Bishop Sean is pleased to announce the appointment of Stella Lail Perrin as Community Outreach Coordinator in Cyprus with effect from 1 October 2024.
Introducing herself, Stella writes:
Greetings in the name of Christ! My name is Stella Lail Perrin and I am humbled to be serving in the role of Community Outreach Coordinator, Cyprus (formerly Social Concern Officer, a role previously held by the Revd Anne Futcher. I am originally from the US but have been living and working in Larnaca, Cyprus for a year working as a mental health educator for All4Aid (formerly Oasis). My education includes a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in Counseling, having served as an Associate Pastor and School Counselor in the past.
I will be working with Bishop Sean to coordinate efforts with other humanitarian organizations in Cyprus to be prepared for an influx of asylum seekers from the escalating conflict in the region, should an influx occur. I also want to dialogue with parish leaders to help churches be prepared to respond in a way that honors Christ and our call to love our neighbors.
A few practical things you can do to begin preparing yourself and your congregation for a sudden rise in asylum seekers includes:
- Prayer – use the intercessions during Sunday services to prayer for those who are in danger and for those who may have to flee, and encourage parishioners to pray daily for refugees. Pray for open hearts to receive asylum seekers and to meet them where they are. I will soon be sending out a prayer guide if you would like to use it or distribute it among congregants. It’s easier to love and serve those for whom we have prayed.
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 6:34
- Assess your strengths and your assets-What is it that your church might have to offer? Time to volunteer? Space for persons or organizations to use? What skills might your congregants have to offer that could be needed (Including simple language teaching, making hats/scarves/blankets)
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
- Become familiar with resources in your area. What nonprofits or humanitarian aid organizations are in your area? What services do they offer? Have you introduced yourself to them? How could your congregation offer support to them? We are stronger more effective when we work together.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
For such a time as this we have been called to this little island of Cyprus to be the hands and feet of Christ. May Christ find his faithful!
Grace and peace!
Stella Lail Perrin
