Converse Church Congregation Assists Afghan Family - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Antonio

By Ken Jarvis, Area Media Specialist

^{Bishop Greg Hulon loads a rug into the back of an SUV that’s headed to help an Afghan family}

The day started out hot and muggy, a typical San Antonio late summer day. But what was about to happen in the San Antonio East Stake Center parking lot was not typical. Members of the Converse Ward , San Antonio East Stake, were preparing to take collected clothing, furniture and love to an Afghan family that just arrived in San Antonio. The vehicles were loaded down with clothes and furniture. In addition to that, on the bumper of a trailer was a small white board with a welcoming message for the new family and wishing them well in their new home.

^{The cars, trucks and trailers are loaded and it’s time to head out to meet the new family}

Sister Cheri Robison, who was the Converse Ward Relief Society President at the time, said that as soon as she read the email telling her what was wanted she knew this was what they needed. “This is how we put our ministering into action. We’re going to walk the walk instead of just talk the talk. And I just couldn’t say no.”

^{A ward member signs the whiteboard with a message of love for the new family}

Sister Stephanie Merrell, Converse Ward Relief Society Service Coordinator, got the assignment to gather the items. She had a spreadsheet with all the items on it that the family would need. “Three days ago we found out the family would be ready to receive it today, so we put the plan into action and got everything together.” She added that they gathered almost everything they needed. “What we don’t deliver today we can deliver later.”

^{A very heartfelt message of love from one family to another}

Converse Ward Bishop, Gregg Hulon, was grateful for the assignment. “It helps bring our ward back together.” He said that this ward, like so many others, struggled with the social impact of COVID and being ask to stay home. “To have an activity like this, as a ward, joined us together for a unified cause to help a family.” He added, “We were able to help a family that we knew absolutely nothing about. I think it’s a great experience for everybody.”

^{A Church member helps unload furniture into the apartment of a newly arrived Afghan family}

Pat Tapmeyer is the Donations Coordinator for the Center for Refugee Services and a volunteer herself. She said of the groups like the Latter-day Saints who are helping with donations, “The opportunities to get involved are endless. But even better, the blessings received are often greater than the blessings given.”

^{Mission accomplished. The apartment is now full with clothing, furniture, and supplies. One family has been helped. But there will be more}

San Antonio will receive many more Afghan families over the next month or so. So see how you can help go to JustServe.org