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Former Refugee Helps Teach America's Thanksgiving Tradition

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The terror attacks in Paris have sent waves of fear all over the world, prompting some nations to reevaluate receiving Syrian refugees.

While U.S. lawmakers debate whether banning refugees from resettling in the country is in line with American values, ordinary citizens are opening up their hearts to refugees from Syria and many other nations already on American soil.

Gateway of Grace, a refugee outreach organization in Texas, is teaming up with volunteers to offer a Thanksgiving feast for refugees who are starting a new life in the United States.

Many of these refugees will be celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time in their lives, and what better time to celebrate a new chance at life than around the holiday season.

Samira Page, founder and executive director of Gateway of Grace, is a refugee herself. Page and her family fled Iran in the late 1990s. She explained that some of their most difficult times were around the holidays.

Based on her own experience, Page founded Gateway of Grace in hopes of making the holidays a joyful time for refugees.

She views the outreach as an opportunity to teach them about American traditions while demonstrating the love of Christ through service.

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About The Author

Maira
Alejandra

Maira Alejandra currently serves as a bilingual producer for CBN News. She began her career in media as a radio host and producer for Radio ZOE, a local Christian radio station in Miami, Florida. Realizing the power of media to educate and connect with people, Maira pursued a Master of Arts in Journalism at Regent University. She joined CBN News in 2013. Maira is also a graduate of Florida Atlantic University where she earned her degree in Intercultural Communication and Sociology. You can follow her on Twitter @MairaAlejandra