Hardy HARC Challenge Hikers get a wet day, raise $20,000
On Saturday, May 18, eighteen people got out and hiked 20 miles in the rain and mud on the Appalachian Trail to raise funds for Micah’s Backpack, the Refugee Welcome Network, and other HARC programs. The group raised more than $20,000 through registrations, fundraising and a 2-1 match from the God’s Grace Fund! Becky Fritts was the top fundraising individual with $2,450, and her team Otterbein UMC – Micah’s BP was the top fundraising team.
Though the weather was bleak most of the day, participants showed great joyful spirits full tenacity as they hiked in Virginia from Snicker’s gap north to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, with most continuing onto the bridge over the Maryland line. Everyone completed at least 20 miles safely, taking from 10.5-11.5 hours to finish. In spite of the rain and length it was a great day of personal achievement, meeting new people or catching up with old friends, and raising money for a good cause. The group was grateful to have an Afghan refugee, Mahboobullah, hiking with them, an energetic and friendly young man new to the U.S. last month.
Thanks so much to HARC’s support team (Ed Poling, Kyle Powderly, Beth Johnston, Sue Wert, Bill Pike) for keeping the hikers fed and transporting them to the start and back to their vehicles! Thanks also to Girls, Inc. for loaning us two buses for transportation.
Donations to Challenge Hikers are still welcome and can be made HERE.
See the list of Challenge Hike finishers on our Challenge Hike Wall of Fame.
This is Part 1 of the 12th Annual HARC Hike. Learn more here on how you can participate in the main HARC Hike on June 8, with 4K, 10K and half marathon options.
Air Conditioners and Volunteers Needed
Summer is approaching and the Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) is seeking window air conditioners to place in apartments of refugees to keep them comfortable in the summer heat. RWN continues to grow as more refugees settle in our area, so we are also in need of volunteers for the following roles: Household & Furnishings, Workforce Development, Family Allies, Legal Team (no legal experience required), and Fundraising. Learn more HERE about these roles and the RWN. If interested, please contact RWN at refugeewelcome@harccoalition.org.
It’s a Boy (x2)!
- This Spring brought new life to two refugee families – both had the joy of welcoming home new baby boys!
Fawad and Nargis tried for 15 years to have a child, with no success, until now. Little Benjamin is truly a miracle for this couple, who are overjoyed with their new son. Fawad, a pediatrician in Afghanistan who worked for the government, is now able to care for his own child, and Nargis, a skilled seamstress will keep him well cared for and clothed beautifully as she works from home in her craft.
This family arrived in Hagerstown a little over a year ago with Special Immigrant Visas. After some help from the Refugee Welcome Network (RWN), they are now living independently, with Fawad working at Amazon while he works toward reestablishing a career in medicine.
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Aref D and son in April 2024 Aref and Friba arrived in Hagerstown with their two young children in January 2023 seeking asylum from the Taliban in Afghanistan. Aref was a journalist and government official in Afghanistan and Friba was a nurse in a hospital. Adjusting to life in the U.S. has been challenging for them as they had to wait many months for work permits, and their son has had several health issues.
- The couple persevered with a great strength and help from the RWN, and they are now living independently, though life is still not easy. Aref is working at Amazon and Friba was taking nursing classes until she had to go on bed rest with her pregnancy. The couple was thrilled to welcome a new son to the family in April!
RWN members are overjoyed at the two new blessings. As we have gotten to know these and other families, they have become a part of our family and our community. We thank God for them!
Learn more about the Refugee Welcome Network and how you can support this work.
Free Chairs
Interim Pastor Position Available
Located in Hagerstown, Maryland NLMCC is a church in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC). We are seeking a part-time pastor to be the spiritual and administrative leader of the church and shall work in a spirit of cooperation with the Board of Directors and lay leaders. This position can begin as early as April of 2024. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and sample sermon to newlightmcc@gmail.com with Pastor Search and your First and Last Name in the subject line. Please no phone calls.