Each year on 20 June, the world marks the UN’s World Refugee Day, which celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. This week, pray for Tearfund and our partners across the world as they welcome, support and empower refugees.
Sunday 18 June
The As Born Among Us campaign, inspired by Leviticus 19:33-34, calls on the church in Latin America to respond to migrants with inclusion and love. Pablo and his family fled the economic crisis in Venezuela to Brazil. ‘It was a difficult decision,’ he says. ‘Before 2018 I never thought about leaving.’ Pray a blessing over Pablo, his family and the church that welcomed and supports them.
Monday 19 June
The Tahaddi Center in Beirut, Lebanon – which Tearfund supports through a local partner – offers a lifeline for many refugees, providing access to healthcare, skills training and education. ‘We are one of the rare education centres where both Lebanese and Syrian learn together,’ says Catherine, education centre director. Ask God to strengthen her team as Lebanon faces a crippling economic crisis.
Tuesday 20 June
A prayer for World Refugee Day God of love,
You are the God who takes
the side of the oppressed.
You are the God who is close
to the brokenhearted.
You are the God who
raises high the humble.
We pray for refugees
around the world.
May they be welcomed
with open arms.
May their needs for food,
shelter, clothing and love
be met.
May their wounds –
emotional and physical –
be healed.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday 21 June
Nearly a million Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh since violence escalated in 2017. ‘Back then, we had nothing to survive,’ says Rasida, who was 14 at the time. ‘New country, new place. Many problems.’ Lift up the work of our partner World Concern Bangladesh, that provides tailoring classes to Rasida and refugees like her.
Thursday 22 June
Alari refugee settlement in South Sudan is home to more than 3,000 Ethiopian refugees who fled there in 2004. In 2021, Tearfund’s Toilet Twinning initiative funded the construction of its first-ever pit latrine. ‘We hope that Tearfund gets more funds to construct pit latrines,’ says community member Chaal. ‘It will really reduce diseases.’ Pray for good health for people in Alari.
Friday 23 June
The desire of most refugees is to return home, but it’s not easy to start again. Agnes returned to South Sudan after seeking refuge from conflict in Uganda. Tearfund’s programme identified Agnes as vulnerable to hunger and provided seeds and farming tools. ‘Tearfund is like the son I never had,’ she says. Praise God for this provision.
Saturday 24 June
‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not ill-treat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.’ (Leviticus 19:33-34) Lord God, help us to look after those who are seeking refuge across the world and in our own country. Amen.