Sanctuary@SACC (the new name of their local ministry) is currently home to 7 congregations of Burmese (Karen and Chin), Central American & Caribean (Spanish), Congolese (African), Laotian, Nepali, and other ethnicities.
“It is our strong conviction,” David writes on their ministry website, “that the Gospel blesses us to be a blessing: Through the Gospel we are deeply loved by God, reconciled to Him, and given more than we could ever deserve! Now, as grateful servants, we seek to bless others by gladly reciprocating his love and compassion to our neighbor.”
Their Mission: Serving refugees and immigrants in Philadelphia by partnering with a community of multi-ethnic churches becoming a sanctuary for faith and support.
David writes: “As we reach our diverse local community, it has far-reaching effects across the world, around the globe, and that’s a powerful thing. We can make a difference locally that goes far beyond our community.”
David and Lisa serve the needs of their community by offering food distribution. They also teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and provide refugees assistance in navigating the social services system.
Helping the churches grow and make disciples is also their passion. David serves the congregations by offering leadership training, pastoral care, and evangelism opportunities.
The Grainges have served as InFaith field staff since 2012.
David has a B.A. in German (with minors in teaching and writing) from Middlebury College and an M.Div. from Grace Theological Seminary. For nine years he pastored the Millgrove Bible Church in Alden, New York, and he was previously the executive director of the Buffalo Christian Center in Buffalo, New York.
Lisa is a paralegal, a background that has greatly benefited her refugee assistance ministry. She graduated from Penn State University with a degree in psychology in the Fall of 2022.
David and Lisa were married in 1987. They have four biological and six adopted children.