For Jeff and Jackie Bultje, religion may be something they practice once a week but faith is something they live every day.
The couple has applied to accept as many as six Syrian refugees fleeing that country’s civil war.
“We’ve spoken with (Member of Parliament) Dave Van Kesteren’s office and we’re in the process of getting the paperwork done,” he said.
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Bultje said the couple renovated a building on their property just outside Chatham and accepted a local person in crisis a few months ago.
“We hear all the noise about the thousands of refugees and those so desperate and wanting to leave and people saying Canada should do this or that but you know what? We are Canada. If nobody steps up, what will happen to these people?”
Jackie said it’s the couple’s duty as Christians to help those who need it.
“Helping is part of being a Christian,” she said. “It’s simply doing what our faith tells us we should do.”
Jeff said Canada has always been a land of immigrants.
“My parents came here looking for a better life and worked hard so I could have opportunities,” he said.
The co-owner of a successful home construction firm, Bultje has made annual trips to Haiti to help with an orphanage operated by a cousin.
“I’ve been blessed that my hard work has paid off and I have the ability to help others,” said the former mayoral candidate. “We have five children, two still at home but there’s always room.”
Van Kesteren applauded Bultje’s action.
“This is precisely the sort of thing that has to happen,” he said. “Canadians coming forward as sponsors demonstrates the compassion we have as a people.”
The MP cautioned that the refugees must still be vetted for security concerns but the process is being streamlined due to the crisis.
“The severity of the situation requires that we move more quickly while still protecting our country,” he said.
Bultje said he’s aware that care must be taken in giving humanitarian aid.
“I’ve seen it in Haiti where the line for food or supplies gets dominated by young men who then take what they’ve been given and sell it,” he said. “A crisis can bring out the worst or the best in people.”
This is wonderful to read and inspirational.
I feel honored to know Jackie. So giving …taking that leap of faith! Awesome
How great is this?! God bless you, Bultjes…and the Syrian family on their way as well.
That is awesome, however, keep in mind a lot of is is people are posing as refugess. They claim they have no paperwork and sometimes get in, so be very careful who you let on your property and in your home. Women in those kinds of cultures are the lowest of the low and rape is not only legal but praised in those countries, so if you have any daughters at home be very careful! Although what you are doing is great be very very lery as you don't know these people, they could be wonderful or they could be members of is is.
Words fail me