Refugee and Immigrant Crisis: What Can I Do?

Sunday's reading from Proverbs 22:1ff:

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common:
the Lord is the maker of them all.
Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of anger will fail.
Those who are generous are blessed,
for they share their bread with the poor. Do not rob the poor because they are poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord pleads their cause
and despoils of life those who despoil them.

Here what the Spirit is saying to the church.

As we listened on Sunday to this lesson, we well might have wondered what we could do about the refugee and migration crisis that will have a real, tangible impact. It is the largest migration and refugee event since World War II. The impact of which will have a global effect for generations. What do we do as a people and as a church? We can move from mindfulness to action. Here is an exercise to begin your reflections on how you can make a global difference by acting locally.

Prayer and Mindfulness

The first thing to begin with is mindfulness and prayer. As Christians we pray. So here is a list to pray daily for during the next few days, weeks, and months. You might even print the list and put it on your refrigerator or at the dinning room table or someplace where you will see it regularly.

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. We remember especially the refugees and migrants in our midst and far away, who are looking for your face of love. Help us to be mindful of all those who are in need of care and those who are seeking to help. Heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. 

Pray for the people of Syria - and an end to the violence in the middle east, an end to unjust governments, and for the care of those who are without a country. 

Pray for the 10.8 million refugees. Invite God to speak to you and your church about how you can help offer hospitality to the stranger.

Pray for children of the refugees, the God may give them strength to hold their faith, and to keep alive their joy in this time of crisis, feed them and clothe them from the riches of God's people.

Pray for the Anglican Church in Canada who is taking a three-fold approach to the crisis: raising money, lobbying politicians to demand easier access to the country for Syrian refugees, and committing to provide 10,000 resettlement places for government-assisted refugees; and pray for Anglicans to contribute to the Province’s relief agency. 

Pray for Australia and New Zealand who are calling on their governments to increase quotas and calling on each church to sponsor a family.

Pray for the Church in Egypt and Jerusalem who are providing food, helping to restore churches, including the Holy Family Anglican Church which serves refugees in the Ethiopian town of Dima, and are helping with funds for the towns of Tiergol and Matar.

Pray for the ten Anglican Churches in the Pinyudo area of Sudan where a new camp will house 75,000 people. 

Pray for those working with Episcopal Migration Ministries as they seek to respond on our behalf and help those in need.

Pray for the Anglican Churches in and across Europe as they seek to help settle refugees.

Pray: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth.

Pray: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace.

Pray: Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love. We thank you for opening the hearts of many to those who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome, and reach out our hands in support; that the desperate may find new hope, and lives torn apart be restored. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, who fled persecution at His birth and at His last, triumphed over death. Amen

(Read more here about the Anglican response to the global crisis.)

Educate Yourself
It is important to have the facts about what is actually happening globally. In a world where there are a lot of memes and news blips, it is easy to believe you know what is going on. Know the facts. Thanks to Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) you can find these articles helpful in understanding exactly what is happening.

EMM writes, "Media are publishing articles on a daily basis chronicling the most recent events and statistics. This crisis is complex geopolitically and historically. The terminology can also be confusing."

Here is a selection of articles that may be helpful:

Archbishop of Canterbury wrote an impassioned statement about the refugee crisis; it begins, 'This is a hugely complex and wicked crisis'.

Violence Has Forced 60 Million People From Their Homes, The Atlantic 

Exodus of Syrians Highlights Political Failure of the West, New York Times 

'Refugee' or 'migrant' - Which is right?, UNHCR 

Crossings of Mediterranean Sea exceed 300,000, including 200,000 to Greece, UNHCR 

One Syrian Boy's Plea, Al Jazeera America

Donate
One of the easiest ways to help is to donate. Every relief organization is overwhelmed by this crisis. However, I urge you to not stop here, but also do some of the hard things as well. Here are some great places to donate:

Compass Rose Society Go to the site and roll the bar over to immigrant crisis in Europe. Then make your gift. All Dollars will go to Joel Nafuma Refugee Center in Rome, and to the Churches in Europe and organizations doing direct work with Refugees through the office of The Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon.

Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, Anglican Refugee Center in Rome 

UNHCR Syria appeal 

World Food Program Syrian emergency fund 

Unicef for Syria

Mennonite Central Committee 

World Relief (donate to provide backpacks for resettled children here - one of my favorite sites) 

World Vision 

Samaritan’s Purse 

Doctors Without Borders: Has three rescue ships in the Mediterranean, on Tuesday alone they rescued 1,658 people

Hand in Hand for Syria: Working within Syrian borders to provide aid. Donations are made via British currency but these are easily converted from US donations during the transaction.

The Southern Baptists who do a very good job at combining service with donation. Take a look at their site here. It includes a text link for donations.

Project: “Save a Life”

Donor: Individual Donors

Major Goal: “Save a Life” humanitarian campaign, aimed at providing support to Syrian Refugees, who escaped the war in Aleppo and moved to Lebanon, to obtain one-way ticket to travel to Armenia. In response to this large-scale humanitarian project initiated by “ALEPPO” CCO, people worldwide continuously raise funds in support of Syrian Refugees. Over 800 Syrian Refugees are registered in the lists of Aid Applicants. On account of funds raised it became possible to obtain one-way ticket for 70 Syrian Refugees. Many refugees were already moved from Lebanon to Armenia. The others will move in upcoming weeks and months if Funds become available!

