Responding to the Refugee Crisis

At our gatherings in our congregations this last weekend I led us in intercession for the current Refugee Crisis that is going on.

The refugee crisis going on right now in Europe is the biggest population movement since the second world war. Many of the people, human beings created in the image of God, that are seeking refuge in Europe are Syrians. Syria is entering a fifth year of civil war with no end in sight. That, coupled with the emergence of ISIS, means that over four million Syrians have fled their homeland. 

On our TV screens we are now seeing daily images of many people fleeing conflict in the middle east. Many of these people make the treacherous journey to Europe with young children. Some of these children do not make it.

We must respond. In his helpful video that was played in our services yesterday, Krish Kandiah highlights a number of ways in which we can all think about responding.

I hope that we all pray about how we may respond to this urgent call to action.
Here are some ways that you can respond right now.

Pray

On Tuesday mornings at 7.00am we have dynamic prayer at St Cuthbert's House of Prayer every week. Why not join us on Tuesday as we intercede and cry out for the current situation.

Give

You can give to Tearfund who have launched an emergency fund to bring desperately needed help and support. Tearfund who are an excellent organisation who will use your money well and wisely.

Give Now

As well as giving online you can text TEARFUND REFUGEE to 70444 to donate £5.

Tearfund have produced some slides that you can use in your Belfrey Groups to help focus your prayers as you pray for this situation. They can be found here.

You can tell our council that refugees are welcome in York here.

Please do respond in whatever way you can. 

#refugeeswelcome

Thank you.

Blog by Ben Doolan