Ways you can help refugees…

The migration crisis has been described as the defining humanitarian issue of our times. How will the church respond to the world’s biggest refugee crisis since World War II? You might want to read my earlier post here to understand the historical implications of this question.

Many of us are feeling an urgency to act knowing that turning a blind eye to global human suffering is not an option. Perhaps you’ve been heartsickened by the horrifying picture of young Aylan Kurdi, whose lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach. If you want to have your feathers ruffled, read Mark Wood’s “Refugee crisis: Why the Bible doesn’t allow us to turn our backs on drowning children.”

There are many ways that you can help refugees, whether they are halfway around the world or right in your own community.

1. PRAY

For some that might undervalue the power of prayer, go back and read the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. I’ve just written a new book based on the leadership of Nehemiah. This story has so many parallels to the plight of refugees in our day. Christians would do well to study Nehemiah’s actions, beginning with a four-month prayer crusade, which launched a revitalization project that was completed in unbelievable time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do, begin here. Nehemiah’s heart was broken for the things that break God’s heart, and because he had a deeply intimate prayer life, he received God’s clear blueprints for how to make a difference. Just remember that the prayer campaign itself lasted longer than the reconstruction efforts; a reminder that we can do much more in God’s sufficiency than on human dependency.

2. DONATE

There are many organizations you can give to that will help refugees in crisis. Our ministry is in direct partnership with missional communities we’ve worked with in Germany for the past five years. In one town where we do a baseball camp outreach, they now have 5,000 refugees in a migrant camp that was originally planned to house 500. Our friends there lead a team of Christian workers who are serving the refugees daily by meeting practical needs, listening to their hearts, and sharing the hope of the Gospel. You can support the refugee outreach by donating to a Refugee Fund we’ve set up through Breakaway Outreach. We will be giving periodic updates on specific needs and offering opportunities to go and serve there. Samaritan’s Purse is another gospel-centered ministry you could give to.

3. TALK TO YOUR CHURCH LEADERS

#WeWelcomeRefugees has been launched to position the global church as a key agent in the current Europe/Syria refugee crisis. “Globally we must become a collective voice and partner to be the hands and feet of Jesus and create enough leverage to start to turn the tide on this urgent and significant issue.” They have tools to help you talk to your church about refugee relief efforts. If your church isn’t yet having a conversation about the refugee crisis, you need to start one… like, yesterday.

4. CONTACT LOCAL AGENCIES

You might be surprised to find local agencies and organizations that are already serving refugees in your community. Do a search and find out how you can volunteer with them.

5. GO

Contact Breakaway Outreach about upcoming missions opportunities stateside and overseas that serve refugees.

6. HOST A REFUGEE/FAMILY

This is certainly a huge commitment, but one that multiple families, communities, or churches could undertake together. “The Church remains the biggest civil society movement in the [west]. We have buildings, we have people, and we have spare rooms. Not only that, but we have the networks that could help people to settle,” says Andy Walton. I’m aware of some congregations that have already called on their people to host an individual or family.

7. GREETING CARDS or CARE PACKAGES

Collect care packages or greeting cards for refugees. It might sound petty in light of greater material needs, but NEVER underestimate the power of encouraging words. One thing our ministry is doing is having schools, youth groups, and children’s ministries make greeting cards to send to refugees. It may not be meeting a huge tangible need, but words from halfway around the world can be incredibly encouraging to a refugee. I know this personally from having weekly email correspondence with Ali, my Syrian friend in the Berlin refugee camp. He’s reminded me repeatedly how much comfort my words and greetings give him.

8. _______________________________

Okay, I’ve left this one blank for a reason. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this issue. We all can’t help in the same way but that is no excuse to ignore the human plight of suffering souls. Ask God what He would have YOU do, then DO IT. Just don’t do nothing! This is the biggest humanitarian crisis of your lifetime and the greatest global challenge the church faces in our generation. Doing nothing is not an option. Pray and ask God how to fill in the blank. Don’t let being overwhelmed by such a complex global crisis paralyze your prayer life in this particular area and prevent you from walking in the simple obedience of the Holy Spirit. If you talk to God about it, He will give you clear marching orders.

Shapers: Leadership That Restores Hope, Rebuilds Lives (leadership lessons from Nehemiah with great parallels to the refugee crisis of our times).