March 19, 2004
Source: WIS 10 News
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1709612&nav=0RaPLW18
On March 19, 2004 WIS 10 News reported, "Faith groups sponsoring Somali Bantu refugees arriving in Columbia are learning about the Islamic faith to better care for the Muslim refugees. Sponsor Francie Markham attended the Islamic Center of Columbia, because the Methodist wanted to be able to take her sponsoring Bantu family to services there. The federal government is helping 120 Somali Bantu refugees resettle in Columbia. Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups will greet them at the airport and become their new companions, paying for the families' living expenses for six months."