Refugees
Conflict and persecution around the world cause tens of thousands of people to flee their homes every day and become refugees. They leave behind their entire way of life and face the daily realities of uncertainty and distress.
The world tells refugees they are not wanted, but we serve a God who desires a relationship with displaced people. He beckons each one of them to their eternal home and offers a gospel that knows no bounds.
As Christians, we are uniquely positioned to minister to refugees. Our compassionate response to the physical and emotional needs of refugees must be coupled with a desire to satisfy their spiritual needs through the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.
Do you want to lead your faith community in refugee ministry, but you’re uncertain where to start? WMU empowers individuals and the local church to respond to the Global Refugee Crisis.
WHO ARE THEY?
They are people. They are people who’ve been displaced from countries in distress. They are mothers, fathers, widows, widowers, grandparents, and innocent children. While we might carry concerns for what they’re capable of, we need to consider how they are feeling—frightened, alone, bewildered, and sad.DISCOVER THEIR BACKGROUND.
After refugees arrive, conduct some research to learn where they are coming from. What is their homeland like? What trauma have they been exposed to? What are the cultural norms?SET ASIDE FEAR.
As Christ followers, we have to set aside our fears. We have to trust God to help us overcome our fears and accept the “foreigner” among us. Fear is an emotion. Trust is an act of faith. Praying for missionaries in hostile countries should prepare us for the day when we will share the love of Christ while swallowing our fears. If the Lord can equip missionaries with courage, He will equip us, too.REALIZE THE MISSIONAL POSSIBILITIES.
Jesus taught us in the story of the Good Samaritan how we should respond to the hurting and broken. We cannot turn our backs. We can look for refugees in everyday moments and greet them warmly. A request for directions could turn into a friendship. Do their children have obvious needs? Will they need school supplies or clothing to enroll in school? Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He may lead you to buy something right on the spot or ask your church for a benevolent gift.GO MEET THEM IN THEIR WORLD.
If a local agency is already meeting basic needs of refugees, start asking questions. Does the agency know of needs? Ask where the refugees are being housed. Enlist sensitive members of your church to go door to door. Introduce yourselves and offer a tract or brochure connecting yourself with the church. A gift bag with snacks, a restaurant gift certificate, and information about local establishments should be well received. Be sincere and friendly. If you learn about classes being organized to teach English to refugees, then research the details. Do they need help with child care while adults are in class? Can your church donate refreshments? Be ready to help in practical ways. Strive to build real relationships that require time but yield fruit for the kingdom of Christ. Refugees were once people like you and me with friends, family, homes, careers, and dreams of the future before they were displaced by war, violence, and brutality. Won’t you reach out to help them recover some of what has been lost and add a relationship with Jesus if He has never been a part of their lives?Sheila Gosney is a freelance writer from Monroe City, Missouri. She enjoys writing articles to inspire and equip the body of Christ for ministry.
This self-guided mini-course will provide you with an overview of the various factors that impact refugees and how you can support refugees through WMU Compassion Ministries. Resources will be provided with training materials to be used in leading others through the church’s response to the refugee crisis.
- REFUGEES: FORCED TO FLEE – Study 12 accounts of refugees in the Bible to understand the biblical meaning of caring for those fleeing for their lives.
- SEEKING REFUGE: A REFUGE SIMULATION – Experience the difficult decisions and struggles refugees face and learn how you can impact their lives.
- DISPLACED: SEEKING HOME – Displaced: Seeking Home provides participants a glimpse into some of the difficult decisions and struggles refugees and displaced people in the United States experience as they go through the difficult resettlement process.
Use these free images and messages to advocate for refugees on social media. Click on the image to download.
