RONAOKE (WSLS10) - Refugees who are now American citizens want to help others transition to life here in the United States. They're currently renovating a church and it will be the first Free Methodist Church in the Star City.
"it's very important to be in this church," Andre Ntahonkuriye, the Pastor of the Free Methodist Church said.
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It will be the home for 130 people.
The church will have a worship and community center, it'll potentially offer classes like english for those who may have difficulty speaking the language and help others find jobs.
"I want to help the people, some people from Africa did not speak English, so we are helping them in need with the language that's why I'm happy to be the pastor here in Roanoke," Ntahonkuriye said.
Ntahonkuriye is getting help from members of the free methodist church in Waynesboro.
Members in the Waynesboro Church bought the building for about $170,000 and they say it'll cost more to renovate.
They're hoping to raise money to continue the effort of getting a church home for refugees in roanoke.
"This has been fun trying to find a place of worship has been difficult, we believe the lord has provided a place of worship right here on Melrose," Chris Pulice, the lead pastor at Free Methodist Church in Waynesboro said.