On average, 42,500 people per day flee their homes to escape violence, persecution, war, or disaster at home, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These brave men, women, and children seek protection in neighboring countries where rebuilding their lives is a long and difficult journey.

But they are not alone.

Each June 20, the world comes together to observe World Refugee Day. On this day we celebrate the courage and resilience of refugees around the world while also focusing on ways to improve their lives. This year’s theme “Together we heal, learn and shine” will support efforts to ensure refugees are included in healthcare, education, and sport.

Providing Spiritual Support to Refugees through Scripture

Many refugees experience trauma. They face many hardships such as living in refugee camps, being separated from family, lack of food, water, and medical care, loss of community, uncertainty about the future, and more.

To address the emotional and spiritual needs of refugees, American Bible Society and Bible Societies around the world provide the hope found in God’s Word.

When Venezuelans were forced to leave their country due to widespread food and medicine shortages to take refuge in Peru, Peruvian Bible Society sprang into action. They started a program that offers one or a combination of the following resources: a Bible for adults, a Bible for children, a booklet called, A Country in the Suitcase, a 2-hour Bible-based trauma healing seminar, and a food basket. Praise God through this effort more than 2000 Venezuelans are receiving spiritual support!

We want to see even more refugees find refuge in God’s presence. Join us as we pray on World Refugee Day.

How You Can Pray

• Pray for refugees. Ask God to provide for the needs of all refugees. Pray that they’ll have nutritious food, clean water, shelter, and access to medical care. Ask God to heal the emotional, psychological, and physical trauma they’ve experienced. Finally, pray that refugees will turn to Jesus and that they’ll be strengthened and comforted through God’s Word.
• Pray for churches, Bible Societies, and NGOs. Pray that God will grant them wisdom as they seek to use their resources to meet refugees’ needs. Pray for their efforts in raising awareness of the plight of refugees to be successful. Ask God to strengthen them so they can continue to serve refugee communities.
• Pray for communities receiving refugees. Pray that refugees will be embraced and welcomed in the places they seek asylum. Pray that refugees will be integrated into their new communities and will be able to find jobs and provide for themselves and their families.