Refugee Diaspora

By God’s grace, a growing number of evangelical believers are aware of the refugee crisis that has led to over 70 million forcible displaced people on our planet. Believers are familiar with pictures of desperate refugees walking in the heat of Africa or navigating the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Stories of death and survival, despair, and hope have reached our ears. Some evangelicals may even know that fifty percent of refugees are children. Most have to wait for an average of 18 years in refugee camps before resettling to a welcoming host country. However, far too few evangelicals know how God is at work amid this crisis and how they can be a part of God’s redemptive work among refugees.

Sam George and Miriam Adeney have provided a tremendous resource to reduce this knowledge gap and call the church to further action. In Refugee Diaspora, they have compiled 22 unique perspectives from experienced authors who have either traveled the refugee highway themselves or have assisted others along this treacherous journey. The over-arching purpose of the book is to demonstrate how the mission of God is being fulfilled among refugees as they seek safety and often find Christ. As one would expect, Refugee Diaspora raises awareness of the scale and scope of the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. Yet, the authors go far beyond awareness to call the church to action to be on mission with God in his redemptive work among refugees and those that serve refugees.

Refugee Diaspora breaks into three sections: Regions, Responses, and Reflections. The nine chapters that comprise the first section introduce readers to the personal stories of refugees from various geographic regions. Readers hear from refugees like Ken Kong fleeing Cambodia and Dr. Ahmad Karim escaping from Afghanistan. Each chapter details the pain and hardship faced by the forcibly displaced. The stories of anguish offer hope in the hurt as each story reflects the church's work along the journey. It becomes clear that God’s redemptive purpose marches on regardless of the wickedness of man or the dangers of escape.

The second section introduces readers to nine practical ways the church responds with mercy and compassion to refugees in their war-torn homelands, along their escape route, and in their new homelands. Emphasis is placed on the biblical value of welcoming the stranger and loving all people in the name of Jesus. The authors highlight several encouraging examples of former refugees that now serve as missionaries among their people. The stories of response reveal how God is at work as believers respond to needs in simple, yet profound ways.

The third section provides biblical, theological, and missiological reflections that tie the overall narrative of the book together. The authors illustrate the strong biblical foundation for refugee ministry that is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments. The repeated emphasis on the Great Commission opportunities associated with the refugee crisis sets Refugee Diaspora apart from similar books. Many people outside of evangelical circles would condemn this emphasis. Many unbelievers would argue that evangelism and mercy ministry do not mix. However, the authors of Refugee Diaspora demonstrate that believers can respect other religions and cultures while faithfully fulfilling the Great Commission among refugees.

Refugee Diaspora is deeply personal. Yes, the book is replete with statistics and helpful infographics. However, the personal stories of men and women that have survived unimaginable circumstances and now worship Jesus and make his gospel known are the greatest strength of the book. Refugee Diaspora is also very practical. Readers are introduced to simple steps they can take to welcome the foreigner. Believers have much to offer refugee communities. They can show love through providing food and furniture or teaching English and basic life skills. The most valuable service they can offer is friendship that leads to gospel conversations. Finally, Refugee Diaspora is thought-provoking. Most evangelicals only see how much refugees need the church. However, a repeated theme in the book is how much the church needs refugees. God is renewing the church and often bringing revival to the church in the West through refugees. They have so much to teach Western believers about God’s faithfulness in the face of pain and loss. Refugees are people of great worth and value. God is using many of them to further his Kingdom in great ways.

The modern-day refugee crisis is one of the greatest humanitarian crises in recorded history. Yet, the crisis comes with opportunity. God is at work in this crisis redeeming men, women, and children for his glory. Our hearts must continue to break over the tragic circumstances that create forcibly displaced peoples. Yet, through our tears, we must see God’s redemptive work and understand how the church can and must respond to the refugee crisis. The church cannot be still and silent when there is so much suffering among the 70 million forcibly displaced. If you are not sure where to start, first pray that God would guide your steps and then read Refugee Diaspora. You will be challenged to see the refugee crisis in a new way, a biblical way, a missional way. Then find your place in God’s redemptive mission for His glory.