A Journey of Faith, Service, and Compassion
Mario and Marion De Piero, lovingly referred to as M&M by their friends, have been integral members of The Peoples Church (TPC) for over 40 years. Now retired, they’ve found renewed purpose and fulfilment in serving through the Refugee Ministry—a path they believe was divinely guided and deeply meaningful. Their dedication and empathy have profoundly impacted both the refugees they serve and the church community.
How did you find your way into the Refugee Ministry?
When we first retired, we weren’t sure what our next chapter would look like. After being in the workforce for so long, suddenly having so much free time was liberating. We prayed and sought God’s direction, asking Him to guide us toward where He wanted us to serve next.
We were introduced to Lara, the lead of the Refugee Ministry, through our life group. At the time, we didn’t consider ourselves exceptionally equipped to serve with the Refugee Ministry, but Lara encouraged us to consider it. After spending time in prayer, we both felt a deep conviction that God was calling us to this ministry, though we had never really imagined ourselves in this role before. So we trusted in His plan and decided to step out in faith.
What has your experience been like since joining the ministry?
The Refugee Ministry has truly opened our eyes to the struggles and stories of so many people around the world. Working with refugees has been an incredibly educational experience for us. We’ve come to understand not just the logistical challenges they face—like navigating immigration systems or adapting to a new culture—but also the emotional and spiritual toll their journeys take. We feel as if God has used this experience to open our hearts and minds, challenging us to see the world through new lenses.
One of our most humbling experiences has been sharing meals (Tim Hortons) with the refugees. It’s in these simple moments of breaking bread together that we’ve really come to appreciate the human connection—the act of sitting together, sharing stories, and building relationships. It has made us so much more aware of how blessed we are, and it has shifted our perspective to think not just about our own comforts, but the resilience and courage of those who have gone through so much to be here.
How has your involvement in the Refugee Ministry changed your worldview?
Before this, we thought we had a decent understanding of global issues, but our involvement in this ministry has really deepened our awareness of the refugee crisis—both in Canada and around the world. The more we learned, the more we realized how complex and misunderstood the refugee experience can be. It’s not just about people fleeing their countries; it’s about them rebuilding their lives, often from scratch, in completely unfamiliar environments.
Yes, and being part of this ministry has given us the opportunity to educate others as well. We’ve become advocates for refugees, not only within our church community but in our everyday lives. Whether it’s a casual conversation with friends or a deeper discussion with family, we now see it as our responsibility to share the truth about the refugee experience and to challenge the misconceptions that many people hold.
In many ways, this ministry has made us more than just volunteers. We see ourselves as defenders of the refugees, standing up for their rights and their dignity.
What has the act of welcoming refugees into your life meant to you?
Welcoming refugees into our lives has been such a rewarding experience. We’ve encountered so many people from different backgrounds, and it has truly been a mutual exchange of love and respect. Many of the refugees we meet are eager to open their arms and share with us—their culture, their customs, and sometimes even their personal stories of hardship. It’s a level of trust and vulnerability that we don’t take lightly.
And it’s reciprocal. We’re not just giving our time; we’re receiving so much in return. These relationships have blossomed into real friendships, some of which we know will last a lifetime. It’s not just about us welcoming them—it’s about them welcoming us into their lives despite everything they’ve been through. That, in itself, has been such a powerful testament to the human spirit and God’s grace.
What would you say to someone considering joining the Refugee Ministry?
First and foremost, I’d say come with an open heart. This ministry is not just about helping others—it’s about transforming yourself. You need to leave behind any preconceived notions, any pride, and any ego. Allow God to work through you and let the Holy Spirit guide your actions. You may come into this thinking you’re here to serve others, but in reality, you will be blessed in ways you never imagined.
Absolutely. This is a place where God speaks to us and teaches us new things. We’ve learned that everyone has something unique to offer, whether it’s time, talent, or resources. What’s important is being willing to give without expecting anything in return. It’s not just an opportunity to serve—it’s a calling, and it’s an exciting journey that can change your life.
‘We are best qualified to help and serve the people we used to be.’ Mario
How do you view your role in this ministry now?
We see ourselves as apprentices of Christ, continually learning and growing in our faith. We’re not perfect, and we’re constantly being taught by God through this ministry. Every interaction, every conversation with a refugee or fellow volunteer, teaches us something new about love, patience, and humility.