In last week’s Brigada, we asked how in the world we could possibly make a difference in a refugee/migrant crises that has become a global issue. The item generated several great comments, by the way. See them at…
https://brigada.org/2015/09/13_17156
Also, one mobilizer — and a great and long-time friend, Shane Bennett (one of the forces behind Missions Catalyst), had a great idea at…
http://missionscatalyst.net/?p=5852
What if each church (or family?) were to embrace the problem personally by adopting a refugee or a refugee family? Elegantly simple. Brilliant.
I really appreciate the “simple” solution but it’s not as easy as a few clicks on a website and two days later Amazon delivers a Syrian family to your door and in 6 months you can still return them.
My wife and I attempted to “sponsor” a family and we were overwhelmed with extremely confusing and lengthy bureaucratic process.
I don’t want to be a “nay” sayer, but until there’s a simpler more streamlined process, I think the idea of sponsoring a family is very unrealistic.
What an awesome God given opportunity!!
In 1980’s 25 strong Fairfield in Sydney hosted 4 families; currently Zillmere in Brisbane, same size is helping more than a dozen families. Initially though a member who saw migrants on the street and if they looked like they needed help he asked. Most do. Have baptised Iranian and Bhutanese (the later currently discipling). Remembering most non-Western cultures never say “no” if was hard to get an invite. How started and accepted? Just said, “I’m coming at five tonight, see you.”
The Fairfield group were Vietnamese boat people. A few years later we started a Latino church, mostly Chilean, greatly helped by two short term teams from….Team Expansion.
Networking is highly important and most valued. It’s how most survived in previous places, yes you will be used, but a servant heart never feels that way
It would be good to have a hosting migrants booklet.
I agree with Brad Hillman. I wish it were so simple. But there are some trying to move those who can influence towards making it more simple. By the way, the Canadian church is far out ahead of us on this. And the Brazilians have left us in the dust. I’m working with network leaders in Germany, Brazil, Turkey, Argentina, and the US to facilitate greater networking on the issue. The WEA just came out with a statement saying they will coordinate everything – I have my strong doubts as to their capacity to do so.
Ellen Livingood just published an article that offers churches wisdom on how they can best help when responding to local crisis. http://catalystservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/How-can-we-help.pdf