Refugees leave their homes because they have to. If they stay, their lives are in danger. So they run. They run from persecution, war, violence, famine, and political adversity. They run to save their lives.

Today, the world is witnessing the highest numbers of displaced people on record. According to the UN Refugee Agency, over 68.5 million people have been forced from their homes worldwide. Among them 25.4 million people have been forced to find refuge in another country.

Here are the countries with the largest numbers of refugees:

• Syria. 6.3 million refugees due to civil war.
• Venezuela. 3 million refugees due to political instability and economic collapse.
• Afghanistan. 2.6 million refugees due to civil war and foreign intervention.
• South Sudan. 2.4 million refugees due to conflict among ethnic groups.
• Somalia. 1 million refugees due to extreme drought and famine.
• Myanmar. 800,000 Rohingya have fled due to an escalation in violence.

World Refugee Day, held annually on June 20, seeks to commemorate the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees.

Helping Refugees Heal through Bible-Based Trauma Healing

Refugees who have been forced to flee their homes suffer trauma. They have lost everything, often including loved ones. Carrying deep wounds from all they’ve endured and the uncertain future that lies ahead, these refugees are in dire need of Jesus’s peace.

Local Bible Societies, together with pastors and ministry leaders, are helping traumatized refugees through Bible-based trauma healing. Trauma healing is a Scripture-based ministry designed to help wounded people encounter Jesus’s peace and comfort. Using lessons that incorporate art, stories, activities, and sharing, trained local leaders help participants engage deeply with themselves, with God, and with each other.

To date, thousands of refugees in the Middle East and North Africa have experienced newfound peace through trauma healing. Millions more need your prayers to continue getting the help they need.

A Prayer for Refugees

Your prayers can help a refugee find hope and new life in Jesus. They can bring them to the safety of a trauma healing group where they can share their pain and grief. Will you join us on World Refugee Day as we pray for every refugee to find refuge in Jesus Christ, their Savior?

Dear Father, we pray for refugees searching for a way out of war-torn countries and hopeless situations. We pray for their protection. We pray that trauma healing will help many refugees begin their process of healing. In your mercy, lead them to safety, provide for all their needs, and heal their wounded spirits.