They are a Christian tribal people from the central highlands of Vietnam and former allies of our U. S. Military Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Long oppressed for their religion and alliances, the Montagnards have come to seek a new life in the United States. Because North Carolinians have welcomed the Montagnard people for over 16 years, more than 3,000 live throughout the Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh area today.

This summer, in joint ministry with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Lutheran Family Services (LFS) in the Carolinas is handling its largest immigration of Montagnard refugees to date -- 500 people in just two months. Why North Carolina? Because North Carolina continues to provide the communities where the resettled Montagnards can thrive, their critical needs met generously by caring Christians.

Lord of Life is not new to the ministry of the Montagnard resettlement. Several years ago our church sponsored a family of six men who subsequently entered into our communities and became great contributing members of our society.

Nay Rong, who was considered second-in-command of the fighters, testified before Congress on the living conditions and treatment as a result of the Vietnam War, and has since brought his wife and three children over to the states.

• Anup Siu also brought his family to the states and previously worked for Nortel.
• Vien Siu graduated from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte with a degree in computer engineering, is married and has two daughters.
• Kheim Ktul is an electrician and married to a U. S. citizen, Kathy, They have two children. She is a teacher at Franklin Community College and they have recently purchased a 20-acre farm in Franklin County. Kheim and Nay are cousins.

Lord of Life has been asked to partner with Garner United Methodist Church in assisting with a new group. Lutheran Family Services has an immediate need for volunteers to assist with transportation, English language tutoring, orientation to life in the U.S. and donations.

Why should we help? Perhaps the words "they are your heart and your body, because we are one body in Christ" puts it best. They were the expression of thanks offered on behalf of the Montagnard people to North Carolina Lutherans by Y Hin Nie, Pastor of the International Montagnard Bible Church in Greensboro, at the N. C. Synod Assembly on June 1. The N. C. Montagnard community is deeply grateful for the ongoing support that gives them great hope for their future in the United States.

Lord of Life has donated $1,200 to the Raleigh resettlement fund, $600 from the Lutheran Church Men and $600 from the Social Concerns Ministry Committee.