Keila and kids

Keila and her 3 children (Karla, 16; Alejandro, 15; Tatiana, 13), Colombian and Venezuelan by nationality, have sought asylum (political refuge) in the US. In July of 2021 they fled Colombian guerrillas who were tasked with hunting her and her children down for reward due to a connection Keila had with a Colombian militant who opposed the guerrillas in Colombia. Many people flee Colombia as a result of these guerrilla manhunts. Keila and her children, filled with fear and great sadness, left family, friends and familiarity for Ecuador where God provided a safe haven. During that time God arranged for Keila to interview with US immigration (a nation that offers asylum to people fleeing guerrillas from Colombia). Fear continued to mount and Keila needed to leave Ecuador based on the danger the manhunt continued to pose. Abandoning friends and familiarity, Keila and the children left Ecuador in December of 2023. While literally on the run Keila and her children crossed paths with some Wausau locals who were ministering to the national church in Costa Rica in January 2024. The Lord weaved their hearts together and since then a team from Wausau has been working to support her arrival and transition in the US. Keila and the kids have been in the US since March 25. They are currently at a refugee shelter in Chicago getting paperwork in place. Keila is documented and is in affirmative asylum proceedings. The Wausau team is working tirelessly to transition them to Wausau where we long to fellowship with them and help them establish a community of friends and familiarity. Keila is eager to work and be used by God to provide for her family.

We have been challenged by this description of God’s heart and His expectation for our hearts towards foreigners in Deuteronomy 10:18 “... He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.” Would you consider joining us as we support this transition? Right now, we are looking to get Keila and the kids into a safe apartment that has access to the bus line for work (we have a few leads already for her!) and a laundromat. The money raised will go directly to pay Keila's deposit, 1st months rent, utilities, and other home essentials. Please reach out with any questions!

Keila and her 3 kids as they have traveled countless miles by foot and sometimes bus. Many nights of sleeping on the ground in all kinds of weather and dangerous situations including passing through the Darien gap. Keila has an incredible spirit of perseverance and maintains such a positive outlook despite her hardships.