Encoura(ger)
The Hebrew word ger means “stranger” or “sojourner,” and God calls His people to love the ger as themselves. This shirt celebrates our volunteers who give courage to the stranger.
Read storyStory collection
REFUGEES
Explore stories, updates, and reflections from this part of GoTEN's work.
REFUGEES
Stories in this collection.
Pivotal Days Ahead in the Global Fight for Rohingya Justice
Earlier this week, Bangladesh hosted a three-day gathering focused on the Rohingya crisis.
Read storyA Meal, a Story, and the Hope of Jesus
In a remote refugee camp near the Syrian border, a shared meal, a child’s bracelet, and the story of Zacchaeus opened hearts to Jesus—showing that transformation is just a conversation away.
Read storyFrom Boxes to Belonging
Thank you, GCU City Serve, for opening the door to so many of these moments. Your gifts are more than physical items—they are seeds of dignity, hope, and transformation.
Read storyEmpower Refugees Through Arizona’s Tax Credit Program: Support GoTEN
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit program allows taxpayers to donate to qualifying charitable organizations and receive a tax credit of up to $400 for individuals and $800 for couples filing jointly.
Read storyEquipping Local Believers in Distant Places
For over a decade, GoTEN has been involved in ministry in Myanmar, a journey that began when Burmese refugees in Arizona introduced us to their friends and family back home. Since then, we’ve trained hundreds of church planters and supported the work of four indigenous believers who now serve as GoTEN missionaries.
Read storyThree Reasons You Should Join a Mission Trip in 2025
GoTEN has multiple exciting trips planned to visit both familiar and new locations in 2025! These trips will deepen your understanding of cross-cultural ministry while also providing lasting encouragement to those in need.
Read storyTrue Friendships That Impact Lives for Women in the Refugee Community
ShopRefugee is an accessible job training program that allows busy mothers to increase their employability.
Read storyFutures Changed
Fareed, a young refugee, joined GoTEN's Kids’ Program in May 2023, initially speaking only a few words. With dedicated support, he now speaks in full sentences, recognizes the alphabet, and counts to thirty. His progress has uplifted his family, enabling his mother to focus on her own English studies.
Read storyStarting Over
Boman arrived in America from Afghanistan with nothing but a few belongings and a heart full of hope.
Read storyThe Impact of a Summer in Phoenix
The goal behind GoTEN’s internship program is to provide young, motivated servants the opportunity to learn and grow under experienced guidance and get their first taste of cross-cultural ministry.
Read storyMobilizing the Local Church
GoTEN prioritizes connecting the church with opportunities to get educated, get locally involved, go, and get to work.
Read storyOpen Your Door
Inviting someone into your home and showing hospitality, regardless of who they are, is a sign of mutual respect and care.
Read storyJust Go
Short-term mission trips offer valuable experiences without long-term commitments. Common concerns—such as cost, qualifications, and potential disruption—are addressed by GoTEN, emphasizing that anyone can participate. Opportunities include both international and local missions in Phoenix, allowing individuals to engage in cross-cultural ministry and support global workers.
Read storyRamadan
As followers of Christ, we can use Ramadan as a reminder to pray for our Muslim neighbors and friends.
Read storyClues at the Front Door
Enjoy these practical tips to help you transition from neighbor to friend as you visit their home and share life together.
Read storyPreparing for the Next Refugee Wave
While resettlement presently appears far from hitting peak numbers, “the next wave” is almost inevitable. The time for the Church to prepare is now.
Read storyThree Ways to Pray: Myanmar
Here are three ways we can pray specifically for unreached people groups in Myanmar:
Read storyFrom Neighbor to Friend to Family: Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
Significant time and investment is necessary, but achieving this level of friendship is truly one of life’s greatest honors.
Read storyA Christmas Story: Jesus, The Refugee Kid
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that the story of Jesus is also a story about refugees, and a reminder that we must stand in solidarity with those who find themselves displaced, vulnerable and oppressed.
