Highlighting World Refugee Day: Tuesday, June 20th

Our Beyond Borders teams are on the front lines of ministry to those who have been displaced, and God has been working in amazing ways, in the hearts of these precious refugees. As we mark World Refugee Day 2023, here are some of the ways our Beyond Borders Refugee ministry teams are working alongside them. 

In one of our ministry locations, the Bible study group has grown from 3 to 20! It is a blessing to share God's word together and to witness God's spirit moving amongst those who are displaced, bringing hope and freedom. 

In Greece this had led to some very innovative programs in conjunction with our partners: like the Birthday Project. For the refugees who basically have no material possessions, it is such an act of kindness and thoughtfulness to have a birthday cake with candles to celebrate their special day.  

Beyond Borders incorporates peacebuilding and play into our educational programs. This past month one of the activities in our English class was kite flying. Yes, you read that right. Many Afghan refugees are very familiar with this activity. However, they only know it for boys. In Afghanistan they attach sharp objects to the line and attempt to cut the strings of other kite flyers. Our Beyond Borders team is showing them that both boys and girls can have fun flying kites and enjoying the fresh air. No sharp objects allowed here! 

Looking to help with the vocational training of refugees, Beyond Borders is teaching them how to make soap. The results of this soap-making initiative are being sold to local Greek tourist shops to generate a bit of income for the refugees. They are also providing some of the soap produced to other refugees, to help promote good hygiene.  

Reaching out to meet needs of refugees wherever they may be found, has led Beyond Borders to start a music and art outreach program to New Arrivals, who are in 3-week mandatory quarantine. All ages benefit from being able to express themselves creatively and without words, especially since they have been through so much.  

Another group of refugees that our Beyond Borders ministry is reaching are the unaccompanied minors. These are children whose parents have not been able to make the journey with them, but their parents hope the children will find a better life than what exists in their home country. These children are tremendously vulnerable to many dangerous outcomes. Our ministry teams reach out with the love and compassion of Christ to help prepare them to succeed by befriending them and providing educational and vocational opportunities. 

Beyond Borders is asking God to move in people's hearts to give $35,000 to fund our projects for the remainder of this year. If you are moved to give to support our work with refugees, you can join the campaign here.