Adventists Highlight World Refugee Day (June 20)

Leading up to World Refugee Day, ADRA released an international statement (online). It begins: “June 20 is World Refugee Day when the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) joins the United Nations and the world to commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees, and show support for families forced to leave their homes due to persecution or conflict.”

The statement continues:

ADRA remains committed to supporting and protecting refugees and other displaced children, women, and men, providing food, shelter, safe water, hygiene goods, psychosocial support and other services to thousands of refugees internally displaced and stateless persons in around 40 countries. 

ADRA believes that refugees have a right to live their lives free from the shame of ostracization or dwell under the shackles of persecution and war. That’s why ADRA continues doing what it does best—serving all who are in need. 

You can access the full statement on the ADRA website.

Nathan Brown also published a story on refugees, “The refugees in our family.” His article is available on the Adventist Record website. Nathan describes the moving story of a refugee family who traveled to Australia, looking for a better life. This is the human (and church) side of the story so often missing in political discussions about refugees and those seeking asylum.

If you find Nathan’s article compelling, you’ll want to join us for the upcoming podcast series following the Quarterly lesson study. Nathan wrote the study materials, and he leads the weekly reflections along with Lisa Diller, coordinator of the APF Peace Church Network.