Read storyFrom Neighbor to Friend to Family: Part 2 of a 3 Part Series
Friendship is a bond between two people, commonly developed through shared interests or experiences. Find out how to go from neighbor to friend!
Read storyFrom Neighbor to Friend to Family: Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
God is very clear about how He desires the people of His kingdom to welcome their neighbors. GoTEN is intentional about creating an environment that is welcoming to newly arrived neighbors and invites you to be part of it!
Read storyThank You, Cheerful Givers!
GoTEN has so many faithful, cheerful supporters that work in unison to help provide for the organization in its work among unreached people groups. We want to thank Jan and Chuy Martinez for coordinating a fundraising campaign with the congregation at Circle of Peace Church.
Read storySpecial Deliveries
These baskets of kitchen supplies and colorful bags of school supplies are a representation of the servant heart of Christ.
Read storyIf the World Was a Waffle
What does a waffle have to do with missions? This 4 minute video will make you think about missions every time you eat a waffle.
Read storyAnnouncing GoTEN's Kids Program
The kids’ program is a place where children, like Remy, will be heard, valued and loved.
Read storyThree Ways to Pray: Afghanistan
Through our prayers, we can offer hope and comfort to our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan.
Read storyFrom Refugee to Essential Employee
Students in our sewing classes are working hard to prepare for the day that another full time position opens, and would love to have your help.
Read storyThree Ways to Pray: Sudan
As Christians, we can pray for the people of Sudan in several ways.
Read storyChoose to Prepare
Maintaining resilience, however, and continuing to prepare for the moment might pay dividends when least expected.
Read storyThree Ways to Pray: Rohingya People
As Christians, we can pray for their protection, healing, and restoration, as well as for justice and peace to prevail.
Read storyJesus Wept
Just as Jesus felt for his friends, made time for them, and shared in their loss, our staff stepped up to do the same for their friend.
Read story“Where are you, God?”
Each time thoughts and prayers go out, the thought undoubtedly comes back: “where are you, God?”
Read storyShop Refugee Gaining Notoriety in Phoenix
Fox 10 in Phoenix recently covered Shop Refugee in the video story above.
Read storyTea: The Drink of Afghan Friendship
It's not just about drinking tea; it's an opportunity to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Read storyFriends Near and Far
Pray that in their joy, they would then share those stories with their family members and friends, near and far.
Read storySomali People
Consider what it would be like if you lived with circumstances such as Somalis do.
Read storyAn Open Letter to Our Encouragers
Through you, they see the love and commitment of a friend, someone who loves and follows Jesus, someone who is invested in their success.
Read storyA Citizen at Last: Mod's Story
GoTEN’s greatest hope for its staff, volunteers and students is that while learning and teaching English, they would be able to develop lasting friendships that grow into experiencing true community together.
Read storyA Seat at the Table
GoTEN offers sewing classes, free of charge, to many of these same women.
Read storyNot Just Another Walk in the Park
On May 21st at Mountain View Park, GoTEN had a unique opportunity to serve some of its refugee students that are currently living in temporary housing at a hotel.
Read storyFrom Student to Friend
One of a teacher’s greatest challenges is the transition from the student-teacher relationship to the friend-friend relationship. A natural connection makes the difficulties of learning this difficult language much less discouraging.
Read storyA Mile in His Shoes
When many refugees arrive in the United States, they feel as though few people they meet have “walked a mile in their shoes”.
Read storyA Helping Hand That Sparks Community
GoTEN strives to equip people to love their neighbors, helping legally resettled refugees learn English, get jobs and experience Christian community. Sometimes it all starts with “yes, I can help!”
Read storyThanksgiving in Dallas
In November, the GoTEN Dallas team was able to host a Thanksgiving party for its students, volunteers, and their families at its English classroom.
Read storyBecome part of the story