My name is Timothy Edgren, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Nasibu Saidi and Christine Kamen, a remarkable couple I met while serving as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Namibia. Nasibu and Christine are originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they each faced severe ethnic violence, persecution, and life-threatening situations. Returning to the DRC would expose them to serious danger. Fleeing these dangers, they sought safety in Namibia, where they were granted refugee status and eventually met each other. Today, they are married and raising three young children, striving to build a stable and hopeful future despite ongoing challenges.
Unfortunately, Namibia does not provide permanent citizenship or full legal identity to refugees or to their children born there. This leaves Nasibu, Christine, and their children in a fragile situation, with limited work opportunities and constant uncertainty about their future. Remaining indefinitely in Namibia means living with legal and economic uncertainty. Previously, our family and others had begun working through the Welcome Corps pathway to help them immigrate to the United States. However, due to recent administrative and immigration policy changes, that pathway closed before it could be completed. Since then, Nasibu has carefully researched lawful and structured alternatives. Canada’s Express Entry program has emerged as the most realistic and stable pathway forward. Unlike temporary visas, this program grants permanent resident status upon arrival, providing full legal work rights, stability, and a clear path to citizenship after several years.
Nasibu has worked diligently to prepare himself for this opportunity. He has completed his Associate Degree in Software Development (BYU-Idaho, online) and is on track to complete his Bachelor’s degree in 2027. He works remotely in web development, is trilingual in French, English, and Swahili, and will receive a formal reference letter from his U.S. employer. He has already opened a separate savings account dedicated exclusively to this Canada immigration goal. Transparency is very important to us, and all funds raised will be used exclusively for the Canada process: proof of funds requirement, government processing fees, language testing, credential evaluation, and travel costs. For a family of five, Canada requires a significant amount in proof of available savings before submitting the final application. This policy ensures that newcomers can support themselves and not rely on public assistance.
No gift is too small. If many people give even a little, together, it can create real change. What seems small individually becomes life-changing when combined. There is also a spiritual dimension. Due to travel restrictions connected to refugee documentation, their access to the temple in South Africa is often delayed or denied. Canada would allow them to practice their faith freely and consistently.
We ask that you will consider contributing to or sharing this campaign. Together, small acts of generosity can secure a permanent and stable future for this family. With sincere gratitude, Timothy Edgren (on behalf of Nasibu Saidi & Christine Kamen)
Unfortunately, Namibia does not provide permanent citizenship or full legal identity to refugees or to their children born there. This leaves Nasibu, Christine, and their children in a fragile situation, with limited work opportunities and constant uncertainty about their future. Remaining indefinitely in Namibia means living with legal and economic uncertainty. Previously, our family and others had begun working through the Welcome Corps pathway to help them immigrate to the United States. However, due to recent administrative and immigration policy changes, that pathway closed before it could be completed. Since then, Nasibu has carefully researched lawful and structured alternatives. Canada’s Express Entry program has emerged as the most realistic and stable pathway forward. Unlike temporary visas, this program grants permanent resident status upon arrival, providing full legal work rights, stability, and a clear path to citizenship after several years.
Nasibu has worked diligently to prepare himself for this opportunity. He has completed his Associate Degree in Software Development (BYU-Idaho, online) and is on track to complete his Bachelor’s degree in 2027. He works remotely in web development, is trilingual in French, English, and Swahili, and will receive a formal reference letter from his U.S. employer. He has already opened a separate savings account dedicated exclusively to this Canada immigration goal. Transparency is very important to us, and all funds raised will be used exclusively for the Canada process: proof of funds requirement, government processing fees, language testing, credential evaluation, and travel costs. For a family of five, Canada requires a significant amount in proof of available savings before submitting the final application. This policy ensures that newcomers can support themselves and not rely on public assistance.
No gift is too small. If many people give even a little, together, it can create real change. What seems small individually becomes life-changing when combined. There is also a spiritual dimension. Due to travel restrictions connected to refugee documentation, their access to the temple in South Africa is often delayed or denied. Canada would allow them to practice their faith freely and consistently.
We ask that you will consider contributing to or sharing this campaign. Together, small acts of generosity can secure a permanent and stable future for this family. With sincere gratitude, Timothy Edgren (on behalf of Nasibu Saidi & Christine Kamen)