We can make a huge difference in people’s lives.  We can save a refugee’s life.  Would you like to be part of this?  The diocesan refugee committee is there to help you.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Form a refugee committee at your church (it can be part of outreach or it can be a separate committee) and see if there is enough interest in your church to become involved in a refugee sponsorship.
2. If your church feels that it is too small to handle such a project, then try joining with other churches in your area.  Alternatively consider making it a deanery project or an ecumenical project with other denominations in your community.  Refugee work is a good way to bring people together and to meet some really great people.
3. Find out if there is a church near you which has a refugee family who they are looking after right now and ask if they need any help.
4. Welcome refugees into your community. By definition refugees do not want to leave their country of birth but are forced to do so. They experience alienation in a new culture and a long painful separation from other family members.
5. Think about the way we live. Ask yourself if we are contributing directly or indirectly to the injustices which create refugees, or are we contributing to peace and justice for all.
6. Pray for refugees; pray that peace will prevail in their homelands; pray that they will be able to endure the terrible suffering.

Are you……….

1. A housewife? Take a refugee mother along shopping. If possible, help her by pointing out how to get good buys, or give her a ride home with her groceries.
2. A student? Find ways to include refugees in your social activities.
3. A car or truck owner? Offer rides to those who come to the church or school you attend; offer to help refugees move into new homes.
4. An owner or manager of apartments or houses? Take a risk and accept a refugee family even when they cannot come up with all of the security you normally require. Most of the time you won't be disappointed.
5. An employer? Consider employing refugees despite language handicaps.
6. A teacher? Home-bound mothers and other refugees would love help in learning English.
7. A psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or social worker?  Any person with good listening skills can help worried and upset refugees, just by being present and listening.