Refugee Support

Faith in the Fire: How the Church Stands Amid War

aheckman — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:45:49 +0000

Faith in the Fire: How the Church Stands Amid War aheckman Thu, 01/29/2026 - 19:45

Faith in the Fire: How the Church Stands Amid War

JANUARY 29, 2026 ~ BY PASCAL BALIBANGA AND LYNE MENDY

"We don't know how fast things are changing or where to turn for help."

The local pastor who shared this reality is just one of many clergy members in the eastern provinces of the Democrat Republic of the Congo impacted by an ongoing, immense humanitarian crisis.

Since early 2025, relentless conflict, armed robberies, mass displacement, and widespread violations of human rights have torn through communities, particularly in North and South Kivu, leaving devastation in their wake. Entire neighborhoods have emptied out as families seek safety across borders or in displacement sites. With displacement comes extreme poverty and lack of access to safe shelter, enough food, medicine, education, and more.

Church leaders, including pastors and missionaries, have endured threats, persecution, and displacement, often without access to basic resources. Health facilities are overwhelmed and understocked. Many people are traumatized, especially women and children, after surviving direct attacks or losing loved ones. Christian communities have been deeply shaken, with spiritual life interrupted and places of worship emptied. And still, the church remained, standing in solidarity with its members, even as buildings emptied and villages were overrun.

In partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, in January of 2025, local churches began supplying food staples like rice, beans, maize flour, oil, and salt—basic ingredients that helped families prepare their first hot meal in days. Families received blankets, mattresses, tarps, pots, and clothing alongside food. Special protection kits were delivered to mothers with newborns, providing critical support in highly vulnerable conditions.

“My child and I went days without food and slept in terrible conditions,” explained Natalie, a new mother forced to flee her home. “Today, we received two weeks of food and a protection kit. We are so thankful to God and the Church of the Nazarene.”

As the situation began to stabilize, local leaders understood that short-term aid would not be enough.

People longed to return home but found their communities in ruins and their livelihoods destroyed. In response, churches worked with NCM to launch social reintegration programs across the region. Individuals received farming tools, seeds, and financial literacy training, along with small cash grants to help launch businesses.

“We were wondering how to return to our villages,” said Mr. Nzabonimpa of Virunga. “Now, with tools, seeds, and financial training, we can farm again and start small businesses.”

Trauma—especially among women and church leaders—has remained a deep wound. In response, churches have launched mental health care and trauma healing programs. Pastors who were physically wounded during the violence began receiving ongoing care, and a new Training of Trainers initiative in trauma therapy is preparing local church leaders to walk alongside others in healing.

“Life has been unbearable,” said Pastor Edson. “The tools and seeds we received allow us to farm again and slowly reintegrate. I am deeply grateful for this support; it gives me hope for the future.”

In a region marked by instability and suffering, the Church of the Nazarene has remained present, offering not only physical resources but also emotional and spiritual care. With courage and compassion, churches have opened their doors and hearts, reminding communities that they are not alone. Hope—like light in the darkness—is taking root once again.

This story adapted from the latest issue of NCM Magazine—click here to read more stories of compassion.

From the Magazine

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From Protest to Embrace: One Church’s Role in Welcoming Refugees

aheckman — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:08:32 +0000

From Protest to Embrace: One Church’s Role in Welcoming Refugees aheckman Fri, 10/24/2025 - 18:08

From Protest to Embrace: One Church’s Role in Welcoming Refugees

October 24, 2025

In May 2024, the arrival of refugees in rural Ireland did not go unnoticed. Tent shelters appeared almost overnight, and with them came a wave of uncertainty—questions about safety, identity, and what this change might mean for the community. As protests grew louder and tensions rose, members of a small local church found themselves confronting a deeper question: if people seeking refuge showed up at their door, how would they respond?

In 2023 and 2024, Ireland was experiencing one of the largest increases in legally recognized refugees and asylum seekers in its modern history. Thousands of men, women, and children arrived through official processes, fleeing conflict and persecution, and entered a system already strained by limited housing and support services. It was amid this growing humanitarian crisis that one Church of the Nazarene in Ireland opened its doors to newly arriving refugees so they could socialize, learn English, and integrate into life in their new country.

