The Stories Behind the Case Numbers: Part Five

She doesn’t have a case number. She desperately wishes she did. Her son Bernard* would love to secure one. It is too dangerous. Bernard fled Afghanistan when his life was threatened.

After witnessing the murder of two family members by the Taliban, Bernard knew he could not stay. But what about Malika?

Malika is alone in Afghanistan. Her husband and second son were both killed. Her daughter lives far away and is afraid to talk to her mother very often for fear of the Taliban. Malika is watched carefully to see if she has any contact with Bernard.

Bernard calls his sister and asks her to go to their mother and let him speak with her. Her sister beseeched him to never call her again lest she too have problems with the authorities. A courier once in a great while will allow Malika to use his phone to speak to Bernard. Their conversation is brief and without many details.

Yet, Bernard tells his mother all about the Greens and The Off Ramp. He tells her how encouraged he is. His gratitude for their support overflows. Malika too is grateful and tells Bernard to express her thankfulness to Mrs. Nell and Mr. Butch. She tells him her desire is to see them one day in person.

Bernard is trying to find a way to a safe country. He hangs in limbo after the United States Refugee Admissions Program was terminated. His heart is for his mother to live in peace and safety. That cannot happen until he finds a country that is willing to accept him.

Meanwhile The Off Ramp sends support that allows Bernard to study at a university in Pakistan. He is currently studying for an intense English exam in order to apply to universities in other countries. His goal? He wants an education that will help him build a business. He wants to help other people who are persecuted. And more than anything, he wants to bring Malika to a place of safety.

Reverend Nell Green is Emeritus Field Personnel with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Co-Founder and Director of the non-profit organization, The Off Ramp.

*Names are changed for security and privacy purposes.