“One year later, few things have gotten easier for the family of Ainzargul Totakhil. He left behind a wife and eight children, the youngest of which was born weeks after his death.”

Dear Blacknall friends of refugees,

I trust this New Year finds you in happiness and good health. I am reaching out to share the heartbreaking story of a refugee family in Durham who is currently facing tremendous challenges following the tragic loss of their father last year. The late father, a dedicated Uber driver, left behind his wife and eight children, and their lives have been profoundly impacted.

In addition to the emotional trauma of losing a loved one, the family is navigating numerous difficulties, including financial instability and legal complexities. As a refugee family, their situation requires not only advocacy but also the warmth of friendship and support during this difficult time.

I am writing to you with the hope that you might consider extending your advocacy skills and, importantly, offering your friendship to this family. Your compassion and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others make you a beacon of hope that could greatly assist this family in rebuilding their lives. We hope to form a team that would be a community of support for this family.

If you are open to this opportunity or know someone who might be, I would be grateful for the chance to discuss further details. Your willingness to advocate for and befriend this family would undoubtedly make a significant difference in their journey toward healing and stability.

To learn more about this family, click on the following link to view the story in WRAL news video: https://www.wral.com/story/one-year-later-police-say-case-of-murdered-afghan-refugee-has-gone-cold/21210112/. Yousaf Mangal, who is interviewed in this story, is the cousin of the deceased. Many of you have met Yousaf and his family through our church’s refugee partnership.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. I look forward to the possibility of working together to bring comfort and support to those who need it most.

In His name,
Andrea Tshihamba