Getting involved

37:59 Closing prayer

Here is the link to financially support the refugees. Select "refugees" in the drop down menu under "Funds."

https://feathersoundchurch.com/give