“Will you pray for my daughter? In Jesus’ name?” At the end of her rope, Karima pled on behalf of her adult daughter, Lamar. It’s been a long afternoon, first at an appointment at the regional job center and then knocking on doors around several shopping plazas. It felt discouraging even for Rita, the VOR volunteer, who had patiently walked Lamar through dense paperwork for an hour, only to be told there were no positions available for Lamar. None of the local businesses were willing to take Lamar, either. She doesn’t have a high school diploma, being denied education rights while waiting for almost 10 years in (unnamed country) before being accepted into the U.S. She doesn’t have much English. Employers were not going to take the risk. Back in the car and about to call it a day, the three women sat, exhausted and in unspoken despair. That was when Karima broke the silence. “Will you pray for Lamar – my daughter?”
Rita felt surprised. After all, Lamar and Karima were Muslim. Especially Karima, who always wore a hijab at VOR where she attended English classes. Yes, she had once heard them make rueful remarks about how women are treated in Islam, but she was not expecting a direct request for prayer in Jesus’ name. By faith, Rita entrusted the needs of this new Afghan family to the Lord’s hands….
Three weeks later:
Volunteer Rita stepped out of the car in front of the hotel entrance. Much has happened since that divine moment of prayer inside the car. Today, Lamar has an interview for a housekeeping job at an international hotel chain. Thanks to partnerships at Voice of Refugees, and the assistance of two volunteers who served as job mentor and digital literacy coach, Lamar finally has a chance to be considered for a position. Karima asked to come along; next to a cherry blossom tree, she snapped a picture of her smartly dressed daughter – a proud family moment. When Lamar sat down with the hiring manager, Karima and Rita trailed behind and waited in the far end of the lobby. Suddenly, Karima started hearing her heart language – Farsi. Now it was Karima’s turn to feel surprised! Since coming to America, she’s gotten used to helplessly floating in a sea of English that she doesn’t understand. Now, why is Farsi being heard – of all places – at her daughter’s job interview?
Everything became clear as Lamar walked over, followed by the hiring manager. His name was Fadi. He came from Iran and spoke Farsi. He understood the plight of refugees, the background of Afghans, and was more than happy to welcome Lamar to the team. This time, back in the car, the three women praised God for paving the way and answering our prayers! They even decided to grab a light lunch on the way home to celebrate this happy day!
Three months later:
Lamar – and also Karima! – continue to work at the hotel. Mr Fadi continues to be kind to the family. Housekeeping work is laborious and difficult, but Lamar stays resilient, remembering the many breakthroughs made possible when they humbly prayed in Jesus’ name. Volunteer Rita still checks in regularly, awaiting God’s redemption story for Karima and Lamar’s family to unfold, one ride at a time, one prayer at a time.
To be continued!
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