“My father always told me, ‘If ever you are in trouble in life, find a church, and they will help you,’” said Sofiane, a Palestinian man seeking safety in Ireland who attended English classes at the Nazarene church.

There were many residents in the area who welcomed the refugees and were delighted to have a chance to connect with them but did not know how to help. The Church of the Nazarene began to connect closely with others in the community who wanted to support these new neighbors—joining hands to respond together.

A few weeks after the tent shelter opened, the church became the main location for English classes. Due to the daily protests, the church organized buses every Monday and Wednesday to transport people safely to the class. While the church hosted the classes, the teachers and volunteers came from throughout the community.

“I was a little bit scared from the protesters,” said Anas, a young man from Gaza. “When we started going to the church and seeing Irish people in the church, we met good people and a good community. It was going better and better. We started to feel safe, because we found people in the church that love us and care about us.”

The classes paved the way for deep friendships to grow. “Learning their names, their stories, their likes and dislikes, and what they are good at—it was a joy to be able to be in a relationship with them,” said Rachel, a volunteer. “I have made a few lifelong friendships from that group, and that has been priceless.”

The church became a hub for language classes and the collection of material donations such as clothes, toiletries, and blankets. In addition, the local government’s integration team—responsible for helping refugees settle in Ireland—began to operate from an office at the church for one-on-one sessions with the men to connect them to services available to them, such as health care, education, and work permits.

The tent shelter became a temporary home to people from all over the world—Palestinians, Afghans, Somalis, Nigerians, and Sudanese. A number of men from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) were there, including Muzi, who was born in the Nazarene hospital there.

“I must say in those days, Ireland had begun to feel like home; I really enjoyed studying the Bible with people who actually show the heart of Christ,” said Muzi, who began to attend a weekly home group at the Nazarene pastor’s house near the tent shelter.

Over the course of the year, the church had developed a reputation for being a place that cared for refugees.

“Our life as a church has been enriched by the whole experience,” said Rev. Tim Bowen-Evans. “To welcome the stranger is part of the fabric of Christian life. To work hand in hand with others in the community and practice compassion together has been incredible. We can do so much more when we partner with others.”

Volunteers and pastoral staff at the church

“We take seriously Christ's command to welcome the stranger, especially when they are the recipients of hostility and violence for simply seeking refuge,” said Rev. Luke Carrig, one of the other pastors of the church. “The English classes, hosted at our church, provided safety and friendship and the mutual blessing of learning from each other—it was a joy! In welcoming them, we were, in fact, welcoming Christ.”

When asked about coming to church for the first time, Anas explained, “you feel completely that you are with your family. You are home.” That had been the church’s dream all along: that these men, who had traveled thousands of miles in dangerous conditions, would feel loved and embraced—that they would indeed feel like they were home.

Story adapted from the most recent issue of NCM Magazine. Read more stories of hope here.

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Eurasia

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From the Magazine

Ministry in Action: Creative Compassion in Jordan

aheckman — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:22:36 +0000

Ministry in Action: Creative Compassion in Jordan aheckman Sat, 09/06/2025 - 04:22

Ministry in Action: Creative Compassion in Jordan

SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 ~ AMY HECKMAN

In Jordan, several churches are meeting community needs through creative and compassionate ministry.

GARDENS CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Gardens Church of the Nazarene hosts a thriving compassion center—a welcoming place where young adults from the church volunteer to serve anyone in need. The center offers job-skills training, language classes, small-business support, and children’s activities. Each program helps participants gain confidence and open doors to greater e

Refugee families, people seeking employment, and those experiencing hardship all find support at the center. The Eastern Mediterranean Field NCM Coordinator shared how two brothers who first joined the center’s programs later chose to give back. After completing barbering courses at the center, they opened their own barbershop and began offering free services to others.

