Donation protected
In August & September 2018, a team, and I was privileged with the opportunity to document the Refugee crisis migration from Northern Libya through Malta, Sicily, Rome-Italy, and Menton- South France. This experience changed my life forever. I will never look at compassion, hunger, joy, provision, and a home the same ever again (see photos below). The team (shout out to Adam Thomason, Will, Rodney, Karen P and others) and I created a documentary to highlight stories beyond what the news shares about refugees, migrants, and immigrants. This documentary couldn't have been created with out this incredible team! The documentary highlights personal journeys of unfathomable life threatening experiences to migrate to Europe. Our aim was to honor, love, and tell their stories authentically. I will be doing some local screenings in Charlotte, NC so folks can view my documentary and have discussion on this crisis going on in our world. Never in a million years did I think I would be doing work like this, but when you are convicted with a human dignity issue you have to step up and serve.
It's time to tell the stories of those who don't have the voice or resources to do it.
Here is a quick journal entry of my experience-
Last year I visited Rome for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the city. I missed living in Europe during a period of my childhood. My first time in Rome was this year. I spent time in a refugee camp with some of the most gracious, humble, and thankful people in the world. Especially a guy named Charlie (see main photo and photos below). My wife and I decided to visit Rome for vacation. She was so fascinated by my stories of the city. With some hesitation we decided to visit the camp again. I came with the intention to specifically see Charlie. When he saw me roll up to his home he was in shock that he would ever see me again. We hugged and embraced with love and joy. My wife and I spent hours with him and his friend Oggi. After that previous time we felt so convicted to tangibly honor Charlie somehow. We didn't want to just be a handout or cliche American wanna be saviors. So, we returned to the camp and took Charlie to the Ghana embassy to assist him in the process of getting his documents, birth certificate (which was stolen), and passport to both return home and move elsewhere to begin a better life. I gave him an outfit and sprayed cologne so he would look and feel handsome. It was so hard sitting in this embassy with what felt like the entire nation of Ghana trying to get assistance. We didn't get far but we did figure out next steps for Charlie. He needs people to believe in him and love him. He and Oggi said to me and my wife "so many people come trying to fix, get sound bites, and force something on us, but you two just coming and loving as friends means the world". This blessed my soul! This gave me life! Charlie is my brudda as he would say. His joy and smile lights up my world! We laughed and discussed that one day he will be a father and husband free from this prison and bondage, but today he must fight. Refugees, migrants, and immigrants matter!
Who will benefit from this: I am partnering with some local non-profits (Project 658 & their soccer ministry) in Charlotte to document refugees, migrants, and immigrants to tell their story. I love going overseas and will make every effort to make this happen (especially if I raise enough funds), but I think it's important to do work in your backyard as well. So this is where I will start and build.
Here is the need in Charlotte-
- From 2000 to 2013, the number of foreign-born people living in the Charlotte metropolitan region grew by 114%, making Charlotte the 6th top metropolitan area for percentage change in foreign-born population.
- Half of Mecklenburg County’s immigrant population moved to the United States since 2000.
- Approximately 1 in 7 Mecklenburg County residents are foreign-born. The regions with the most representation are Central America (35%) and Asia (29%)
The most important thing you can do when an immigrant or refugee family moves to Charlotte is to welcome them and begin a new relationship. Simply ask yourself the question: “What is the one thing you would hope for if you moved to a new city, with a new culture, where people speak a different language?” The answer is a friend.
Where are the funds going- The funds are going directly to me to continue documenting Refugees, Migrants, and Immigrants in Charlotte and hopefully overseas. I will use the money to build relationships (meals, coffee, etc...), tell stories (gear/equipment), screenings for the documentary, and other needs that may arise. I will be documenting refugee soccer players playing street ball in Charlotte and telling their stories as this game has united them and given them purpose. I will need the funds by the end of February so that I can continue doing the work I am already doing.
Thank you- Thank you for taking time to read this message, encourage me, donate, and reach out. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and follow your convictions, and it takes courage as well to give your finances to someone you believe in. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me however you can. I hope to return the favor as well.
For everyone who donates I will write a personal thank you card to. Everyone in Charlotte who is interested in attending a screening- please email and more info to come soon.
It's time to tell the stories of those who don't have the voice or resources to do it.
Here is a quick journal entry of my experience-
Last year I visited Rome for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the city. I missed living in Europe during a period of my childhood. My first time in Rome was this year. I spent time in a refugee camp with some of the most gracious, humble, and thankful people in the world. Especially a guy named Charlie (see main photo and photos below). My wife and I decided to visit Rome for vacation. She was so fascinated by my stories of the city. With some hesitation we decided to visit the camp again. I came with the intention to specifically see Charlie. When he saw me roll up to his home he was in shock that he would ever see me again. We hugged and embraced with love and joy. My wife and I spent hours with him and his friend Oggi. After that previous time we felt so convicted to tangibly honor Charlie somehow. We didn't want to just be a handout or cliche American wanna be saviors. So, we returned to the camp and took Charlie to the Ghana embassy to assist him in the process of getting his documents, birth certificate (which was stolen), and passport to both return home and move elsewhere to begin a better life. I gave him an outfit and sprayed cologne so he would look and feel handsome. It was so hard sitting in this embassy with what felt like the entire nation of Ghana trying to get assistance. We didn't get far but we did figure out next steps for Charlie. He needs people to believe in him and love him. He and Oggi said to me and my wife "so many people come trying to fix, get sound bites, and force something on us, but you two just coming and loving as friends means the world". This blessed my soul! This gave me life! Charlie is my brudda as he would say. His joy and smile lights up my world! We laughed and discussed that one day he will be a father and husband free from this prison and bondage, but today he must fight. Refugees, migrants, and immigrants matter!
Who will benefit from this: I am partnering with some local non-profits (Project 658 & their soccer ministry) in Charlotte to document refugees, migrants, and immigrants to tell their story. I love going overseas and will make every effort to make this happen (especially if I raise enough funds), but I think it's important to do work in your backyard as well. So this is where I will start and build.
Here is the need in Charlotte-
- From 2000 to 2013, the number of foreign-born people living in the Charlotte metropolitan region grew by 114%, making Charlotte the 6th top metropolitan area for percentage change in foreign-born population.
- Half of Mecklenburg County’s immigrant population moved to the United States since 2000.
- Approximately 1 in 7 Mecklenburg County residents are foreign-born. The regions with the most representation are Central America (35%) and Asia (29%)
The most important thing you can do when an immigrant or refugee family moves to Charlotte is to welcome them and begin a new relationship. Simply ask yourself the question: “What is the one thing you would hope for if you moved to a new city, with a new culture, where people speak a different language?” The answer is a friend.
Where are the funds going- The funds are going directly to me to continue documenting Refugees, Migrants, and Immigrants in Charlotte and hopefully overseas. I will use the money to build relationships (meals, coffee, etc...), tell stories (gear/equipment), screenings for the documentary, and other needs that may arise. I will be documenting refugee soccer players playing street ball in Charlotte and telling their stories as this game has united them and given them purpose. I will need the funds by the end of February so that I can continue doing the work I am already doing.
Thank you- Thank you for taking time to read this message, encourage me, donate, and reach out. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and follow your convictions, and it takes courage as well to give your finances to someone you believe in. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me however you can. I hope to return the favor as well.
For everyone who donates I will write a personal thank you card to. Everyone in Charlotte who is interested in attending a screening- please email and more info to come soon.
Organiser
Erick Madeline Hodge
Organiser
Charlotte, NC