The IAFR Blog

Why I Serve People Seeking Refuge

When asked why I work with the displaced, I instantly think of how deeply the Lord cares for each of these people seeking refuge. I can sense his sorrow at the size of the world's displacement crisis and His deep longing for these precious image-bearers to know they are seen, known, and cared for in their suffering and the loss of everything they've known.

For me, saying yes to the calling to walk alongside displaced people is a natural response to my understanding of how God views things. His sorrow and love compel me to act because I have been invited to the Lord's Table, where I have felt His care and love, and I want to invite others to mine. I find joy in the opportunities to offer relational hope through drinking tea together, offering warmth and safety, and being a familiar person who remembers a person's name. I pray that those I encounter experience a glimpse of the great hope and love we have in Christ.

A Global Community Of Hope

When I'm asked what sustains me in the work I do, I think of the deeply personal nature of the work. It is important for me to be able to tangibly live out my heart for people. When I'm actually interacting with people and not just sitting behind a desk, I find the most meaning in my work.

It's also significant to me to feel connected to a global community investing in walking with the displaced worldwide. In my relationships with IAFR colleagues and leaders, the community that supports me, and my relationship with the Lord, I am nourished and strengthened as I realize I am participating in something much bigger than myself - a community of hope and love in the body of Christ.