Three in ten victims are civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. 15,000 children have lost their lives since 2011.

Have you contemplated what it means that the refugee migrants are going to stay in Europe, your country, your town, your village? Or are you deep down still thinking and maybe even hoping that they will go away again?

Free evangelical denominations and Protestant state churches speak of “increasing interest in the Christian faith among people coming from Islamic countries.”

The number of child refugees doubles in 10 years. 7 in 10 children seeking refuge in Europe come from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. 

“The strong spirituality and familiar atmosphere in independent evangelical churches respond to the needs of the new converts”, admits a Protestant minister. Many converts face threats after leaving Islam.

“Nobody is your friend, nobody can feel what you feel and what you have left behind you… you need ears that listen to you.” M. tells her story as a refugee.

Christian weekly newspaper Uusi Tie (Finland) made a survey of the number of Christian baptisms among the new immigrants in the country.

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

After fleeing Syria for religious reasons, and survive a shipwreck, swimmer Yusra Mardini is part of the Refugee Olympic Team.

Survey was carried out before the last terrorist attacks. Trust in the EU is higher than trust in national governments.

“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

The attacker, who came to Germany two years ago, had his asylum claim rejected after a year and had tried to kill himself twice .

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.

There were 45 unaccompanied children in one of the rescued boats. “The EU cannot turn its back to the people who risk their lives fleeing from violence, extreme poverty and political persecution.”

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

The daughter of a vicar, she attends a local Anglican church regularly. She supported gay marriage and does not like to speak about her faith in public.

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

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.