According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 28,300 people are forced to flee their homes each day because of violence, conflict, and persecution. Today there are reportedly 22.5 million refugees worldwide and over 65 million forcibly displaced people. These are ordinary people, just like you and me, who have no choice but to leave everything behind to survive.

World Refugee Day, held annually on June 20, seeks to bring support and raise awareness to the plight of refugees. It’s a day to honor the strength and courage it takes for these survivors to start over in a foreign land—sometimes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

American Bible Society has a heart to share the love of Jesus with refugees around the world. Through global partnerships, we provide Bible-based trauma healing—a ministry that helps people experience God’s love and presence in times of fear, loneliness, and suffering.

God’s Word is Healing Wounded Hearts

In 2018, Bible-based trauma healing is bringing the healing power of Scripture to refugees from Syria, Iraq, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania and Ecuador. Through small, tailored healing groups, participants learn what the Bible says about grief, they also learn how to rediscover joy and find hope in God’s Word. Already, we are hearing powerful testimonies of people being healed emotionally and spiritually—like Layla*.

Layla is from Syria, a nation ravaged by civil war. She survived 21 days underground after armed forces burned down her building. Escaping to a neighboring nation, she participated in a Bible-based trauma healing group.

“I have never felt this relief,” Layla explains. She was moved when the group talked about forgiveness and bringing pain to the cross. “I know I suffered a lot, but I can’t imagine how much more the Lord suffered for me to bear my pains.”

Before the trauma healing group, Layla had never connected with God’s Word. Today, she loves reading the Bible and experiencing the freedom Jesus gives when we let him carry our burdens.

Many more refugees like Layla need to encounter the hope found in God’s Word. Will you join us in praying for refugees around the world to rediscover their joy through this ministry?

Let’s Pray Together:

God, thank you for healing Layla’s heart and bringing her relief from the painful memories of her past. As the Bible-based trauma healing ministry continues to grow, we pray that refugees from around the world will experience freedom from their pain. Jesus, heal their wounded hearts and wrap them in your arms of love.

*Name changed to protect participant’s identity.