“You are to love those who are foreigners”

refugee camp in Thailand. While May Yee took care of her special needs son, Whin Kin, her husband lived and worked outside of the Refugee Camp. In 2004, a terrible mistake claimed the life of her husband when a Burmese soldier thought he was a spy for another group of people. May Yee was now on her own to raise WhinWhin Kin by herself. In 2007, May Yee and her son moved to Utica. She met Lay Taw, MaungKyi, and other Burmese members of Redeemer Church. During 2009, May Yee became a member of Redeemer Church and was baptized. Not long after, her son became very ill with liver failure. After the prayers of many, Whin Kin was finallyfinally able to receive a liver transplant. Currently, he is doing very well and even attends Jones School in Utica. The Lord’s hand has been upon this family, and all are so thankful to have May Yee and Whin Kin as a part of the church body.

Ma Yee and Win Khin received the keys to their new home in an official ceremony at Redeemer Church on Sunday, December 19th, with the Mayor in attendance. The service touched the hearts of many, and there was not a dry eye in the house. When Ma Yee walked down the aisle to receive the keys to her new house, she had suchsuch a joyful and yet humble spirit about her. Ma Yee expressed her gratitude when she said, “I have never felt this much joy in my life before. I am blessed by the grace of God. I never even dreamed that I would own a house. I don’t know what to say. I am so full of joy.”

By: Amy Cannon When you walk into the foyer of Redeemer Church, it is difficult to miss the large statement painted on the wall above the entrance: “Live generously.” The words are more than just a catchphrase at this more than just a catchphrase at this church. On December 19, 2010, something extraordinary happened when“Live Generously” was put into action.

It began with the purchase of the propertylocated at 1406 Miller Street in the city of Utica in 2009. Pastor Rick Andrew stated, “We have a city filled with refugees, and “We have a city filled with refugees, and they are our mission field. We wanted tohelp the immigrants, spiritually and practically. Deuteronomy 10:19 states, ‘And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.’”

InIn the pursuit of helping this community practically, the pastoral staff of Redeemer Church approached the city to purchase a home they could restore. The purpose would be to transform the property and give the home away to a refugee family. Thanks to Mayor Roefaro, the location was purchased for a nominal fee. The undertaking of such a major project was completedcompleted at the hands of many who donated their time, talents and resources to restore the property.

There were many businesses involved in this project, including Ambrose Electric, Buck Construction, Compassion Coalition, Country Suburban Heating & Cooling, Rome General Lumber, and Wheelock Sanitation. However, this could not have been completed without the help and dedication of countless people like Roland Jackson, Eliyah Sokol, HowardHoward Quick, Stan Ruszala and David Myers, who donated their time and energy to assist in the completion of the home. The transformation that took place between 2009 and 2010 was amazing. The family that would receive this home would be extremely blessed.

Pastor Rick Andrew explained the selection process: “Of the many applicants to receive the home, three were selected due to their great need. From these three, a drawing was held.” The winner of the house was Ma Yee and her son, Whin Kin. The story of her life has touched many. Originally from Burma, May Yee and her family were forced to flee to a page 21