It is worth to note, that the one-way ticket fee required for relocation of each person from Lebanon to Armenia amounts to:

•           360 – 380$ (one-way ticket for MEA Aircraft from Lebanon to Armenia, including 30kg baggage); or
•           285$ (one-way ticket for FlyDubai Aircraft destination Lebanon, Dubai, Armenia, including 30kg baggage); or
•           265$ (one-way ticket for FlyDubai Aircraft destination Lebanon, Dubai, Armenia, including 20kg baggage).
Including these in-country transfer expenses:
•           50$ (transfer cost per person, including 2 suitcases, by bus):
•           17$ (fee for Exit Visa to cross the border),
•           20$ (taxi cost to reach the Lebanon Airport);
•           8$ (transfer cost from Yerevan Airport).
•           25$ (other costs that should be provided to a traveling person).

The Total amount per person is 488$. This calculation is made taking into account that 1$=290 Syrian Liras.

Each Sponsor will be given a contact information of Sponsored person.

We have already received approximately $40,000 in donations which will be sent to ALEPPO CCO in Yerevan. Donations are being sent as received. We urgently need your help before it is too late. If you want to add your name and HELP, NOW is the time to act:

1) one person ($ 488);

2) one couple ($ 976);

3) one Family with two children ($ 1,952)

4) Any other amount to cover several Families

Please send your check accordingly to ST KEVORK ARMENIAN CHURCH - MEMO : S.O.S. Aleppo - Yerevan. All your donations will be Tax deductible.

Please indicate your first and last Name; your organization if any; your e-mail address; your phone number and your City of residence.

Give Specifically

Help Syrians stranded on the Greek Island of Lesvos, send items from the list below, and mail to:

Hellenic Postal Office of Mythymna
℅ The Captain’s Table
Molyvos 81108, Lesvos, Greece

ITEMS TO SEND for SYRIAN REFUGEES on GREEK ISLAND OF LESVOS:

• Sneakers, gym shoes for men, women and children (all sizes) are a HIGH PRIORITY
• Sweatpants of all sizes.
• Briefs/underwear for men, women and children (all sizes)
• Men’s trousers (small, medium and large) and shoes
• Baby powder milk
• Any non-perishables like nut butters or other long-lasting foods.
• Diapers
• Feminine products
• Sleeping bags
• Plastic to cover the floor/for shade
• Tents/tarpaulin
• Mats (camping or yoga mats)
• Hats and caps for sunshade (adults and children/light colours because of the sun)
• Electric Plug for multiple devices (european voltage)

Spread the Word
Everyone who has a Facebook page and twitter account can share these links. Share solid information.

You can Follow Episcopal Migration Ministries on Facebook and Twitter. Share news articles and stories online and through your social media networks. Generate discussions in your community about the issues refugees are facing.

If you're a teacher, use UNHCR's toolkit for teaching young people about migration and refugees.

If you are in a congregation, use the Prayer for Syria or the prayers above as part of your Sunday or daily worship.

You can also Tweet a photo of yourself holding a sign saying “Refugees Welcome” and tag your government and or your government representative #refugeecrisis; #refugeeswelcomehere (This idea comes from Ann Voskamp's website at Holy Experience here.)

You can also copy and share the links and ideas from this article and help get the word out about how to give or share your time.


Get Personally Involved
In 2015, the United States will welcome 70,000 refugees to our country as new Americans. You can get involved in two ways. First by signing up and participating in sponsoring and helping to resettle a family.

EMM works in partnership with its affiliate network, including the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, among other dioceses, faith communities and volunteers, welcoming refugees from conflict zones across the globe. Your local resettlement agency is always preparing for arriving families and in need of support, resources and volunteers. Contact an Episcopal Migration Ministries affiliate near you. If you are in Texas, you can work with Refugee Services of Texas and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. Both are local partners of Episcopal Migration Ministries. the links are: Refugee Services of Texas, http://www.rstx.org/, which is in Austin, and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, https://imgh.org/.

You can personally sponsor a refugee or their family at these other sites too:

Americans, sign home to a Christian refugee family fleeing from ISIS  

Canadians, sponsor a Syrian refugee family to come to Canada through Missionary Christian Alliance 

Canadians, sponsor a Syrian refugee family to come to Canada through MCC 

Americans, Use this US map to find an agency near you and offer to support a newly arrived refugee family. There are 9 Voluntary Agencies in the US that sponsor refugees to come the the United States and build their own local networks to resettle refugees — where is one close to you? 

Help someone in Germany cover costs in opening up their homes to more than 800,000 refugees 

Americans, help RefugeeOne meet needs of refugees already settled who may have seasonal needs, etc.

The second thing that you can do is be an advocate. EMM writes, "As a global leader in refugee resettlement, the US can and must do all that it can to welcome Syrians to the United States." Reach out to your Senators, Representatives, and the White House and ask them to support a robust refugee resettlement program and significant increase in Syrian resettlement:

Find your elected official (http://bit.ly/1udq4mT) and ask them to continue the United States tradition of accepting at least half of all UNHCR referrals for any given population and resettle at least 65,000 Syrian refugees over the next three years.

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