If you’re anything like me, you struggle with a feeling of helplessness as our news feeds continue to share the horrible plight of many refugees around the world. I can’t image what it must feel like to leave everything behind, knowing that if you stay, your life is in danger.
The world has not seen a refugee crisis of this magnitude since World War II. Christians are not exempt. ISIS terrorists in Syria continue to force Christian families to seek refuge in the country’s capital, Damascus. In Pakistan, believers in Jesus are being hunted, persecuted, and thrown out of the country simply for sharing their faith. In Southeast Asia, Christian tribal groups are slaughtered for refusing to come under the control of a Buddhist government.
My heart aches for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Christian refugees have done nothing to deserve the persecution they are enduring. Many now struggle to survive in new countries where even basic food and living supplies are scarce. They are fast losing what little hope remains.
Is there anything we can offer to Christian refugees who have endured so much pain?
For almost a decade I have struggled with that question. I've stood in awe as God has opened unexpected doors to use me, even me, in unexpected ways to serve His beloved bride, the persecuted church.
I’d like to offer 3 ways that I believe you too can help Christian refugees right now.
1. Tell Their Story
Most of us know about the Syrian crisis because of the media attention it has received. But what about the thousands of other Christian refugees whose stories are not being told? Part of our mission at Pioneering With Passion Ministries (PPM), is to reach persecuted Christian tribal groups in an area of Southeast Asia that has been at war for over 60 years. It’s a secret war that has caused hundreds of thousands of families to be displaced.
Surprised you haven’t heard of this war? You’re not alone. Most have not. As a result, many continue to suffer, feeling as though they have been forgotten.
We live in an incredible time in history. Think about the power social media has offered us. At any moment we can broadcast a message to thousands around the world. Even the most introverted of us have at least a few dozen friends on Facebook.
But what message are you telling? Many have abused this power for their own agendas. It’s time to take back these spaces for good. It’s time to tell the story of those in need so heroes can rise up.
2. Mirror the Early Church In Our Modern World
It’s a dangerous thing to hear the story of those in need. Hearing requires action. But who better then to start rescue initiative then those of us on this side of the world who are blessed enough to come to their aid.
The New Testament letters written by Paul give us amazing insight into this very model in action. In many of Paul’s writings you will find an encouragement for the churches he is addressing to come to the aid of the hurting Christians in Jerusalem. Believers all over were giving generously toward these needs and praying day and night for those who had been imprisoned.
We have the opportunity to continue this legacy. How you might ask? Start by encouraging your small group, co-workers, or Facebook friends to pray for Christian refugees for 30 days while saving a few dollars to send those in need. A collective gift could give food to a refugee family for an entire month. Through PPM’s donation page, you can get desperately needed help straight to the frontlines.
3. GO!
I wish I could take each and every one of you on my travels across the world to serve our persecuted family in Christ. It's a life-changing experience, one that continues to shape mine in humbling and unexpected ways. But it can be a dangerous business. Most will never be able to visit the hostile areas where PPM is working, but some of you may even now be feeling a pull to join the larger story. Don’t ignore that call. Choose to join the mission, even if it's just through a short-term mission trip.
Visiting Christian refugees can be a life changing experience for both you and those you will serve. Jesus has this amazing way of taking our simple act of obedience and doing much more then we could possibly imagine. You begin to see first-hand how your work, prayers, and financial gifts all have deeper purposes then you might have expected they would.
Maybe most important of all, you will return with stories to share with others. When you do this you ensure the above 3 steps continue to multiply and grow the Kingdom of God. Your journey could inspire many more who have never been on a mission trip to be part of the rescue story as well. Visit our Get Involved page to find out about our future mission trip opportunities.
You have so much to offer Christian refugees, right where you are, right now. All it takes is saying yes and getting started. Hope to see you out there!