“You always offer us useful and free programs and activities. We want to provide free barber services,” they told the team.

~~~

Omar* is 31 years old. He and his family fled Iraq as refugees in 2021.

“I was forced to leave everything behind in search of a safe life for myself and my family,” he explained.

Omar and his family found help at Gardens Church.

When they arrived in Jordan, Omar discovered the compassion center and enrolled in the barbering course. For him, this was more than a practical skill—it was a lifeline.

“What I found at the center went beyond education,” he said. “It gave me tremendous moral and psychological support, helping me get back on my feet despite the harsh challenges.”

Today, Omar's young daughter attends children’s classes at the center, giving the entire family a sense of belonging and stability.

“In all of this, I find solace in the Lord’s promise: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” he shared. “I pray the Lord will open a path for us and lead us to a future where we live in peace and dignity.”

~~~

Hana*, 64 years old, also found hope through the center after finding herself a refugee.

“We came to Jordan after my husband was subjected to an attempted murder, and my daughter and I faced a terrifying kidnapping,” she shared. “We left our homeland filled with fear and uncertainty, but we never lost hope that God was with us on the journey.”

Hana attended classes at Gardens Church.

In Jordan, Hana learned about the center through her church.

“It was a door of grace at a time when we desperately needed support,” she shared. “We participated in English classes, and the education and support the center provided were free—a sign of God’s love and mercy in the midst of our exile.”

Even with this support, life was not easy.

“We faced significant challenges, most notably the high cost of living and the lack of job opportunities, which placed psychological and financial pressure on us as a refugee family,” she said.

What keeps Hana hopeful is her dream for the future.

“We pray that the Lord will open the doors of mercy for us and guide our steps toward a new life of hope and healing,” she expressed. “In the midst of all this pain and hope, we find our comfort and strength in the Word of God: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

The field coordinator reflects on the ongoing impact:

“The center remains a place where Christ’s love is translated into action. We pray its influence will continue to transform lives and fulfill the Gospel’s mission through work and service.”

IRBID CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Another congregation, Irbid Church of the Nazarene, is serving young people through a vibrant youth and young adult club, supported by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. Born out of the church’s desire to deepen ministry to this age group, the club offers a safe space for teenagers and young adults to connect, worship, study, watch football, and share meals together.

Young adults at Irbid Church.

Small groups at Irbid Church provide social connection and spiritual support.

Throughout the week, small groups for men, women, junior youth, and university students meet for spiritual nurture and support. The club is open seven days a week, and many activities are organized and led by the church’s own young adults.

“The club provides a quiet and safe place, internet service, and even academic assistance for students in Arabic and English through volunteer tutors,” explained a project leader.

Looking ahead, the church plans to expand their language classes to include local refugees and those outside the Christian community.

“Irbid Church of the Nazarene is perfectly positioned to offer these practical services,” said the leader. “Families in our congregation need this support, and we want to share it with the entire community.”

Members of a Global Care Force team visiting Irbid Church.

Beyond the youth club, Irbid Church has long supported those in need by distributing food packages, clothing, fuel coupons, blankets, and school supplies. Recently, the congregation partnered with Global Care Force to host a medical outreach, providing care to 223 people during a pop-up clinic.

Free medical care at Irbid Church through Global Care Force.

This is the Church at work in Jordan—meeting practical needs, creating spaces of hope, and showing Christ’s love in tangible ways.

*Names are changed for protection.

Jordan

Middle East

children and youth

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Between Borders: A Story of Displacement, Suffering, and Hope

aheckman — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:50:29 +0000

Between Borders: A Story of Displacement, Suffering, and Hope aheckman Thu, 01/23/2025 - 20:50

Between Borders: A Story of Displacement, Suffering, and Hope

On the set of her latest film Between Borders, actress Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever) testifies before a judge. From the witness stand, her character recounts a humiliating experience as a refugee, forced to repeat the phrase that she was “quieter than water and lower than grass,” in order to secure a job. The actress’ eyes well up with tears, and not all are for show.

While filming the scene, Elizabeth looked off screen and into the face of her character’s real-life inspiration, Violetta Petrosyan.

“As I’m recounting this story,” Elizabeth reflects, “I was able to look at her and remember that this was a real story. This really happened to this woman, this wonderful, kind woman.”

“It was a little bit of a cheat for me as an actress,” she adds. “It was very easy to get emotional, because I was sitting right across from the person that this happened to. It was a very special moment.”

