What is a refugee?
Refugees are people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country.
UNHCR
Did you know that 50% of the world’s refugees are children?
Even for our third culture kids who are familiar with trying to settle in a new country and culture, it can be really hard to imagine what life is like for a refugee. The videos below explain a little more.
Help them feel at home
Suitable for younger children, this video by Kazzum tells the story of a young refugee named Sana and a toy dinosaur named Dino and their difficult journey to find safety in the UK.
My dream is to be a teacher
This video, suitable for older children, by ‘My Bright Kite “Freedom of Voice” youth project’ is a young girl’s account of leaving Syria and settling into a new school life in Leeds, UK.
One person becomes displaced every four seconds.
1 in every 95 people on earth has fled their home as a result of conflict or persecution.
But what can we do?
In the Bible it says:
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Psalm 24:1
We believe in a God who knows and loves each person deeply, so much so that he sent his son, Jesus, to die to forgive all that we have done wrong.
Although it is hard to listen to stories about people suffering, God can bring good out of a bad situation. Refugees often come from countries where there are very few Christians. Some will never have heard of Jesus or had the opportunity to read the Bible.
As Christians we are part of God’s family, a family that is spread across the globe.
Have a think today about how you might be able to show kindness to a refugee or to a new person in your community.
Put yourself in their shoes. Do you remember a time where you were new somewhere and didn’t know anyone? Who was kind to you and made you feel welcome? Thank God for that person and pray that he will help you to show that kindness to others this week.
Pray too for refugee children, for safety and comfort and that they might have the opportunity to meet a Christian and learn about Jesus.
This page was created as part of our SIMpray Kids monthly prayer email. If you would like to pray regularly with our mission families serving around the world, please click here.