Myth: The Bible has little to say about refugees. Reality: The Bible is filled with stories of forcible displacement. God clearly expects his people to love the alien.
“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.
Issues of social justice are discussed at the Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. The meeting is hosted on July 4-9 in Vancouver.
About 600 participants worshipped God together and reflected on the mission in Europe. Working groups were started in several areas.
What are the challenges and opportunities that come with the arrival of thousands of refugees to Germany? How can we make sure Muslim asylum seekers understand religious freedom? Marcel Fink (S.A.M.) gives some answers. Watch video (5 min).
On June 19 and 26, many churches will spend a day to pray “for the welfare and protection of the world’s forcibly displaced peoples”. Ideas and resources are offered.
The survival of the Church today does not depend on Europe. But the survival of Europe as we know it certainly depends on the Church.
An article by The Guardian documents new conversions. “Jesus Christ said ‘those who use the sword will die by the sword’. This really changed my mind”, a refugee tells the British newspaper.
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.
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