Between Borders shares the harrowing tale of the Petrosyan family—Violetta, Ivan, and their two young daughters Julia and Olga—as they flee violence in Azerbaijan in the late 1980s. In their search for safety and a sense of home, they meet Jesus in a budding Russian Church of the Nazarene.

When Connie and Lonnie Norris moved their family from the United States to Volgograd, Russia, in 1993 as volunteer Nazarene missionaries, they soon crossed paths with Violetta and Ivan, ardent atheists and exhausted parents trying to build a life for their family in yet another country. The couple skeptically visited a worship service after Violetta’s mother began attending a church planted by the Norrises. Initially, Violetta stopped by solely to listen to English, but found herself returning, drawn to the message of hope and healing found in Jesus.

“I always say that my life started when I accepted Jesus,” Violetta remembers. “Everything changed from that day.”

“I’d never seen joy that much on display,” says Violetta and Ivan’s daughter Olga, recalling her first encounter with believers as a child. “They actually wanted to know me,” she says, adding, that “it was such a big thing, to feel loved by people.”

“And then realizing why they’re so different than people just across the street—oh my, it’s Jesus. I want to know that Jesus,” she remembers thinking. “That’s why the hunger for Christ came, because I saw that.” Every Sunday after, the family returned, finding peace and warmth in a violent, unwelcoming world. “That was the place I ran, because I felt loved and accepted by others,” Olga says.

“People need each other,” adds Lonnie, who spent seven years planting churches with Connie in and around Volgograd. “Hospitality is one of the things that’s noted in the Bible that we crave. It’s an inner need. It also gives us an opportunity, in community, to work out the Scripture, interpret the Scripture, make it practical. It’s in community that we encourage one another.”

Community in Christ—the tragedy when it’s missing and the safety net it weaves—is a focal point of Between Borders.

“It is a story that reminds us to be good to each other, to love each other—especially those who are on the outside of society, or ‘othered’ or rejected,” Elizabeth says. “It’s a beautiful story of what can happen when you take care of each other.”

Through the eyes of the Petrosyans, Between Borders explores racism, displacement, and human suffering, as well as humility, hope, and trust. “It’s important to tell stories that represent complex issues that Christians should wrestle with,” says producer Isaac Norris—son of Connie and Lonnie. He also emphasizes the film’s deep Nazarene roots. “The Nazarene Church’s global mentality and focus on compassionate ministries are so evident throughout the film,” he says.

“God is active,” adds Lonnie, emphasizing that Violetta and Ivan’s journey is a powerful testimony to God’s unchanging nature. “He loves our displays of faith that ignite his power and true miracles,” Lonnie adds. “He remains very serious about establishing his Church.”

“I’m so grateful that this movie is coming into existence,” Violetta says. “It is telling our life story, which probably mirrors thousands of other life stories, and we are happy to be in all of it as a tool to bring that message of hope and love.”

“Telling stories through film is an approachable medium that can cast a wider net,” Isaac says. “Jesus told parables, and this is our way to stand on a hill in front of thousands of people and share the Gospel message through story.”

- Story originally shared by the Eurasia Region of the Church of the Nazarene

Find tickets to Between Borders here.

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The Hands and Feet of Christ: Venezuelans Find Hope in Colombia

aheckman — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:08:01 +0000

The Hands and Feet of Christ: Venezuelans Find Hope in Colombia aheckman Fri, 09/01/2023 - 05:08

The Hands and Feet of Christ: Venezuelans Find Hope in Colombia

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 – SANDRA MILENA PEÑA, NCM COLOMBIA

There are many Venezuelan families arriving week after week to Colombia in search of refuge, help, and the hope of starting a new life. Many flee from the violent situations and inequality at home, but above all, they flee from hunger. If they have the financial means, families arrive by bus. But those who have enough are few. In reality, the majority come by foot—with a backpack, their newborn babies, wives, husbands, uncles, grandparents, and anyone who can get out. They carry only what they need to survive, hoping to find help along the way. Tulio, who left Venezuela with his family, shared that it was not an easy decision to leave home.

