It’s pretty incredible that in one generation, Raahmo has the kind of small-world Minnesota stories that weave together her life, family, and career. One of 11 children, she came to Minnesota with her family as a 12 year old. She completed her schooling in Mankato, and then completed a Medical Assistant program and worked in clinics. Throughout school and her work as a medical assistant, she did a lot of interpreting for family, friends, and patients that went beyond translating words to providing a nuanced cultural translation that helped make sense of the context.

Pastor Richards closed his sermon with a question: "How do we respond to the global refugee crisis? We will respond one family at a time." Members of Messiah UMC in Plymouth were waiting to be matched as co-sponsors with a refugee family when we contacted them about Achan and her 4 children. They felt a clear calling to come alongside Achan and never looked back.

Minneapolis, MN – Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches, issued this statement:

June 10, 2020

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Pastor Richards closed his sermon with a question: "How do we respond to the global refugee crisis? We will respond one family at a time." Members of Messiah UMC in Plymouth were waiting to be matched as co-sponsors with a refugee family when we contacted them about Achan* and her 4 children. They felt a clear calling to come alongside Achan and never looked back.

We’re excited to introduce you to the newest member of our team, John Lamont! John joins us having just graduated with a history degree from Williams College in Massachusetts. He has a strong interest in immigration and environmental law, and the prevalence of immigrant and refugee stories in political news over the past few years has really raised his awareness. John also feels a personal connection to refugee resettlement through his grandfather, who came to the United States as a refugee from Lithuania in the 1950s.

On Thursday the MCC Board of Directors adopted a program vision and rationale document to address white supremacy and embrace truth telling in Minnesota. More will be reported on this project as further commitments are made. 

Minnesota Council of Churches

Board of Directors

3-Point Action Platform:

Dismantling the Structures and Repairing the Damage of Racism in Minnesota

News for the Common Good

October 14, 2020

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