Iraqi family reunited at Denver church
By Reed Galin*
June 19, 2009 | DENVER (UMNS)
He did not learn The Lord’s Prayer as a child, but as a grown man — alone, half a world away from his wife and small children.
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Church members Ray and Lois Nelson helped Hussain navigate the
asylum process.
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Emad Hussain doesn’t recite the words. He absorbs them, eyes closed
in serene expression, as the deep but delicate rumble of many joined
voices fills the church. His church. It is Christianity’s most famous
prayer, and he is a Muslim. But, University Park United Methodist is
Hussain’s church.
Forgiving those who trespass against him is a poignant challenge for
Hussain, for there are many whom he might struggle to forgive. But he’s
left that life behind, back in Iraq.
On this Sunday morning in Denver, he is at peace sitting beside his
wife, Rasha, in the covering scarves of their Muslim faith, and their
young sons, ages 4 and 2. They squirm in the pew, confounded by their
new coats and ties. After 18 months and a long and torturous journey,
the family was recently reunited, helped by this church- and one couple
in particular.
The Hussains have no desire to convert to Christianity. That’s not why they’re here every week.
Emad Hussain, 44, explains, “When you feel you are loved and people
who like you and behave (as if they see you) as a human being, that
makes sense. That’s what they did with me. I just feel I am a part of
this church and a part of this family.”
Tears come as he finishes the thought.
Flight to safety
Hussain worked with the Iraqi National Olympic Organization. In that
capacity he spent time in Colorado with U.S. Olympic officials, and
learned English. But in Iraq, militants see sports as a threat because
it promotes a sense of national unity. Many athletes and related
professionals have been murdered.
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Nelson and Hussain worship together.
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In 2006, 36 of Hussain’s colleagues were kidnapped, never to be been
seen again. Hussain was shot in the leg that day, but they left him
behind- a marked man. He fled to the U.S. but had to leave without his
family.
Ray and Lois Nelson first came to know Hussain as volunteers helping
refugees through The Rocky Mountain Survivors Center. He was alone, a
likeable and soulful man who was a pleasure to be around, says Lois. As
the Nelsons helped him work through the tangled bureaucracy of trying
to secure asylum for Rasha and the boys, they grew close.
The Nelsons enlisted the help of their church and it became a broad
support system for Hussain, practically--with help finding jobs, and
financial assistance for rent, food and furnishings--and spiritually.
At times, Hussain was despondent. He said he felt like a coward
because now he was safe while his family was not, and he almost
returned. Finally, after a year and a half, a door cracked open for
Rasha and the boys. University Park’s congregation quickly raised
$5,000 to bring them here.
Love offerings
None of this help was contingent on Hussain worshipping with them,
says the Rev. Paul Kottke. “They’re giving something to us by their
willingness to be different and yet stay with us. Emad sees his faith
as fundamentally grounded in love. We, as Christians, say the same
thing and he’s saying he experiences a bridge between the two.”
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None of the assistance was contingent on Hussain worshipping with them
says the Rev. Paul Kottke.
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At a local park, Hussain and the Nelsons play with the boys.
Repeatedly, he holds his palm up to his sons and calls, “Give me
five!”, some of the first English words they have absorbed. Repeatedly,
they slap his hand, delighting the proud father. “Good boy! We are
giving them some American attitudes.”
As he and Ray Nelson push the boys on swings, Hussain talks about
what the Nelsons mean to him and his family. “I just feel it’s like Dad
and Mom. I mean thanks God. My first mom is dead and my dad is dead and
he gives me another mom and dad, it’s wonderful.”
Hussain’s family faces new challenges. He barely meets rent working
two jobs, as a massage therapist and parking lot attendant. Rasha
doesn’t speak English, and has not gotten over the chronic fear of
living under cover back in Baghdad. The boys are astonished by the
toys, even bicycles and helmets, from the church. But, the first time
they heard a siren in Denver, they tried to run for cover. There are
profound cultural stumbling blocks ahead.
Still, Emad Hussain describes their situation as, “Paradise, every day.”
“I have my family and my dad and my mom. I have support (from the
church). I actually believe in the future. I can make my family live
better. But the important thing is I can leave my home in the morning
and I’m sure I will return back in the evening.”
After a recent Sunday service, a woman at the church asks how the
family is progressing with English and says Emad will have to be
patient. Does everyone know how to say, “I love you?” she inquires.
“Ah,” Emad replies, “that is the problem.”
*Galin is a freelance producer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Fran Coode Walsh, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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