Each year in June the church, governments and relief groups are asked to focus on refugees during World Refugee Day. The refugee population is growing rapidly across the globe and particularly in the Middle East and Africa where unrest is a way of life for the thousands huddled in overcrowded camps. World Relief’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy for refugee and immigration programs, Jenny Yang joined us on Connecting Faith for an update on the work of World Relief, and opportunities for the church to engage and help replant lives.

How can Christians advocate, pray and welcome refugees who are seeking safety?

“60 million people are displaced around the world because of conflict, persecution – the largest number in history”

Jenny explained that this is the worst migration crisis since World War II. There is a high consecration of migrants around the world due to religious persecution, in places such as; Syria, Ukraine, Central Africa, Jordan and the United States of America. Shocking statistics overwhelm organizations such as World Relief who are working the front lines to alleviate this major crisis. Yang provided her personal heartache for refugees and what a typical day looks like for them. Her personal encounters with refugees led her to deliberate advocacy – the very stance she desires for other Christians. What about the church’s response?

“The local church is the hope of the world”

There are very practical actions we can all take on behalf of refugees around the world and in our local communities. Jenny shared helpful suggestions towards providing relief for persecuted Christians, including;

•  Downloading a prayer card from World Relief’s website here.
•  See if there is a local resettlement agency near you to get involved with
•  Engage in advocacy, making refugees one of the issues you care about

God loves refugees and cares about the well-being of all of His children, especially those who’ve experienced great persecution.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” –Romans 8:35

We have a powerful opportunity to be vessels of God’s love for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Getting involved and building relationships with refugees, Jenny explained, is a great way to demonstrate Christ’s love.

Key scriptures: Revelation 7:9, 1 Corinthians 13

Relief for refugees