Refugees

Friday, September 8, 2017

Because of wars, violence, famines, and religious and ethnic persecution, more than 60 million^[1] people of diverse nationalities and religions have been displaced. They have been forced out of their homes, towns and countries to become refugees in various places around the world. They are confused, distressed, hungry, sick and homeless. They live in circumstances that are often less than humane. They generally feel betrayed, robbed, violated and excluded.

Oftentimes they face deportation from their country of refuge. While not all current refugees are Muslims, a great percentage of them are. Asia and Africa produce the most refugees in the world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you know what it means to be a refugee: your family fled to save your life when King Herod wanted to kill you. I bring to you these, our fellow human beings, who have been uprooted and have lost their homes, property and possessions. Lord Jesus, visit them in your compassion. Be their refuge and comfort. Reveal yourself to them as their Savior.

Help us, your followers, to actively seek to improve their physical conditions without neglecting our responsibility to minister to their spiritual needs for their eternal well-being.

Compassionate Lord, remind me of what you said: that you were hungry and thirsty and I gave you food and drink; you were a stranger and I welcomed you; you were naked and I gave you clothes; you were sick and I took care of you; you were in jail and I visited you (Matthew 25:35-36).

Help me personally to be your hand extended to minister to refugees, even if they are in far-off lands.

Promise

The Lord watches over the alien, and sustains the fatherless and the widow (Psalm 146:9).