Our Mission

Thousands of refugees have come to America from their homelands around the world. Americans have as many perspectives on this issue as we have citizens, but our points of view do not change the present need or the Biblical call.

At Neelsville we have two friends who came to this country from Iran on a tourist visa in 2024. Their intent was to learn more about the Christian faith, something it is too dangerous to attempt in Iran. Once here, they found the ESOL program at Neelsville Church, and we got to know them as they learned the English language. They also found a Christian that speaks Farsi who spent time with them studying Christianity. In January, they applied for asylum and received acknowledgement of receipt of their application by USCIS in April. This means that they are legally here in this country while awaiting an interview with USCIS to determine whether they will be granted asylum. This process can take months, or years (see USCIS.gov). In February our friends were baptized.

Recently, the male partner of this couple was detained by ICE and sent to Texas to go through the process of deportation. We believe he is innocent of any wrongdoing, and we want to help him prove his innocence. To do this, we have hired a lawyer. We are seeking support from individuals, and churches in the community to help us free this individual. We hope you will consider being a part of this outreach. 

How You Can Help

• Pray -         Please pray for this couple. Ask God to ease their fears, and make plain their innocence. This is our most fervent request.
• Donate - to help pay the lawyer’s fees. We hope to have our friend released on bond and to return to Maryland for a future court date to determine asylum. Although we believe he has done nothing wrong, this is an expensive process. Based on information we have received from lawyers in this area, it will cost up to $20,000 for this process to be completed.

How to Donate

DONATE ONLINE 

By Check

Payable to:  Neelsville Presbyterian Church

Memo:  REFUGEE FUND (this must be filled in so your donation is properly distributed)

Mail to:  Neelsville Presbyterian Church

               20701 Frederick Road, Germantown, MD 20876

Neelsville Presbyterian Church is a 501c3 non-profit organization by the standards of the Internal Revenue Service.  Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  No goods or services are provided in exchange for your donation.

All donations will be dedicated to the refugee resettlement efforts (to include rent, food, and other basic necessities) beginning with the current Afghan resettlement; any funds remaining will go toward future refugee support projects.

[Please note - NPC families:  This mission project stands outside our regular pledges, tithes and offerings that are needed to keep the church operating.]

Thank you for your prayers and donations!

Questions:  Contact Joanne Wilson at joannelwilson@gmail.com.