After lifting our eyes yesterday (see Part 1 here) to see the needs refugees moving across Europe, my heart was heavy and full. I called it “European” because the first waves are washing first over Europe, but this belongs to us all. It is global. How reassuring to know that God does not turn away and cover His eyes because of the pain mankind inflicts on our own. He keeps looking, caring, moving, and providing. How amazing that He often uses US to care for people and show His love in tangible ways! Look on with me?
Let’s hear and see more in part 2 of my interview about the Refugee Crisis with AR.
Where are most of the refugees going?
The two countries we heard the most were Germany and Sweden, while Austria and northern European countries were also mentioned. What resources do they have to get there? In order to even start the journey they need money. It costs $1,000 or more per person to be smuggled from Turkey to Greece on an inflatable raft. Sometimes they have to pay smugglers to get them across various country borders. Often the young men or someone in the family has a phone for communication with friends and family left behind and with those waiting for them. Many have a backpack or a plastic bag filled with food and essential items. Some have received items along the way, as bags may have been left behind in the sea or along their journey.
What practical needs do these refugees have?
The items needed the most are always shoes and socks. We have seen shoes without laces, with holes, covered in mud and/or wet, and with the sole completely gone or hanging off. They sometimes don’t have socks at all or they are wet and/or dirty. As the weather has cooled, coats, hats, and gloves are needed, especially for children.
What emotional needs do the people have?
I believe many are struggling with disillusionment as they may have had a very different idea of how they would be received in Europe. Although there are volunteers “stepping in the gap”, many have experienced less than ideal circumstances, and in some cases, even inhumane treatment. Many have left behind lives they at one time enjoyed and often family and friends are still in their homeland. Some have the responsibility of finding work so they can save enough money to bring the rest of their family to be with them or to gain asylum with reunification rights. As for the children, it pained me to see their faces. The very young children seemed immune to what was really happening around them, but the school-aged children seemed to be impacted the most. Their childhood has truly been taken from them and it is hard to say how long it may be before they will find a new sense of normal.
Are all of the refugees Muslims? How do they respond to you?
No, not all are Muslims, but they do make up the majority. We learned that sometimes Christians will be wearing a wooden bracelet or necklace with a small, wooden cross. We did not have any negative interactions while helping. Some were silent, but many smiled, expressed their thanks in English or their native language, and others gave some type of physical signal. Some would even make a special point of walking up to us and saying, “Thank you for everything you have done for us.”
What are the unique needs of refugee women?
The trip is long and difficult, especially for women who are pregnant. Several ambulances were called to the border for women who began giving birth, possibly because of the arduous journey. They have nothing in the way of “creature comforts” and not being able to care for their children in the way they would like must be very frustrating. We met women who were traveling alone with children, two of which told us ISIS had put their husbands in prison. Access to privacy, bathrooms, and medical care is limited for everyone and for women these challenges must be felt keenly.
How should we pray for the people?
When we have asked how we can pray for them, the overwhelming answers are for peace in their land and for safety in their travels. They have many unknowns ahead of them, so praying for direction and wisdom is important. By far the most vital thing would be for God to open their eyes to His great love for them. In our weeks along the border, we were able to give out many resources with the truth in various formats. Christians who received them were so excited and some even kissed them! Pray God’s Word will encourage their hearts.
If someone wants to give financially to help meet needs, how can they give?
My first suggestion would be to give to overseas workers and aid workers involved in refugee relief whom you know personally. If you do not have a personal connection, this agency has a donation page at www.abwe.org/give. You can designate gifts through this agency in 3 ways:
- to the agency as a whole by noting “Syrian Refugee Fund”
- to our family “Rice Refugee Ministry #0133773”
- to Bosnian national partners and their congregation serving along the Serbian/Croatian border “Bosnia #0826703”
Thank you for lifting your eyes and looking at these hard things with me, friends. Let’s ask God to enlighten (Ephesians 1:17-19) and enlarge (Psalm 119:31-32) our hearts to see what He wants us to see.
