A group of local churches in Jakarta, Indonesia, asked IAFR for refugee related ministry training. We had planned to offer the training on-site earlier this year, but Covid put an end to our travel plans. At the request of the churches, we moved the training online over the course of three consecutive Saturdays in October.

Our small church team felt alone and like giving up before this training. But it has inspired us to keep going as we were reminded there is value even in the little bit we can do.

Many of the churches were already reaching out to asylum seekers and refugees in the complex context of their city. But they felt the need to learn from someone who understood the unique challenges of such ministry.

IAFR’s Director of Training (Rachel Uthmann) worked together with IAFR’s Shanna Doughty (Ministry Leader for Northern Colorado) and Jacob Tornga (Regional Leader for East Africa) to teach and consult with these churches.

About 15 people participated. Each session went longer than the one before as participants stayed to ask questions and interact with the material.

I left the training with new and helpful ways to frame what we do, and how to better engage with refugees in a dignified way. The resources have also been very relevant to our work here.

Churches have an unique and essential role to play in helping people survive and recover from displacement. Such engagement is a beautiful reflection of the heart of God to those who have experienced profound suffering and loss. We are thankful for opportunities to serve local churches by equipping them for life-giving ministry among forcibly displaced people in their context.

Interested in learning more about IAFR training opportunities? Click here to contact us today. We would consider it a privilege to help!