Walking with those forced to leave home
We walk with those forced to leave home, in a time where more people than ever before have been displaced – whether within their own countries or having crossed borders. This unprecedented displacement is a sign of the world’s fragility.
The UNHCR estimates that 82.4 million people worldwide are displaced, whether internally or having crossed borders. That number has never been higher. And because of the war in Ukraine, it is only increasing. There are many reasons for flight, including war, conflict, persecution, natural disasters, deep-set destitution, and repression. Our mission workers and partners have seen examples of all of them.
We aim to counteract this fragility by improving services in their origin countries, establishing partnerships of humanity in places of transit and enabling networks of Christian welcome in destination countries.
As part of building up communities in fragile countries, BMS mission worker and agricultural expert Ruby* created a ‘food forest’ in the rural mountains of Afghanistan, before the evacuation in August 2021. In communities where the winter snow melt can mean the difference between having enough to eat in the spring, or utter despair, this forest of apple, pear, plum and walnut trees attracted the attention of families in the surrounding villages, coming to ask about how to look after fruit trees, feed and prune them.
As part of our mission to establish partnerships of humanity, we’re working with a new partner on the Greek island of Lesbos, home to the Mavrovouni Refugee Camp, which was constructed after the fire in Moria Camp in September 2020. The first project of this partnership is the construction and running of a women’s centre, which includes everything from showers to laundry services, a hospitality area and a “shop” to distribute clothes and hygiene items.
After years continued catastrophe, we’ve enabled networks of Christian welcome through our long-standing partners in Lebanon. They’ve been working alongside local churches to help them implement relief projects for vulnerable individuals and families. Families like that of Imane, a Syrian refugee in Beirut. “The food prices are out of this world,” she says. But thanks to the voucher she has received from the church, “I was able to buy many things I couldn’t afford anymore.” The church has also provided Imane, and others like her, with hygiene kits and provisions to help them survive a harsh winter.
*Name changed for security reasons.
Your support for BMS takes the good news of Jesus to places where it’s never been known. Every year, thousands of people in the hardest-to-reach countries hear the gospel through BMS work. You can help reach the least evangelised today…
BMS supporters deliver practical help to people in desperate circumstances. By providing pathways to education, flourishing livelihoods and good healthcare for those with the fewest opportunities, you tackle injustice and suffering, and bring hope to the world…
More people than ever find themselves displaced, by war, natural disasters or persecution. Whether dispersed within their own countries or forced across borders, your prayers and donations mean people on the move are met with support, shelter and a warm welcome…