From ARDF Executive Director Canon William E. Deiss:
I am pleased to announce that ARDF has decided to partner with World Relief to respond to the escalating Syrian refugee crisis. World Relief’s journey began over 70 years ago when churches in the US responded to meet the urgent humanitarian needs arising out of Europe following the end of World War II. Once again, we are seeing a groundswell of Christians responding compassionately in the midst of the growing Syrian refugee crisis.
Today, nearly 12 million refugees have been displaced by the crisis; 7.6 million within Syria and 4 million displaced in neighboring countries. About half of those displaced are children. As followers of Jesus, we are compelled to act!
Since 2013, through partnerships with local organizations and churches, World Relief has been working to provide urgent supplies for displaced Syrian refugee families in Jordan and Iraq, as well as sponsoring child friendly spaces for mothers and children.
With the massive influx of refugees now flowing into Europe, World Relief is opening an office in Turkey to mobilize churches to respond to the largest population of refugees fleeing Syria. Germany alone will likely become home to over 800,000 Syrians. We can help empower local churches in Europe and other locations as they welcome and serve these vulnerable populations, helping them find jobs, acquire a new language, and find housing.
You can read Canon Deiss’s full letter here.
How You Can Get Involved:
1. Pray:
Compassionate God, draw near to our brothers and sisters in Syria in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
2. Learn:
The World Relief website has a number of resources about the Syrian Refugee Crisis for both churches and individuals. You can also visit the We Welcome Refugees website for more resources, opportunities to help, and ways to show support.
3. Give:
