My friends Shelah and Jade Acker are the founders and directors of Refuge and Hope, a faith-based ministry serving the urban refugee community in Kampala, Uganda.
One weekend, Refuge and Hope hosted a 7K “Race for Refugees” in Uganda to educate participants about what refugees face when they’re forced from their homes, communities, and countries. My thirteen-year-old son participated and joined four friends who became his “family” for the event. They had to work together to complete an obstacle course that included physical and mental challenges designed to represent hardships refugees face in real life when forced to seek safety and shelter in another country.
Through the event, my son and his event “family” gained a greater understanding of how Isaiah 16:2-4 reflects the loss and suffering experienced by refugees today.
When people are forced from their communities, they become like the women of Moab who were “left like homeless birds” (Isaiah 16:2). In this state of despondency, refugees are vulnerable. “Help us,” they cry. “Defend us against our enemies. Protect us from their relentless attack. Do not betray us now that we have escaped” (Isaiah 16:3). “Let our refugees stay among you,” they ask of those able to offer them refuge and hope, “Hide them from our enemies until the terror is past” (Isaiah 16:4). For many years, my friends have been coming alongside refugees and helping them to know that “God is [their] refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Whether through giving or prayer support, how can we help meet the needs of refugees, and help them know God is their refuge?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 2:1-12
More:
When war and tragedies force people to flee, they often enter foreign lands where they have no citizenship rights. Though citizenship can be stripped from us on earth, what does Philippians 3:20 say about the citizenship of followers of Christ?
Next:
Reread Isaiah 16:3. How can you practically and prayerfully support refugees?
Gary Shultz on April 23, 2017 at 6:23 am
Hi Roxanne: You are most qualified to speak to us (U.S.) since you have seen both worlds. For many of us what you describe are just pictures in the news. That doesn’t mean our attention should not be drawn to this situation, as you know, it has become a political hot potato. To load evil intent with those who really need the help has made the refugee a unwanted risk in many places. Usually the decision is made far beyond private citizens about helping those in need. But, prayer is no small thing, as you pointed out. Most of us do not have a clue of what struggles the refugee faces, and how life would be for a lengthy period of time as an outcast from your home and country, by war, politics, or disaster. Did you have something else in mind?….As you point out also, we are all refugees from evil and sin. In many cases life may be comfortable, but people wander lost, having no spiritual home, this we all see. Thanks Roxanne
conmeo on April 23, 2017 at 6:52 am
Good Morning, Thank you for this reminder. We all know refugees of all sort and manor. Refugees are in our midst at all times in all places. They live in fear, here and around the globe….one way we can practically and prayerfully support them? Romans 12:13 says” Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality”. Lets start here. Thank you