By the end of 2020, 82.4 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. That was an increase of 2.9 million people over the previous year, and the world’s forcibly displaced population remained at a record high. This includes:
- 26.4 million refugees in the world—the highest ever seen;
- 48.0 million internally displaced people; and
- 4.1 million asylum-seekers.
Refugees and Immigrants: Our Neighbors
How do we love our neighbors who are refugees? What does that look like?
Impact Missions is blessed by mission partnerships with our friends in the European Baptist Federation (EBF). Much of this work supports ministries amongst displaced persons. In the years 2018 through 2023 we are focusing especially on these incredible ministries which serve migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.
As the refugee “crisis” unfolded in Europe and the Middle East over the past years, many Baptist Unions within the EBF rose to the occasion to respond. Through their years of experience and their continuing work, we have a great opportunity to learn, to listen deeply, and to engage. We have seen how even small Baptist Unions can make a huge impact, witnessed God’s love for the stranger in action, and experienced how the refugee “crisis” is actually an opportunity to grow God’s Kingdom.
The recent response to the evacuation of asylum seekers from Afghanistan has given us the opportunity to put “loving our neighbor” into action in Virginia and elsewhere in the U.S. We are glad that we have been able to relate to ReEstablish Richmond since the beginning of focus:refugees, so that we have a practical and effective way to respond. If you want to know how your church can be involved ... (link to the ReR resource page, and also the IRC “HOME” program page)
Through prayer, financial support, and service engagement, churches and individuals can support refugee work in Europe and connect with refugee work in the U.S. We pray that our work is fruitful, meaningful, and furthers the reality of God’s Kingdom on earth.
Learn more about our focus:refugees partners at the following links and see how you and your church can be involved in Impact Missions focus:refugees
Lebanon
Lebanese Baptists and The Lebanese Society for Educational + Social Development.
Austria
Austrian Baptist Aid and their refugee integration work in Austria.
Virginia
Through a partnership with the non-profit ReEstablish Richmond and their work with refugees in Richmond.
Europe and the Middle East
Learn more about the European Baptist Federation and their response to refugees in Europe and the Middle East.