“We left everything in Caracas, in Maracaibo, in Valencia,” he says. “Many of us leave even our souls: wives, husbands, children, parents, siblings, friends, our homes. The homeland.” The journey begins at the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, the most symbolic border point between Colombia and Venezuela. According to figures from Colombia Migration, some 70,000 Venezuelans cross the bridge on foot each day. Of these, five percent do not return to their country. After the bridge comes three days of walking before reaching the Picacho—part of a paramo, or an alpine ecosystem above the tree line, that spans more than 550 square miles. This is the place most feared by Venezuelan migrants, who come from coastal regions and do not know this beautiful and dramatic landscape. On the paramo, they suffer intense cold and very strong winds.

Across Colombia, Nazarene churches are responding to those who have made the journey. From providing support in hospitals to partnering with organizations who provide immigration aid, they are working together with those who have come in the name of Christ.

A significant percentage of the Venezuelan population works in the informal sector where they face unsafe conditions and have little protection. The pandemic further complicated the situation, restricting work possibilities, which increased the needs considerably. All these facts led us to question the church’s role while facing such a complex time and so much need. The Hechos 29 (Acts 29) Nazarene church took action thanks to a statement on Facebook and the diligence of the pastor regarding a great need of the Venezuelan migrant population in the village of Fagua. In this small village alone, there are more than 50 families in a state of vulnerability and extreme poverty. After understanding the needs, members of the church contributed to the purchase of items such as diapers, clothes, shoes, blankets, and more. The church was able to deliver items required to meet the basic needs of those who were living there, bringing a moment of hope in the midst of the pandemic. When the church visited the community again, the group gathered details about those who were living there, returning regularly and establishing further connections as well as sharing the Word of God.

When people move away from their countries, needs arise that make their stay a little more complex. Many of the Venezuelans who arrive in our area do not have documents, nor legal permits, which are important to be able to access a formal job, health services, and schools for children, among other things. And we as a church wondered: How can the church help at this point? We understood that we were not going to make it on our own, that we needed help to further reach the population, and that together we could create a solution to the bigger problem rather than just supplying primary needs.

Partnership was key. While NCM provided experience, training, and support, many other organizations were also engaged in the work. So, the local Nazarene church took action to contact local mayors in the area, governmental organizations, and foundations. These organizations have been the essential units in finding the solution to this situation thanks to their management and availability. They have been great allies and help for the immigrant population. As a result of this support, more than 200 families have been legalized. Now, they have the necessary documents and permits to work, with access to school for their children, access to free health care, programs for pregnant mothers, and government aid programs for mothers who are heads of households. Many have decided to stay in Colombia; others have decided to return to their country. As they go, they take with them spiritual tools to continue the journey with Christ.

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From the Magazine

A Ministry of Presence at the Border

aheckman — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:57:10 +0000

A Ministry of Presence at the Border aheckman Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:57

A Ministry of Presence at the Border

MARCH 8, 2023 · BY NMI STAFF

In Przemyśl, Poland, the global Church of the Nazarene has been responding since the onset of war in Ukraine.

When the war broke out, the first Nazarene responder at the Polish-Ukrainian border was a Syrian pastor, seeking ways to serve. Soon after, a team formed, putting out the call for volunteers to come and physically provide resources to the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes.

In Arizona, USA, Ukrainian Ira Petersen immediately knew that she needed to go.

“The help ‘path’ was kind of obvious,” Ira says. “Get as close as possible to Ukraine and Ukrainians. I couldn’t just sit and watch from the distance when I could actually do something.” Through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ presence at the border train station in Przemyśl, Poland, Ira says, “God showed the direction and opened the door.”

Since then, a steady stream of Nazarenes from Ireland, France, Bulgaria, England, the United States, South Africa, and beyond have flowed from their homes toward the tiny train station flooded with people in crisis. Students, families, professors, nurses, farmers, and pastors have all found a place to serve those fleeing the danger of war. Some haul suitcases up and down hundreds of flights of stairs, providing a moment of relief from a heavy burden. Some brew pot after pot of steaming tea, offering warmth within bitterly cold outdoor lines to passport control. Some sit and color with the littlest travelers, giving weary moms the chance to recharge a phone or repack a bag or simply rest in a chair.

