Daniel Batige grew up in the church. He was born a pastor’s son in the Democratic Republic of Congo and attended bible school in his early years, before going on to study theology at university. Now, Daniel serves his God and community as the pastor of Conqueror’s Church, a French-language congregation based out of Cedar Rapids’ Radiant Church. Daniel and his wife, Dodo Batige, share five children, three of whom are still at home and are as active in the church as their parents. For the Batiges, faith is crucial.

And the same is true for many other African immigrants. Churches can provide sanctuary for many immigrants to connect with their culture and build community through shared faith. Local immigrant-centered organizations, such as SAT-Iowa, work to connect many newcomers with parishes that, for many, may become like a second home.