Sarajevo Refugee Center
The expressed needs from the diverse demographics of displaced people we have encountered in Sarajevo can be summarized in two broad categories: a safe place to be seen and a community in which to belong. Additionally, some displaced people express a desire to connect with other Jesus-followers, which can be difficult given the distance of the local church from the government reception centers and the varied religious beliefs surrounding them.
The Opportunity
Prayers for Hope Community guests and the staff are always greatly appreciated. Additionally, financial partners to meet operational costs and special programs are a blessing to the giver and receiver as we work to bring The Church to those we serve.
The Goal
At Hope Community we desire to meaningfully engage with displaced populations in a way that will impact the person and their journey. Through personal relationships and programs offered, we look forward to impacting everyone involved: guests, volunteers, and staff. We seek enriched communication skills, a fuller understanding of Jesus Christ, enriched self-confidence and dignity, new friendships, and a place of belonging for everyone involved with Hope Community.
The Strategy
Hope Community offers displaced people a safe, welcoming space where they can enjoy warmth in the winter, refreshment in the summer, coffee, tea, snacks, games, learning opportunities, spiritual support, and friendship. Through programs designed to meet practical, social, emotional and spiritual needs, we offer weekly community meals, worship times and a growing list of classes.
The Progress
We opened Hope Community in the summer of 2024. Monthly, we interact with guests through nearly 10 languages who are traveling from more than 15 different countries that are as geographically diverse as Cuba to Bangladesh. Every week our international staff, coming from 5 different countries, offer cups of tea and coffee, snacks, meals, and programs to visitors as we work to meet needs and develop relationships that lead to restored hope.