Whatever their role, these Nazarene believers are answering the call to provide the ministry of presence in a moment of pain.

“This group of people had their safety and humanity taken from them,” says Caleb Sandlin, who lives in Missouri, USA. “I chose to volunteer on the border because I believe that’s what Christ would have done. I chose to volunteer on the border because I am a servant of Christ, and I refuse to not share the love of Christ with those in need.”

Matteo Ricciardi, of Italy, knew the call for volunteers was meant for his own ears. “I was moved by God to help,” Matteo says. “When we pray that God gives us ways to serve him and opportunities like these come to our attention, the response can only be to commit one’s strength, invest one’s time, and share grace.”

“Here at the border,” Ira says, smiling, “We have people that speak English with many accents, Ukrainian, Russian, and a lot of different languages. But,” she continues, “the language of love, language of care—anybody who cares and loves, they know that language and they could show it, they could share it.”

Shared from NMI Central. Subscribe to this weekly update here.

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Worship on the Move

aheckman — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:25:42 +0000

Worship on the Move aheckman Thu, 08/25/2022 - 17:25

Worship on the Move

AUGUST 25, 2022 · CHET BUSH

Though the biblical narrative often depicts the community of God as a people on the move, believers living within the reality of displacement face challenges as worshipers when forced to leave their homes and communities. For the District Superintendent of Ukraine, Volodymyr Masyuk, and his partner in life and ministry, Sylvia Cortez Masyuk, displacement in the midst of war presents obstacles for gathering with the community of faith and brings them to contemplate the hope of Christian worship: Resurrection.

In the early days of the conflict, displaced church members connected with one another through video calls from bomb shelters. “We collectively had this sense that we have to gather and pray together,” says Sylvia. They met daily until the moment when a significant number of members were forced to evacuate the city. Distance from their home, their country, and their church evoked feelings of exile. “This war threatens to separate us,” says Sylvia. “We believe that worship is a time to collectively seek the Lord and to be re-membered to God and to one another.”

“Worship—in terms of gathering regularly, singing, listening to a sermon—all of that has changed and in many ways isn’t happening [the way it once did],” says Volodymyr. “But the ways we are learning to connect and give and receive from one another is really a beautiful thing and a new way of being re-membered to one another that will forever change us.”

For Easter, the ministry couple returned to Kyiv where they met with Ukrainian believers for a sunrise service in a public park. The annual gathering marked a thirty-year tradition. This year, however, the couple noted how differently they experienced the service. Venturing into public space before daylight a mere hour after the lifting of the morning curfew felt like a courageous, if not defiant, act of faith in the face of imperialism. This year, the Ukrainian Superintendent preached resurrection from Luke 24, noting more poignantly than ever that the risen Christ bore the wounds of violence when he presented himself to the disciples.

A compelling reminder of the audacity Christian hope holds for the church came for Volodymyr in a news story featuring Ukrainian farmers who persisted in sowing seed in their fields during a season of war. They may not have a home to return to, he recounts, but they sow believing that the future holds promise for new creation. “It moved me to tears,” says Volodymyr as he confirms a central tenet of the gospel: “Death and destruction and war are not the end.”

“In many ways, …Christ is still revealing himself to us, especially so now,” affirms the couple. “Our prayer is that we will recognize him in the weight of this darkness, and find hope in the resurrected, wounded Christ.”

The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that the number of forcibly displaced people around the world exceeds 84 million. To learn more about ways Nazarenes are responding to the crisis of displacement, visit ncm.org/refugeeimmigrantsupport. To learn more about compassionate ministry in response to the crisis in eastern Europe, visit ncm.org/Ukraine-Crisis.

This article originally printed in Holiness Today, and is shared with permission.

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The Christmas Project: Shahpur's Story

aheckman — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:06:26 +0000

The Christmas Project: Shahpur's Story aheckman Thu, 12/16/2021 - 21:06

The Christmas Project: Shahpur's Story

DECEMBER 16, 2021 · NCM STAFF

Today, read about a boy and his father who connected with caring Nazarene volunteers while living in a refugee camp in Serbia. The Courage for the Journey project cares for adults and children living as refugees across several European countries.

