On October 27, we were fortunate to have Francis Lukolo join us and share his experience with the Episcopal Refugee Network. Here are Francis' words:
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am glad to be able to speak today on behalf of the refugee network. My name is Francis Lukolo, and I am a part of the St. Luke's congregation, which is also where I became acquainted with the refugee network. Their services has lended more than a helping hand to families throughout the community. One way it impacted my life, was when I sought out help to apply for colleges I was confused with all the daunting paperwork and redundant procedures. It was then that the president of the refugee network Joyce Justus spent hours with me looking over my choices and helping me out throughout the whole process. And now with the hard work and dedication on my end, I'm a Freshman at the University of San Diego, which I never thought was possible, coming from Morse High School. The refugee network has also impacted other families, with their weekly food distributions, many families go to St Luke's every weekend to pick up sacks of rice, and other essential food items. Little kids and adults both benefit from their tutoring, and translation services which are very valuable for government programs, they also help families with school enrollment, and medical appointments, and a variety of many other services, that refugees need assistance with. You see, every pledge makes a difference, big or small, you'll still be helping the refugee network operate, which in turn helps out the families seeking these services. I'd like to give a warm thanks to the existing pledgers and the new ones both, you truly are supporting this ministry and many others with your generosity. Thank you again, and have a wonderful day.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am glad to be able to speak today on behalf of the refugee network. My name is Francis Lukolo, and I am a part of the St. Luke's congregation, which is also where I became acquainted with the refugee network. Their services has lended more than a helping hand to families throughout the community. One way it impacted my life, was when I sought out help to apply for colleges I was confused with all the daunting paperwork and redundant procedures. It was then that the president of the refugee network Joyce Justus spent hours with me looking over my choices and helping me out throughout the whole process. And now with the hard work and dedication on my end, I'm a Freshman at the University of San Diego, which I never thought was possible, coming from Morse High School. The refugee network has also impacted other families, with their weekly food distributions, many families go to St Luke's every weekend to pick up sacks of rice, and other essential food items. Little kids and adults both benefit from their tutoring, and translation services which are very valuable for government programs, they also help families with school enrollment, and medical appointments, and a variety of many other services, that refugees need assistance with. You see, every pledge makes a difference, big or small, you'll still be helping the refugee network operate, which in turn helps out the families seeking these services. I'd like to give a warm thanks to the existing pledgers and the new ones both, you truly are supporting this ministry and many others with your generosity. Thank you again, and have a wonderful day.

Chris and Ally are half of one of St. Andrew's many military families. St. Andrew's has been a huge part of their time stationed in California, and they shared their stories with us on October 13.
Click here to read Ally's testimony.
Click here to read Chris' testimony.
Click here to read Ally's testimony.
Click here to read Chris' testimony.

Julia has been attending St. Andrew's for nearly her entire life. She explained why she shares her time and talent with the church on October 6.
Click here to read Julia's testimony.
Click here to read Julia's testimony.

Garrett became part of the St. Andrew's family in 2011. He has found here a chance to be a steward and a shepherd, and he shared his story on October 6.
Click here to read Garret's testimony.
Click here to read Garret's testimony.

Estela Le has been working with and for St. Andrew's for 13 years. First drawn to St. Andrew's for the help we provide, she quickly became one of our hard working volunteers.
Click here for Estela's testimony.
Click here for Estela's testimony.

Betsy Vaughn and her family have been attending St. Andrew's for over 12 years. They also recently snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef. How are those things related? Click here to find out.