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Every year on June 20, people around the world observe World Refugee Day. It’s a time to raise awareness and honor the strength and resilience of those forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, or disaster. World Refugee Day was started by the United Nations in 2001. At the end of 2024, they estimated that over 123 million people had been displaced[1].
For Christians, this isn’t just a humanitarian concern. It’s a spiritual one. Scripture reminds us that God cares deeply for the refugee, the foreigner, and the vulnerable, and we are called to do the same.
Throughout the Bible, we see stories of God walking closely with those who had to leave their homeland. Abraham went to a new place in obedience to God’s call. Joseph was sold into slavery. Ruth crossed borders after becoming widowed and destitute. And God led the Israelites out of oppression in Egypt so they could live in freedom and new life. Even Jesus and his family knew what it was like to flee to safety for a time.
God’s concern for immigrants and refugees is unmistakable. Leviticus 19:33-34 says, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them…Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches us how to respond to the needs of people around us. He says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Some have called this radical hospitality. This is not just tolerating the stranger, but loving them as ourselves, caring for them as if we were caring for God.
Other verses tell us that God “defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you…” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). And the writer of Hebrews implores us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…” (Hebrews 13:2).
The current refugee crisis is the largest in modern history, with over 120 million people displaced. Major crises in Syria, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Central America, Afghanistan and Myanmar are forcing families from their homes at alarming rates.
At International Ministries (IM), one of our priorities is to renew hope for the vulnerable through global restoration. As part of our mission, we are deeply committed to serving immigrants and refugees around the world.
IM global servants and ministry partners work to restore hope to the vulnerable people fleeing violence and hardship. From trauma healing programs to providing food, shelter, safety, and healthcare, global servants are living out the type of love central to God’s character.
IM is honored to walk alongside refugees on their journeys, and we invite others to join us in doing the same.
On World Refugee Day, Christians everywhere have an opportunity to reflect and respond. Despite the challenges facing us today, many faith communities have stepped up to welcome refugees. They offer friendship, support and hope.
Whether your congregation already supports refugee ministries or you’re just beginning the conversation, here are four ways to bring awareness and put compassion into action.
Set an intentional time during your service around June 20 to acknowledge World
Refugee Day. Share facts, tell stories, or read scripture that shows God’s heart for the vulnerable and displaced. Include a prayer of intercession for refugees and those serving them.
Share refugee testimonies and experiences through a newsletter, your website, and social media. Highlight the work IM global servants and partners are doing around the world. Real stories help build compassion.
Partner with other churches, groups, or organizations to host a speaker panel, film screening, or art exhibit. Events like these can help people learn more about the global refugee crisis and how to help. Plus, this can spark long-term engagement! Contact us to invite an IM global servant or team member to speak at your event!
Consider how you or your church might financially support ministries serving refugees. You can do this through IM ministry projects or by working with local organizations in your community. Even a small gift can provide care, restoration, and meet basic needs for refugees.
World Refugee Day is not just a reminder of the suffering taking place around the world. It is a call to hope, to radical hospitality, and Christ-centered action. In a world marked by division and fear, the Church is uniquely positioned to be a witness of God’s love and justice.
We invite you to join us and others who are living out this calling—caring for refugees, welcoming the stranger, and declaring through our lives that God’s love, hope, and restoration are truly for all people. This truth applies not just to World Refugee Day, but every day, so that it may be on earth as it is in heaven.
“For I was a stranger and you invited me in…” Matthew 25:35
To learn more about International Ministries’ mission, visit www.internationalministries.org/mission.
[1] UNHCR Global Trends Report 2024: https://www.unhcr.org/global-trends