All over the world, children are caught in economic crises, famines, conflict, and more. More than 80 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, and violence. Of those who are displaced, more than a third are children.

This year’s Christmas Project will provide spiritual, educational, physical, and emotional care to children who are caught up in crises in Bangladesh, Venezuela, Jordan, Lebanon, and across Europe.

~~~

Shahpur*, 8, has lived in refugee camps for most of his life. Forced to leave their home in Afghanistan six years ago, Shahpur and his father, mother, and older brother began their journey through multiple countries to seek asylum in a safe place. The family has walked for much of their journey from Afghanistan to Greece, stopping along the way for Shahpur’s father, Mansor*, to work temporary jobs.

After living in a refugee camp in Greece for about a year, Shahpur’s mother and older brother travelled ahead to Germany. There, Shahpur’s mother acquired a five-year visa and is working to establish a home for the family.

Shortly after his mother and brother left for Germany, Shahpur was struck by a motorcycle. Mansor rushed Shahpur to the nearest hospital, but was refused treatment due to Mansor’s status as a refugee and lack of insurance. When a different hospital agreed to treat Shahpur, he remained there fifty days while healing from his injuries.

Once Shahpur became strong, he and his father resumed their journey. They crossed through North Macedonia and stopped at a refugee camp in Serbia. There they met a group of Nazarenes who minister to children living as refugees by offering tutoring services, teaching them to play musical instruments, and providing essential items such as food and clothing. The group also shares the gospel.

Moved by the message of Jesus, Shahpur’s father, Mansor, accepted Christ into his life and was baptized by ministers at the refugee camp. Soon after, Mansor and Shahpur moved within the camp to live in the building where the center operates. Now, they live right next door to the room where the group worships and holds bible studies, often lending a hand to prepare the space for services.

Life has not been easy for Shahpur since his father became a Christian. Some men from the refugee camp became angry with Mansor for his conversion and attacked him while he and Shahpur were in the city. Shahpur watched helplessly as men pulled his father off the city bus, beat him, and stole his wallet containing money and his asylum-seeker identification card. The attack, knowledge of the political climate in their home country, and the separation of the family have distressed Shahpur and Mansor.

Shahpur and Mansor have lived in Serbia for about a year, now. Nazarenes serving at the refugee camp hope to see the two reunite with Shahpur’s mother and brother in Germany, but with the absence of a passport, travel has become more difficult.

Like many children, Shahpur loves to play games on his dad’s phone and drink sodas. Much of his childhood, however, has been unsettled by transition and crisis. Connecting with the ministry center at the refugee camp in Serbia has offered Shahpur and Mansor a sense of community and hope.

*Names are changed for protection.

Learn more about and give to support the Christmas Project here.

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So You Want To Know About Global Migration: Part Three

aheckman — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 15:15:31 +0000

So You Want To Know About Global Migration: Part Three aheckman Wed, 11/10/2021 - 15:15

So You Want To Know About Global Migration: Part Three

Missed the first two parts of this series? Read it now here and here.

How can people of faith show compassion to refugees and immigrants?

In Poland, a group of Nazarene volunteers are answering this very question. The refugee-response team has made a practice of visiting two of the ten reception centers housing asylum seekers in Poland. The group regularly visits centers near Warsaw and the border with Belarus. During their visits, the team provides encouragement to the residents, builds relationship, and distributes food and supplies. Asylum seekers in these centers come from places like Iraq, the Chechen Republic, and various African nations. More recently, evacuees from Afghanistan have arrived to the centers.

Polish refugee reception center

“Why do you help us? We are Muslim and you are Christian,” asked one asylum seeker. Majid*, a man from Iraq, fled his homeland to seek safety in Europe. His question opened the door for volunteers to explain what motivates them. “Jesus loves us and we love people,” they replied. “No matter who they are.” Over time, Majid came to trust the volunteers and even attended some church services with them. The entire team mourned when he passed away unexpectedly soon after, a reminder of how precious these relationships are to the volunteers.

At the end of August, the team distributed backpacks and school supplies to 16 children in the center near Warsaw. When evacuees from Afghanistan arrived to the centers in recent weeks, the team was grateful to find a translator who could communicate with the evacuees while they distributed much-needed food. One volunteer described their message: “Through [the] translator, we were able to tell them that it is God's love to them and we are praying for them,” she shared.

Volunteers distributing school supplies

