Meet the Hussein-Adan Family

The Refugee Committee of First Baptist Church Halifax

The story of the Hussein and Adan family is one of resilience and hope. What began as a sponsorship effort by the Refugee Committee at First Baptist Church Halifax has become a story of family reunion and the promise of a new future in Canada.

On a summer’s evening in 2019, Khatro Hussein and two of her three boys, Abdimajid and Abdirahman, arrived in Nova Scotia. Fleeing the civil war in Somalia with her parents at the age of two, Khatro was raised at a refugee camp in Kenya most of her life, where she attended school, worked for an NGO providing service at the camp, and gave birth to her three sons. While seeking medical care for one of her children, the UNHCR offered her the opportunity to come to Canada. To do so, Khatro had to leave her infant son, her mother, and her husband behind.

Although efforts were quickly undertaken to bring Khatro’s youngest son, Abdihafid, and husband, Hassan Adan, to Canada, the pandemic created complications. Abdihafid remained with his grandmother at a refugee camp in Kenya. Hassan worked for an NGO in Uganda, remaining in close contact with Khatro during this time. Applications moved slowly due to embassy closures and backlogs. Despite the delays, the Refugee Committee in collaboration with the Anglican Diocese and ISANS persisted in their advocacy. After significant patience, Abdihafid arrived in Nova Scotia in December 2021 and Hassan in October 2023.

The Hussein and Adan family settled into an apartment in Bedford. The boys are attending school and enjoy playing soccer. Khatro has worked as a substitute Education Program Assistant (EPA). Khatro and the boys became Canadian citizens in 2024.

Most recently, the Refugee Committee’s applications of Khatro’s mother and brother were approved. They arrived in Canada in July 2025. Abshira and Abdikadir had been living in a refugee camp in Kenya before travelling to Nova Scotia. They have since moved into an apartment in Bedford, not far from Khatro and Hussein. Abdikadir has been working, taking driving lessons, and hopes to start at the NSCC this coming fall.

First Baptist Church Halifax’s Refugee Committee now prepares for future efforts to settle Abshira’s three other sons, Nuur, Dahir, and Farah. The three remain in Africa but hope to come to Nova Scotia as soon as possible. This year, the Refugee Committee will continue its work with the Anglican Archdiocese to advance their arrival.

As we reflect on the impacts of the work of this ministry, we thank God and the congregation for its continued support and assistance. Your contributions and financial support are critical in enabling this work to happen. Every gift, large or small, makes a meaningful difference. If you are able, please consider how you can support this ministry’s efforts to bring Nuur, Dahir, and Farah to Canada. This ministry continues to be a collaborative effort and the church plays a valuable role in this important work.