Today our global community, and particularly Europe, is confronted with the largest mass migration of people since World War II. Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons are pouring out of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and various parts of Africa across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. The total number of refugees that have arrived in European countries so far this year is 549,000, and some 794,000 persons have applied for asylum across Europe. The number of refugees in Europe by the end of 2015 is expected to be 4.7 million. This mass migration has created a crisis for humanitarian organizations, churches and governments.                                                                                                            Bishop Bruce R. Ough

The Scope of the Crisis

Syria’s civil war is the worst humanitarian disaster of our time. The number of innocent civilians suffering — more than 11 million people are displaced, thus far — and the increasingly dire impact on neighboring countries can seem too overwhelming to understand.  But one fact is simple: millions of Syrians need our help.

When did the crisis start?

Anti-government demonstrations began in March of 2011. Divisions between secular and Islamist fighters, and between ethnic groups, continue to complicate the politics of the conflict.

What is happening to Syrians caught in the war?

The civil war has killed over 220,000 people, half of whom are believed to be civilians. More than half of the country’s population of 23 million is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, whether they still remain in the country or have escaped across the borders.

Where are they fleeing?

Thousands of Syrians flee their country every day. They often decide to finally escape after seeing their neighborhoods bombed or family members killed. The risks on the journey to the border can be as high as staying: Families walk for miles through the night to avoid being shot at by snipers or being caught by soldiers who will kidnap young men to fight for the regime. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are also attempting the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean Sea from Turkey to Greece.

Respond with Prayer

Prayer is one immediate response Christians can take, prayer for peaceful means to bring an end to military actions causing such widespread displacement of people from Syria and Iraq; prayer that refugees will be welcomed around the world with warm, calm hospitality; prayer for those who provide asylum and refuge.

Respond with Financial support

The pathways of the current refugees are from southern and southeastern Europe toward northern and western Europe, notably Germany. The small — very small — United Methodist communities on the route are joining neighbors to meet immediate needs for food, water, and clothing. United Methodist leaders in Europe and the United States are encouraging church members to contribute to the work of UMCOR.

Refugee Resettlement

Congregations that want to apply as sponsors for refugee resettlement must follow the rules of their respective countries. In the U.S for United Methodists this means Church World Service--CWS, our long-time partner in refugee resettlement.

CLICK HERE FOR RESOURCES FOR THE 2015 THANKSGIVING APPEAL

We Welcome Refugees-SD from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.