Jiran Collective seeks to make Jesus’ love tangible to Arab Refugees and Immigrants by showing courageous compassion and facilitating transformational community.
What We Do
Following the Good Samaritan story, we befriend and neighbor as Jesus calls us to do. We engage in the sacred process of building community in four core ways:
Around the Table
We visit the homes of our Arab neighbors. We invite our friends into our homes. We gather around community meals and journey together. We seek opportunities to pray with our friends, listen to their stories, and also share our own lives and stories.
Community Events
In the past we have hosted events such as English camp, community dinners, Dearborn winter World Cup. Currently we partner in other community programs such as Kids Life. By bringing the community together in meaningful ways, we help break down barriers and have the unique opportunity to demonstrate and proclaim the way of Jesus.
Compassionate Action
We believe in the power of coming alongside. We listen to the needs of the refugee community, especially lower-income families. We seek a Spirit-led response to help reduce vulnerabilities and elevate wellbeing. We endeavor to advocate, encourage, and help in whatever ways make sense, often on a case by case basis: English conversation practice, tutoring, helping with paperwork, transportation, driving lessons, connecting families to community resources, and more.
Bridge Building
We work to build bridges of trust between refugee families and their new neighbors. Fear of the unknown on both sides can cause distance and mistrust. Jiran means “Neighbors” in Arabic and we are seeking to be the kind of neighbors Jesus calls us to be. We are following Him across dividing lines, breaking down barriers, meeting people where they are, defying stereotypes, facilitating reconciliation, by practicing and empowering behaviors like listening, compassionate action, and empathy.
Jiran Gatherings
We gather regularly as JIRAN “neighbors” to worship God and fellowship with one another. We worship in Arabic and English , center around a Scripture story through a format called Storying, as well as listen for what next steps God might be asking us to make because of the story we just engaged with to live out His Truth. We value listening to Jesus, learning to relax in His love and wholeness, reconciliation, and living transformed lives. These gatherings are open to anyone from any background assuming you are coming with a posture of respect and desire to learn.
RSVP for an Upcoming Event
Our Gathering Place
2801 S Telegraph Rd
Dearborn, MI 48124