The IOM informs that 206,400 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea the first 5 months of 2016. Only from May 25 to June 3, 1,457 are dead or missing.
Nikos Stefanidis (Helping Hands Greece) believes that reaching refugees through “holistic ministry” is following Jesus’ example. The pastor shares stories of asylum seekers who have started to follow Christ.
Christian weekly newspaper Uusi Tie (Finland) made a survey of the number of Christian baptisms among the new immigrants in the country. At least 235 baptisms of new Christians are documented.
A video by Jubilee Centre/CPFE setting out the main issues surrounding the refugee crisis, priorities for public policy and options for Christians to make a difference.
Is the arrival of thousands of Muslims to Europe a threat to Christianity? What is the growth of evangelical churches in Eastern and Southern Europe? An interview with theologian and Lausanne Movement representative Lindsay Brown.
About 70 trained volunteers are ready to go from Egypt to Europe with the “Give A Hand” project. Speaking in Arabic to refugees arriving in Lesvos “gave them a feeling to finally be understood by somebody.”
Usama Hanna (MEOS, Switzerland) believes churches in Switzerland and across Europe “are opening up to integration.” He emphasises the importance of “praying for and with the refugees.”
What should be the approach to refugees coming from an Arabic background? What is important to them? How can we talk to them about God? Usama Hanna (MEOS, Switzerland) gives some answers.
“Christians should be prepared to argue for positions which advance the international common good even at the apparent expense of their national interests”, Dr Jonathan Chaplin said in Amsterdam (May 8-9).
German magazine Stern reports about 80 refugees from Iran and Afghanistan being baptised in Hamburg. New believers are seen with suspicion by those who think they changed their faith for political reasons. They also face threats of other refugees.
Photographer McElvaney has released the #RefugeeCameras project, which has allowed refugees to document their own journey with single-use cameras, giving them the opportunity to tell the world their own story.
The Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance believes the views of evangelical minorities in Catholic countries should be “heared” before relating to the Vatican. In an interview with Evangelical Focus, he also highlighted the role of the churches in the refugee crisis.
Whitney Gerdes (IAFR) explains how refugee children “develop a ‘new normal’ very quickly”, but they also “need to be kids”. Local churches are very important in that process.
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
What are some of the struggles child refugees face? Can church members serve them? What should we have in mind? Whitney Gerdes (IAFR) gives answers. Watch Video (7 min).
Government says it continues with plans to welcome Syrian children “by 2020.” Christian voices had called to take action now.
Robert Strong (OM Netherlands) on the experience of opening the church building to offer tea and a safe place changes the perspective of Christians and creates opportunities to speak about God.
Rising anti-migrant sentiment helps the far-right candidate win the first round of Presidential election, and eliminates both Social Democrats and Conservatives. In Serbia, pro-EU Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic repeats victory.
More than 1,575 refugees per 100,000 of Sweden’s population claimed asylum last year. But just how large is Europe’s Muslim population, and how fast is it growing?
The group had tried to leave to Germany, causing a controversy with the government.
What can members of local churches do to welcome asylum seekers living in their region? Robert Strong (Netherlands) suggests some easy steps we can follow.
Around 400 could have disappeared in “another tragedy”, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said. In a separate incident, six bodies were found and 108 rescued in Libya. Migration tops EU meeting.
First integration law in German history will facilitate refugees to live and work in the country, if they learn about language and culture.
Christian volunteers from Korce (Albania) serve in the well-known camp in Greece. In weekly teams of 10 people they work with a Children's Corner. “SD memory Cards which contain the Jesus film and Bible in Arabic” are given to some adults.
By putting you in the position of an ordinary person with a large amount of power and asking you to make morally difficult choices, the video game manages to shed light on politics, ethics, and the human condition.
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