Riots caused a massive fire in the camp of Moria (4,000 refugees), many tents and prefabricated houses were burnt. Members of NGO Remar: “The situation is chaotic. Most refugees will not have a place to sleep in the next days”.

‘Don’t shut your eyes’ is the new initiative of the European Freedom Network. “When we see a child begging at a time when the child should be in school, why do we walk by?”

It's thought one of the main reasons of the exodus is a campaign from the Danish Atheist Society, whose president said he was “immensely happy” for the record of withdrawals.

Small congregations in Turkey step up to help Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

“Children face suspicion upon arrival”, the report states. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended her policies on refugees in the wake of recent terror attacks

A MSF study warns about the high number of refugees in Italy who suffer mental health disorders due to the situation in their countries, the trauma of the journey and the inadequate reception conditions.

German Bishops' Conference, and the Protestant Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) issued a joint statement about the harassment and attacks Christian refugees suffer.

More than 150 died last week in fight between President and Vice President rival armies. Sudanese Christians are being targeted.

“Factors that increase the risk for refugees in Europe are denial of asylum, criminal activity inside the camps, unsafe living situation, minority status and isolation”, the European Freedom Network explained in a webinar.

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. 

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.”

The campaign is “about breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions” during Ramadan (6 June- 6 July), Islamic Relief said. In November, a Church of England video featuring the Lord’s prayer was banned from cinemas.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

An evangelical association in Barcelona will send 4 trucks to Idomeni and other refugee camps in Greece. Many media reported about the project.

“The state must assume its responsibility”, CDU leader Volker Kauder said in a guest article for the German newspaper “Welt am sonntag”. He praises Open Doors and encourages local churches to get more involved.

What basic ideas do members of churches in Europe need to know when relating to refugees who have gone through traumatic experiences? Marion Knell (Global Member Care Network) gives some insights.

“Christians should affect destinies, not just modify current circumstances”, says Jenn Brown, member of OneHope. The organisation develops programs and tools to contextualise the Bible for children in different cultures.

A Spanish evangelical church brought 3,500 pairs of shoes to a Croatian refugee camp. “People are relieved but also disappointed, they have not found the open arms they expected from Europe.”

How are traumatic experiences affecting refugees years after arriving to their destination? What can churches do? Marion Knell (Global Member Care and Redcliffe College) answers these and other questions.  

Left-wing party Bloco de Esquerda targets Christians to celebrate new law allowing same-sex couples to adopt children.