"Miranda's" Fund 4 Political Asylum

Reason I Created This GoFundMe Campaign
As I shared in the video, I am creating this GoFundMe campaign on behalf of my friend "Miranda."  As you may already know, "Miranda" is pursuing Political Asylum in the United States due to fear for her life, as well as the life of her 6-month old daughter.  This fear is born from her experiencing extreme physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse at the hands of her estranged husband.  Furthermore, this fear is based on persecution she has faced at the hands of two different militant activist groups in Africa.  Because of that fear, I am not using her full legal name in an effort to protect her in case they would try to find her and pursue any form of harmful action, hence the name "Miranda."

Through connections with Watermark Justice, as well as references from the Humans Rights Initiative here in Dallas, "Miranda" was able to be introduced to a high-integrity lawyer.  Upon hearing her situation and story, this attorney identified her as a "viable candidate" for Political Asylum.  Because of that, our prayer is to raise $5,000 for legal assistance in Asylum application and legal protection before Thursday of next week (January 28th, 2016). 

We recognize this ask may come across as a surprise to many of you, and I completely understand that sentiment.  Please continue reading below to find answers to some of your truly reasonable questions. 


What The Money We Are Raising Go Towards
Of the $5,000 we are hoping to raise, all of the funds will go towards the legal support and assistance of "Miranda" in her application for Political Asylum. 

     -$3,000 will go directly towards legal fees
     -$1,000 for "Miranda's" Asylum interview coaching
     -$1,000 for expenses for attorney's travel to Houston

"Miranda" is currently a participant of Dallas-based shelter program.  This provides room and board for her and her 6-month old daughter.  None of these funds will go to their housing, food, or travel.  All funds will go directly towards pertinent legal fees.

Furthermore, please know that GoFundMe will take 7.5% of donations.  Therefore, of the total $5,000 GoFundMe will take $375.  Because of that, Taylor and I are committed to paying an additional $375 in addition to our other contribution so no one feels like their funds are going towards the organization and not “Miranda.”

 
Why We Need to Raise the Funds So Quickly
As "Miranda" has been in the United States for almost a year, I completely understand the hesitation some a feel at wondering why she is only now pursuing a legal route towards political Asylum.  In short, until late fall of last year "Miranda" was unaware of her political options.  After myself and others learned of "Miranda's" story in personal detail, we realized there may have been potential for Political Asylum.  As such, "Miranda" began meeting with legal groups in December.  After meeting with a few different legal entities that said they could help her, we began to realize the validity of her right to Asylum.  Unfortunately, in the early weeks of January "Miranda" also went for a surgery procedure at Parkland hospital on a hernia of hers, which then set us back due to her recovery a few weeks.  During that time we were working with trust groups (Watermark Justice and subsequently through them Human Rights Initiative) to see if they had recommendations for lawyers we could trust.  Once we received legal recommendations, we were able to confirm with those attorneys their desire to act as her legal representative yesterday (Tuesday, January 19th, 2016). 

In summary, "Miranda" did not know that Political Asylum was a reality until last fall of last year.  From there, it has taken time to 1) recovery from a surgery to remove a hernia and 2) identify a competent lawyer that we felt we could trust with such a life-changing matter.


What Bank Account Is the GoFundMe linked to?
As “Miranda” neither has income nor stability at this point, The GoFundMe is linked to Welcome Home’s ministry account.  This is a general account through Welcome Home that was opened in my name, as well as Clark Driver’s name almost 3 years ago.  Once funds are received, they will all will be issued directly to “Miranda.” 

 
May I Meet “Miranda” to Verify This Story?
Absolutely!  “Miranda” will be at Watermark Community Church this Sunday for the 11:15am service.  She will join the Welcome Home ministry in the North Community room following the service, and she is ready, prepared, and excited to meet with anyone that would like to engage with her personally.

 
Can We Guarantee That If She Files for Asylum, “Miranda” Will Be Approved?
Sadly, we cannot.  Our trust will be in God and those whom He has sent us as legal representatives.  We worked hard to identify high-integrity lawyers that would tell us the truth on whether or not she truly is a viable candidate, and we believe God has led us to the right one.


How Thankful Will We Be if You Consider Supporting?
This goes without saying, but I know that “Miranda” will be deeply appreciative.  This has been an extremely difficult and exhausting process for her.  She only has God to depend on, and she has faithfully been crying out. All that to say, this will literally be a life changing event for her life and the life of her 6-month old daughter.

 
Will Anyone Be Bothered If I Do Not Feel Led to Financially Contribute?
Not at all!  In Exodus 35 it talks about God stirring up and moving in the hearts of those who felt led to give towards His Tabernacle, so please know, if you don’t feel led BE FREE!  If this is meant to be, and I believe it is, God will provide.  He loves opportunities to show up and demonstrate his love towards the oppressed – He will take care of “Miranda” whether she receives Asylum or returns to her home country.  He will be faithful no matter what, and I know “Miranda’s” heart is to be faithful no matter what.

 
What If I Have Other Questions?
Please send me an email or feel free to give me a call!