Three things to do for Refugee Week
By Luke Stewart
“I was a stranger and you invited me in.” - Matthew 25:35
These words from Jesus point us towards God’s heart for those who find themselves at the margins of society, those seeking shelter and community. In a world that is often suspicious or afraid of strangers, the Church has been known throughout history as a source of radical hospitality, inviting the stranger in as well as meeting them where they’re at.
Many of us have felt troubled and angry as the global refugee crisis has continued to grow. We long for an end to the violence that forces people to leave their homes, and we long to see fairness and compassion from the countries these people seek shelter in. Importantly, we know God is at work in the midst of this brokenness - and as followers of Jesus we have an opportunity to take part.
Refugee Week is an open festival in the UK that celebrates the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees. This year the events being held as part of the festival will look quite different as we stay indoors to keep each other safe - but these difficult circumstances offer a unique opportunity for us to engage with what’s on offer.
Here are 3 things you can do over the week.
Pray
The most effective action we can take is to pray. When we turn our hunger for change over to God, our desires align with the kingdom of heaven and we see answers to prayer in ways far beyond what we could have imagined.
How?
Throughout next week we’re going to be praying that God’s presence and comfort would be known by those who have had to flee their homes, and that those in positions of power would be filled with compassion in their decision-making.
On Sunday in the 11am and 4.30pm services we focused our prayers of intercession around Refugee Week, you can also spend time joining in prayer for refugees with us at Tuesday’s morning prayer.
There are some brilliant prayer resources online, such as this guide to praying for refugees from Compassion and this written prayer from Catholic Relief Services.
2. Hear their story
Each of us is made in the image of God, meaning our story is of deep value. We can take steps towards those who feel different or distant from us when we choose to hear this story, rather than making our own conclusions or judgements. Understanding somebody’s lived experience increases both our compassion and our understanding, making us more effective in the action we take to help them.
How?
On Monday 15th June we’re hosting a ‘watch party’ of Hernán Zin's 2016 documentary 'Born in Syria', which follows the journey of a group of Syrian child refugees who have been forced to flee their home country. You can sign up to the Facebook event here.
In the 10am service on Sunday 20th June, we’re going to be teaching families how to get involved in the Giants Dolls’ House Project by making a dolls’ house out of a shoebox, helping them to think about the importance of a home and community for all.
To explore stories further, a great place to start is this collection of films exploring refugee experiences compiled by BFI. There are also many helpful accounts to follow on social media, such as Art Refuge, Help Refugees and the International Rescue Committee.
3. Take action
When our lives are turned outward towards others, we can’t help but be led into action. God calls His Church to respond when we see those in need, and also to challenge authorities on why the needs exist in the first place. There are many practical ways we can take action.
How?
There are many charities you can support who carry out vital work to support refugee communities and to challenge hostile government policies. Safe Passage campaigns to reunite families who have been separated by conflict and Help Refugees works across 15 countries to provide financial support to local refugee support organisations.
The organisers of Refugee Week are encouraging people to try out 8 Simple Acts throughout the week, such as reading a book about exile, listening to music that has travelled borders or creating a piece of art.
However you choose to get involved, I hope this week gives you an opportunity to look at what skills, resources and connections God has put in your hands and start to discover how He can use them for His purposes.