A World On The MoveUzorak

Stepping Beyond the Tents

Every 4 seconds someone is forced to flee their home. These refugees are vulnerable and without long-term options. Many struggle in significant ways. Some break through and start a new life.

We see the boats floating in the ocean and the rows of tents in the growing camps, but do we really understand these individuals with their struggles and opportunities? Did you know that Lebanon has the highest density of refugees to residents, at 257 refugees per 1,000 inhabitants? Did you know that 4.8 million people have fled from Syria—that’s up from 3 million when we published today’s Missiographic. Step beyond the tents by understanding some of the stats and debunking some of the myths about the global refugee crisis through today’s Missiographic.

Personal Reflection
Have you ever been in limbo? You might have been between jobs, between living situations, or without a car or access to local transport. These are small challenges compared to what refugees face. Millions are trapped in a “no-man’s land” between the world and their homes. Many cannot move forward and also cannot go back. If you have felt like this, even in a small way, you have a sense for what they might be going through. But at the same time you know that there is always hope. The same is true for refugees. Use today’s Missiographic to raise your awareness and educate yourself about the ways refugees are coping and moving forward with their lives even in tough situations. How does God want you to move beyond transitions in your own life and what could you learn from the many stories of perseverance coming out of refugee camps around the world?

Prayer

Merciful Father, bless every refugee who is striving to rebuild life and community in a new place. Heal the wounds of trauma, especially among the children. Let them not turn against You because of it, but let them see it as Joseph saw his experience: “You meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose” (Genesis 50:20).

Click here to access this free Missiographic and sign up for future free Missiographics: http://www.gmi.org/services/missiographics/library/2015/world-refugee-day/