Caring for Refugees

Today, the world is reporting the highest number of refugees and displaced peoples on record.

According to the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, by the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide because of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. Among them are nearly 27.1 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18.

And that number keeps rising.

Since Bible times, people have been forced to flee their home. Even Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, were forced to flee their homeland in Judea to escape the wrath of Herod. Perhaps that’s why Scripture offers this wisdom about caring for the foreigner:

Don’t mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat your own people and love them as much as you love yourself. ­(Leviticus 19:33-34a CEV)

Caring for Refugees Through God’s Word

Many refugees experience trauma and are in dire need of Jesus’s peace. American Bible Society and our global partners are helping traumatized refugees by providing the hope found in God’s Word.

Through our Bible-based Trauma Healing Ministry, refugees around the world are finding comfort in the pages of Scripture. Trained facilitators use lessons that incorporate art, stories, and writing laments to help participants engage with God’s Word.

Additionally, we work with local churches and Bible Societies to provide Scripture materials, children’s Bibles, and audio Bibles to help care for refugees in their communities.

Praise God that thousands of refugees from Ukraine, the Middle East, and all around the world are finding refuge in God through his Word.

Caring for Refugees Through Prayer

Your prayers can help millions more refugees and displaced peoples find hope and new life in Jesus. This World Refugee Day, observed each year on June 20, join us as we pray for:

Refugees.

Pray that refugees would find refuge in neighboring nations. Pray for their safety as many refugees often take dangerous journeys to find new homes. Pray that they will have shelter, nutritious food, clean water, and access to medical care. Pray that God would heal refugees from the trauma of fear, loss, separation, and poverty.

He rescues the poor who call to him,
and those who are needy and neglected.
He has pity on the weak and poor;
he saves the lives of those in need.
He rescues them from oppression and violence;
their lives are precious to him. (Psalm 72:12-14 GNT)

Justice.

Pray that wars will cease, and that God will bring justice to the nations of the earth so that people won’t have to flee their homelands. Pray that as a society we will respect and uphold the dignity of every human being no matter their background, socio-economic status, or any other factor.

He stops wars all over the world; he breaks bows, destroys spears, and sets shields on fire. (Psalm 46:9 GNT)

Churches, Bible Societies, and NGOs.

Ask God to grant them compassion, wisdom, and strength to walk alongside refugees. Pray that they will use their resources to address the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of refugees. Pray for their efforts as they raise awareness of the plight of refugees.

Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 CEV)

Communities receiving refugees.

Pray that refugees will be embraced and welcomed in the places they seek asylum. Pray that they will be integrated into their new communities and find jobs so they can provide for themselves and their families. Pray that refugee camps will be able to care for large numbers of refugees sufficiently and adequately.

I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes. ­(Matthew 25:35 GNT)

God’s Word to reach all refugees.

Pray that God’s Word will make it into the hands and hearts of every refugee bringing his hope, healing, and peace. Pray that we, American Bible Society, and our global partners are successful in our efforts to share the healing power of Scripture with every refugee.

No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. ­(Romans 10:17 CEV)