Just because someone doesn't have much in the way of possessions doesn't mean they can't make a big difference in the lives of others. Let me share three quick examples.

Insaf in Istanbul

I met Insaf in Istanbul in the '90s. She and her family fled Iraq during the reign of Saddam Hussein. They had lost nearly everything and were struggling to make ends meet. But during their many uncertain years as refugees, they planted an Arabic speaking church from which they operated a refugee school during the week. The school included lunch for the children - sometimes their only meal of the day.

It was clear to me then that the best way to serve refugees in Istanbul was to get behind what Insaf was doing.

Insaf and her family were ultimately resettled to Canada. She's a missionary with our sister organisation there today (IAFR Canada), serving Iraqi and Syrian refugees in several countries.

Gatera in Kakuma

I met Jean Pierre Gatera in Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya) in 2011. He was a refugee pastor and the Chair of a growing association of refugee churches in the camp. These churches had established a school to equip Christian pastors and leaders. They also had an annual refugee youth camp during which they invested in the faith and well-being of the next generation. Over 160 churches are affiliated with the association today. IAFR has been partnering with them in a variety of ways since 2011.

After 20 years in the camp, Pastor Gatera and his family were resettled to the USA. He serves with IAFR as our Refugee Church Consultant today.

Sahar in Athens

Sahar came to Greece as a refugee from Iran around 20 years ago. Over time, she became a Christian, married, and founded One Heart, a Greek organisation providing medical care, shelter, and practical assistance for refugees and asylum seekers in the greater Athens area. She and her husband also lead a church and provide pastoral care for Iranian and Afghan refugees.

IAFR has a missionary family serving with Sahar and One Heart today (Ilir and Kate Cami).

A powerful way to serve refugees is to partner with them.

I am sorely tempted to tell you about more such refugee friends, but I think you get the point. One of the most powerful ways to serve refugees is to get behind their vision and partner with them.

An IAFR distinctive - We partner with refugees.

So when you partner with IAFR, you are also partnering with refugees. We are all working together to help people survive and recover from forced displacement.

Many thanks to our faithful and generous financial partners who make it possible for our team to show up in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers every day!