Local Refugee Ministry
The Calling
As a church, we believe the Scriptures are clear about God using his people to welcome the foreigner/outsider into his family, where they will find hospitality, care, and love. For this reason, we are making intentional efforts to aid and build relationships with refugees in our community.
Refugee Definition
According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), “refugees are people forced to flee conflict or persecution who have crossed an international border to seek safety. They are unable to return to their country of origin without risking their life or freedom. Many have been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind their homes, possessions, jobs, and loved ones. They may have suffered grave human rights violations, been injured in their flight, or seen family members killed or attacked” (U.N. Refugee Agency: unhcr.org).
Refugees leave their country of origin for various reasons. Some are “push” factors (such as poverty, violence, oppression, conflict, and natural disasters) (World Relief: worldrelief.org).
Though refugees receive protection from the UNHCR, they may live in difficult, non-permanent living conditions for years. A small percentage of refugees are resettled in another country. If a refugee is selected to come to the U.S., they must pass extensive background checks and security screenings (World Relief: worldrelief.org).
Our Response
Refugee crises all over the world account for one of the major global challenges of our time. However, we believe that, where there is great suffering and injustice, there is also immeasurable space for God to display his power and love in and through his people. We are actively partnering with organizations such as World Relief and iFace, which are already doing incredible work to aid and welcome refugees and foreigners in the Upstate. We also support the work of Front Porch Housing, which has provided affordable housing for several refugee individuals/families.
When we come alongside the displaced and hurting to meet these real needs, we have the opportunity to imitate Christ, who gave us this challenge and encouragement: “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:40 NLT).
Guiding Scriptures
• Exodus 12:48–49; 22:21
• Leviticus 19:9–10, 33–37; 23:22
• Deuteronomy 10:12–22; 24:17–22
• Deuteronomy 29:10–15
• Psalm 72:2–4, 12–14
• Matthew 25:34–40
Our Partner Organizations
Further Resources
• “A Biblical View on Immigration” | Preston Sprinkle
• No Longer Strangers: Transforming Evangelism with Immigrant Communities | Edited by Eugene Cho and Samira Izadi Page
• A Just Mission: Laying Down Power and Embracing Mutuality | Mekdes Haddis
• We Welcome