Joy Force Refugee Ministry

Welcome Ministry’s refugee task force began about a dozen years ago led by the late Joy Knight, a lay leader of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. At the time St. Alban’s was assisting refugee Karen families from Myanmar (Burma). Over time the Refugee Task Force grew, welcoming many more new refugees and asylees to the El Cajon valley – most were Chaldeans from Iraq. Joy and her team became the go-to persons aiding refugees, especially those who did not speak English. The volunteers often help transport client families to medical care, enroll children in local schools, and compile needed documents relating to their immigration status.

Joy passed away several years ago, but we continue to honor her memory today with our refugee ministry named for her operating within Welcome Ministry of El Cajon as thoughts of Joy’s generous spirit and compassionate heart always guide us.