Superheroes Among Us
They became international fugitives for insisting on justice for the helpless
When most people think of a successful law career, they imagine job security, financial stability, and community respect. For Client #39, however, his success in international law—specifically addressing human rights violations across Africa—has brought a very different reality: government persecution, the loss of his university presidency, and the heartbreaking necessity of fleeing his home as a refugee not once, but twice.
*For the family’s safety, this client has chosen the name “Grace” for the purpose of this story.
Courage to do What is Right…..Twice.
Grace* was connected to OnRamp DFW through his advocate at Church World Services (CWS), who has been helping him and his family resettle in the United States over the past year. His humility and tenacity were immediately evident as we heard of his desire to work hard in order to support his wife and 4 kids while also trying to pay his eldest daughter's way through college. Even missing meals was on the table for Grace if it meant diverting that money to his family.
Wise and well-spoken, Grace previously practiced international law throughout Central and Eastern Africa while also leading as a distinguished professor, dean, and guest researcher at multiple universities & institutes from Germany to India.
Yet, while his credentials are impressive, his passion for justice speaks even louder. By turning his gaze towards the poor and the powerless Grace was confronted with the brutal and inhumane treatment of refugees in his home country. Using his skills and position, he published a series of books and courageously took his own government to court, advocating for change and justice for the most vulnerable — and he won!
Heartbreakingly, in the aftermath of his victory in court, Grace and family were forced to flee their home because of the target placed on them by the government, thereby becoming refugees themselves. Not long after making a home in a new country though, Grace once again saw a series of government injustices happening towards refugees who had little to no power to resist. Undeterred, he once again published journals and brought that government to court — and remarkably, he won again, successfully forcing changes to unjust laws.
Yet, once again, a government doesn’t take kindly to being publicly embarrassed in international court, so Grace and his family were forced to flee again. Eventually Grace, his wife, and their four children made their way to the United States and in 2024 settled in DFW as a refugee where he connected with CWS who has been helping him adjust to a whole new life. Though no longer working as a lawyer or law professor, Grace still keeps his eye towards those in need. In fact, Grace currently works at an organization that helps refugees get resettled in DFW! However, without a car, Grace has had to overcome incredible obstacles in trying to provide for his family of 6.
The Giveaway
Grace’s giveaway turned into a dual exchange of gifts. While we did eventually turn over the keys to a beautiful and neighbor-donated 2015 Honda CRV - a car that will enable Grace to provide for his family and transport his eldest daughter to college - Grace passed on to us an incredible story of passion, love, and justice for those in need in our community. His humility reminded us on the OnRamp team that regardless of our circumstances, we are called to help those in need around us, something Grace continues to do here in the USA even as a refugee.
The family who donated this vehicle could easily have traded it in to offset the expense of the newer model they were purchasing, but instead decided to donate it to give a hand-up to a hardworking and deserving family like Grace’s. To that we can only say a heartfelt THANK YOU!
Like all of our car giveaways, in addition to the car, we also love giving the client a Bible in their primary or “heart” language. We gave Grace a copy of the Bible in French and upon receiving it he lit up with joy. It just so happens that the copy we gave him was similar to the version he had growing up as a child back home. It was a full circle connection that allowed him - and us - to see that no matter the difficulties of our situations at home or in our past, there is always hope ahead in Christ.
Grace, may God bless you and your family during this difficult time of transition, and may this car become a vehicle for you to continue to bring justice to the vulnerable even (and especially) in our community. Amen.
A Challenge for YOU, the reader!
OnRamp DFW is entering into a new and exciting chapter in the months ahead. For the last 4 years, God has brought us incredible clients from all around DFW. Recently though, as the costs of vehicles and vehicle repair have gone up, the people most vulnerable have been hit the hardest. With increasing demand, we have decided to hire a full time director in order to help meet the needs of a growing organization. Right now we have a need for additional monthly financial partners - neighbors who see the value of helping people in DFW with the tangible gift of reliable transportation, given in the name of Jesus.
Here’s how you can help:
Become a monthly donor: Would you consider partnering with us by becoming a monthly donor OR if you already are a monthly donor would you consider increasing your gift?
Share Grace’s story: Would you share this story with 2-3 people (email, social media, etc.) and invite them to read it and consider partnering with us?
Studies show that access to reliable transportation is more important for upward mobility than even a high school diploma. OnRamp DFW is the only Christian organization in DFW giving vehicles away to people in need of reliable transportation. Additionally, although our ministry begins with a vehicle, we continue to care for clients with free maintenance and supportive prayer throughout their year of care. The vehicle gives us a wonderful opportunity to offer the good news of Jesus to those who are interested.
Lastly, knowing the stories of the individuals and families who are impacted by each gift lets all of us be personally involved with the needs in our DFW community. As a partner with us, you will receive client updates several times a year so you can see the difference your giving is making in our clients’ lives.
Special thanks to Christian Brothers Murphy for their skilled and generous service of this vehicle.
Photography by Jon Dunlop
