Nashville Methodist group "adopts" Syrian refugee family for gifts and holiday cheer.

[Tanuki]

http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2015/12/17/united-methodist-agency-adopts-syrian-refugee-family/77437086/

..."Mahmoud and his family resettled in the United States about five months ago and did not know Henderson, but faith and a desire to help brought the Christian colleagues and Muslim family together Thursday afternoon for the first time.

Henderson and his colleagues at United Methodist Communications, the Nashville-based communications agency of the United Methodist Church, decided to adopt the family of four for Christmas, gifting them warm clothes, toys and a used freezer. They delivered the presents Thursday.
......""This is a time of generosity," Henderson said. "Fundamentally, we believe we're called to love people regardless of where they come from, race, creed, color, religious identity, and so this is just one of the ways we can live out our faith."

Paul Galloway, the executive director for the Nashville-based American Muslim Advisory Council, called the agency's gesture beautiful, adding that one of the best ways to please your creator is help creation — other people. The Nashville-based council serves as a bridge between the Tennessee Muslim community and private and government agencies.

"I think it's people being sincere about what their religion teaches them," Galloway said. "I think that compassion always brings people together, and I think acts of kindness build bonds that last, whereas suspicion is generally frowned upon in pretty much every faith community.".....(more at link)