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Special Initiatives Ministry
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of
old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do
you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and
rivers in the desert.
~ Isaiah 43 ~
Committee Coordinator: Steve Harper
special@congregation.chapel.duke.edu
Special Initiatives Ministry goal is to identity and respond
to opportunities for new or unique initiatives of the Missions
and Outreach ministry. These opportunities may be ongoing activities
that do not necessarily fit within the structure of the program
or unique, one-time efforts which fulfill the overall mission.
Examples of recent work through the Special Initiatives Team
include participation in Duke Chapel’s Downtown Durham
Initiative in Durham’s West End and surrounding neighborhoods,
Montagnard refugee assistance, and support of local families
displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Downtown Durham Initiative
The Special Initiatives Ministry team seeks to support and participate
in Duke Chapel’s Downtown Durham Initiative, with hope
that Duke Chapel and the more socially disadvantaged neighborhoods
of Durham may become more visible to one another and that new
friendships may develop. The Congregation at Duke Chapel has
been blessed so far not only with new friends, but also in learning
more about the ways in which God is already present in different
parts of our community.
Montagnard Refugee Assistance
Lutheran Family Services’ Vietnam Highlands Assistance
Project partners with Triad and Triangle congregations to assist
Montagnard refugees living in North Carolina. The Montagnards,
a French word for "mountain people" are a Christian
tribal group native to the central highlands of Vietnam. In
2003 the Congregation co-sponsored six Montagnard refugees who
moved to the United States to escape the Vietnamese government’s
repressive activities.
This partnership assisted the Montagnards with finding housing,
donated food, clothing, furniture, and utensils necessary
for establishing a home in the Durham area. Members of the Congregation
provided temporary financial assistance, assisted with their
job search, and provided community support during their transition
to American culture, language, and monetary systems.
Special Initiatives Contact: special@congregation.chapel.duke.edu
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