Dallas, TX (WBAP/KLIF) – An Iranian refugee is playing it forward after coming to the U.S. 19 years ago with her family. Dr. Samira Page, founder of Gateway of Grace Ministries says early holidays were extremely difficult for her family.
Seven years ago, she decided to host a small handful of refugees for Thanksgiving dinner; fast-forward to Thanksgiving 20178, and her 7th annual dinner event drew some 400 refugees. She considers part of the mission of her ministry with aims to bridge socio-cultural gaps between Christians and refugees.
She says the dinner is a was to “help refugees experience a holiday that’s very distinctly American, hear what the holiday is about, and that’s part of the assimilation process, as well as welcome them and make them feel that they are part of the community.”
It was just one of many feasts offered around Texas for those who left lives behind or have no settled lives.
The even was held inside Parish Hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church
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Refugees find new traditions during Thanksgiving meal at Dallas church | @liz_farmer https://t.co/TXvqbeBI90 pic.twitter.com/raUPRwgyPR
— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) November 25, 2016
Dallas ministry brings refugees their first Thanksgiving feast https://t.co/OQpuHzfd77 pic.twitter.com/IXi2w5yuC7
— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) November 27, 2015
