KIN's Embrace Initiative pairs a church small group or class with a nearby international family to help the family thrive in metro Knoxville.

The small group helps the family adapt to American culture and systems while providing community and developing relationships that lead to the Gospel. As a practical goal, the family will be self-sufficient within one year. Emotionally and spiritually, the family builds a support network of reliable friends (i.e. the small group) and grows closer to Christ through their influence and conversations. This initiative operates on a “with, not for” principle of coming alongside our international friends and empowering them to take care of themselves and their communities. It is also rooted in the missional principle of Gospel-sharing as part of everyday life. As this pattern duplicates across metro Knoxville, the Church can reach hundreds of international families!

Email KIN for more information and/or to schedule an informational meeting with your small group.

Each small group receives:

1. Orientation to the program
2. Information about "their" family's home culture
3. Introduction to the family by KIN personnel
4. Listings of local relevant resources
5. Access to the KIN team for any challenges

Each small group is expected to:

1. Touch base with the family weekly (text, call, message)
2. Get together with the family monthly, may be just a portion of the group
3. Leader meets monthly with our KIN facilitator

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After your small group commits, every person over 18 in each family should complete the Embrace Family Application:

Embrace family application