written by Marleigh Hayes, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, communications intern
In January 2024, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church (PHUMC) celebrated the anniversary of the Sadiqis, an Afghan refugee family, becoming a part of the PHUMC community. In January 2022, The Interfaith Center of Little Rock contacted many churches to seek support for Afghan families seeking asylum and PHUMC answered the call. The Sadiqis’ journey took them through New Jersey to Little Rock, where they were welcomed with open arms.
In true United Methodist fashion, PHUMC created a task force to adequately support the family through prayer, financial support, English lessons, transportation, and other daily tasks. The task force is comprised of about 25 volunteers who contribute to supporting the Sadiqis every day. Volunteers drive school-age children to tutoring and extracurricular activities, work with their parents to study English and learn to drive, help coordinate SNAP and other assistance, and much more.
Since arriving in Little Rock, the family has grown from five to six with the addition of the first daughter, Aruzu (meaning hope), alongside their three sons. The Sadiqis have experienced many other joys in Little Rock as they continue to settle. The father got a job, was named employee of the month, and passed his driver’s test. The mother has made connections with other Afghan families and often spends time in fellowship with them. Their three sons (5, 7, and 9) are enrolled in the Little Rock School District. The family also takes English lessons multiple times a week to become more proficient in speaking, reading, and writing.
Rev. Abbey Maynard, Pastor of Community Ministries says “PHUMC is only one of many churches that has stepped up to support Afghan refugee families. As a church, we are grateful to be able to support the Sadiqis. However, we could not have done this without our PH Afghan Team and greater church community that have come together in God’s love to help the Sadiqi family plant their roots in Little Rock, Arkansas.”
To learn more about this ministry go to phumc.com/afghan-refugee-updates or contact Rev. Abbey Maynard at amaynard@phumc.com or 501-664-3600.