James arrived in Phoenix from Africa with very little English. Like many refugees, he was trying to navigate a new culture, build a new life, and communicate in a language he barely knew. Week after week, he faithfully attended our English classes, where his confidence steadily grew. Today, James is able to hold conversations in English, but when you ask him what has made the biggest difference, he doesn't just talk about learning a language. He talks about the people. From the very beginning, volunteers welcomed him, encouraged him, and helped him feel seen and valued. All of this was on purpose. Those relationships kept him coming back long before speaking English became easy.
One challenge remained, though. James lived several miles from our training center and faced the same long commute getting to work. Recently, one of our local partners, GCU’s City Serve, donated several e-bikes to GoTEN. It wasn't a gift anyone had specifically asked for, but it turned out to be exactly what James needed. Being able to give him one of those bikes has made getting to English class and work much easier, removing a barrier that had existed for months. It was a creative, unexpected gift that met a very practical need.
Stories like James' remind us that ministry isn't always about having the "right" program or donating the "right" item. Sometimes it's simply about being attentive to needs that only become visible through relationships. An e-bike may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about refugee ministry, but it became a powerful way for one outreach to love a neighbor. We never know what unique skills, resources, or ideas God might use when His people remain open to serving in unexpected ways.
James' story is also a reminder that every volunteer matters. Had he attended only a few classes before giving up, this opportunity may never have come along. Instead, because volunteers consistently welcomed him and built genuine friendships, James stayed connected to a community where God continued to provide in ways no one could have anticipated. Whether you're teaching English, sharing a conversation over coffee, or simply greeting someone with a smile, your faithfulness can become part of a much bigger story than you may ever realize. We can teach you to build meaningful relationships with your international neighbors — on purpose. Take the free training online!