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Keep Open House

Hello Wai-Lam,


Today's story comes from Lucy Chiamiti, the executive director of Adam House. Her story of receiving hospitality from those she is connected with at Adam House brings good questions about how each of us consider sacrifice in this call to be a light, open our homes, and give of our time, resources, and networks generously.


“...I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light standshine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

- Matthew 5:15b-16 (MSG)


Enjoy today's reflection and the opportunity to pray for the work of Adam House. If you want to be connected to the work of Adam House, you can find them and Lucy in our workers and partners directory.

Receiving the Generosity of the Humble

Lucy Chaimiti (nee Hill) is the Executive Director of Adam House, a short-term home for refugee claimants in the process of resettling in Canada. Adam House, serves as a unique place where both refugee claimant residents, staff, and volunteers create bonds that feel like family.


"Our clients are on a meager allowance, yet never hesitate to share a meal. They invite staff and Adam House volunteers into their homes, offering what little they might have.


"[Earlier this year], a 67-year-old Muslim woman from Eritrea invited me to her tiny bachelor apartment for a meal. I arrived later than I had expected, and I couldn’t stay for long. She still heaped my plate full of spaghetti and salad. When we packed up my leftovers, she insisted that I take everything that she had cooked, except what was on her own plate. In very limited English she told me that she didn’t want me to have to cook for my family when I arrived home. What an extraordinary gift from someone who has so little.


"We, the affluent west, might be tempted to think, that as we welcome refugees, we are the ones who are showing hospitality. But we give out of much, and seldom sacrificially. How can we love and welcome others sacrificially? I would challenge us to consider that sacrificial hospitality might not only refer to how much we give, but about allowing ourselves to be a bit uncomfortable in welcoming and loving others. Maybe it’s not only about opening Canada’s door and supporting through organizations like Adam House but inviting people into our homes and lives."

Watch an interview with Lucy from 2020

Prayer Requests for Adam House:


  • Please pray for the speedy completion of the Gladstone renovation so that we can open our doors again to meet the immense need in our city. In 2022, 92,000 refugee claims were made in Canada. The previous record was just 64,000. We have encountered several unanticipated issues (structural, water in the basement); however, we are now at the stage where we are putting things back together again. We are over budget and could use some volunteers to help with painting. Hoping to reopen in 3-4 weeks. 


  • It is increasingly difficult for refugee claimants to find long-term housing and move out of refugee homes and shelters. Besides the current housing crisis in our region, welfare shelter allowances are only covering a small fraction of actual rental rates. Please pray and advocate for policies that provide access to housing for all! 


  • Worldwide, attention to the refugee crisis is dwindling. There is fatigue and discrimination. Please pray that people would continue to be compassionate and respond where they can. 


  • Several of our former residents have not been granted protected person status and are making permanent resident applications on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Please pray for these dear ones who continue to struggle to stay in Canada, where they experience peace and freedom that cannot be found in their home countries.


  • Pray with us that our current and former residents would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. 

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