Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. 

(Romans 12:13) 

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to be people of welcome. Below, read about ways to welcome those coming to the United States as refugees from Afghanistan.   

Support refugee resettlement agencies in your area.

Go online to find refugee resettlement agencies or refugee and migrant’s rights groups in your city, region, or country. Check their websites—many have lists of how you can get involved—or reach out to determine their needs for supporting refugees.

Some examples of opportunities to help may include: purchasing grocery gift cards, buying off of an Amazon wish list, giving monetary support, providing employment, donating furniture, delivering groceries, volunteering as a driver, providing childcare during English language classes, offering temporary housing, preparing homes ahead of arrival, etc.

**Please note that you should always check with the resettlement agency to see how you can meet their needs; don’t assume you know what the needs are.

Learn. 

There are many different cultures within Afghanistan. There are also many different ways people are experiencing life as a refugee. As you are learning how to be a person of welcome, seek books and people who can teach you more about what those cultures and experiences are like. How can you be welcoming in culturally appropriate ways? What are the processes those living as refugees face in your country? 

Raise awareness.

Share what you have learned with your friends, family, church, and government. Encourage others to become involved using some of these same steps. Learning more about the process of entering the country as a refugee or the culture of those who are arriving is a great start.

 All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:14, NRSV)

Volunteer.

Consider what ways you can contribute to the ongoing efforts that assist refugees. Again, you can check with your local agency to find out how you can serve them best. For ideas, consider this toolkit. 

But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)

Organize a time of prayer.

Gather together others in your church, community, or home for a time of prayer for those living as refugees. If you are looking for inspiration, you can reference the Guide to Prayer for Afghanistan on our blog. 

Read Scripture.

Prayerfully meditate on scripture dedicated to God’s concern for refugees and immigrants. You can use the scripture throughout this blog as a starting point. 

I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.  (Matthew 25:35)

*If you are located in Canada, click here for more information on assisting incoming refugees to Canada.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture is quoted from the Common English Bible translation.