According to the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, the reception sites in Poland are located in difficult-to-access areas, often requiring long walks for those living there to reach public transportation or available jobs. Their remote locations combined with restrictions on the numbers of allowed outside visitors can make integration into a new culture more difficult for reception center residents. By regularly visiting the centers with aid and offering friendship, this group of Nazarene volunteers is closing the gap between people who come from very different backgrounds.

Residents at the reception center

RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES

With hundreds of millions of people around the world who have left their countries to establish new homes in new cultures, the opportunity is great for churches to extend welcome and support in Jesus’ name.

In the United States, advocacy groups like We Welcome have sprung up to encourage Christians to live out scripture’s call to care for outsiders and “the stranger” (Matthew 25:31-45).
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has prepared a document to help guide faith communities as they respond to the immigrants in their local area. This document provides practical ideas for responses and guiding principles for churches to consider as they choose to engage. This resource and others can be found on our website.
Authors Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang from World Relief, a Christian refugee resettlement agency, have authored a book for Christians looking to learn more about immigration from a biblical perspective. “Welcoming the Stranger” can also be used as a group study.
The Evangelical Immigration Table provides discipleship resources for churches on the topic of immigration and advocates for just immigration policies consistent with biblical values.
The United States is in the process of welcoming thousands of evacuees from Afghanistan, and this recent blog from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries provides ideas for how churches can work to meet the needs of evacuees and resettlement organizations.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Is your church standing with refugees, migrants, or other types of immigrants in your community? We’d love to hear how you are extending welcome and hospitality to your new neighbors. Drop us a note to share your story.

*Name is changed for protection.

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Prayers for World Refugee Day

Grace Tia — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 10:09:32 +0000

Prayers for World Refugee Day Grace Tia Fri, 06/19/2020 - 10:09

Prayers for World Refugee Day

Every minute, 20 people leave their homes to escape war, persecution, extreme poverty, or terror. There are currently 70.8 million displaced people around the world, and 10 million of these fled in the last year alone. Those who flee often end up living in poverty, with insufficient food, clothing, and shelter. On top of physical needs, they are also coping with grief and trauma.

As the church, we are called to care for the vulnerable and welcome the “stranger” (Matthew 25:35-40).

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local churches around the world to support refugees and immigrants through education for children, assistance for persecuted Christians, emergency relief for families in crisis, and support for families who have been resettled. In the United States, NCM also works with compassionate ministry centers that are providing legal assistance for people seeking a path to citizenship.

This Saturday, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a time to pray for those who are searching for a new, safe place to call home. Below are prayers you can use in your personal devotional time as you remember refugees, or share with your church family.

Learn more about the church’s response to the global refugee crisis here.

Prayers for Refugees

A Prayer from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Lord God, as you called your Son back home from his early childhood exile in Egypt, gather from the four corners of the world all refugees who long for a home. Grant peace to those who can return to the homes they left behind, that they might rebuild their lives. Grant courage to those who must move on to new homes, that they might re-root their lives. And grant hope to those who continue to wait without a home, that they might revive their lives. We pray this in the name of your son, our Hiding Place and our Deliverer. Amen.

A Prayer for the People of Syria from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Almighty eternal God, source of all compassion, the promise of your mercy and saving help fills our hearts with hope. Hear the cries of the people of Syria; bring healing to those suffering from the violence, and comfort to those mourning the dead. Empower and encourage Syria’s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees. Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms, and strengthen the resolve of those committed to peace.

O God of hope and Father of mercy, your Holy Spirit inspires us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs. Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies. Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria, and fill us with hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the World, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer for Uprooted People from World Council of Churches,

“In Solidarity with Uprooted Peoples”

God of the widow and the stranger you are made known in our Savior Jesus Christ. Born as a migrant, exiled as a refugee, he knew the pain of homelessness but taught his friends the meaning and challenge of love. Lead us as we build communities rooted in hospitality and justice. Amen.

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