Our Refugee Brethren – Available Ways To Relieve Them

Some time ago in response to my appeals for relief for our brethren in the refugee camps, some people were asking what they could do. I thought I would repeat my suggestions in this issue, as I am sure that there are many who are thinking about this, but don’t know how or where to start any effort.

Our brother from the Congo who has had ten years’ living experience in the refugee camps thinks that “the best way to help brethren should be to work out a durable solution so that they can resettle somewhere and work for their living” - the most effective way of helping them to develop a sense of independence and control. He has cited his own situation as a good illustration in the way he is now settled, can send his children to school and serve his Lord. Even though in his present position, he is still struggling to maintain himself and a family of five, there is that freedom to check out possibilities. Providentially he is now the main support of the ecclesia in that area.

I agree with this brother, because had I been there, this would have been my greatest desire, plus to be self supporting is the best way

Admittedly, the task of resettling our brethren is quite an enormous one, the solution of which may be beyond us, humanly speaking.

The only solution therefore is PRAYER – uniting ourselves in this powerful activity – ecclesialy and individually – to our Heavenly Father, on behalf of our brethren as King Jehoshaphat did, when faced with an overwhelming problem – “And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children” (2 Chron. 20:13).

Encourage our refugee brethren to join us in this uplifting activity, so that we all will be spiritually revitalized, as together we witness the miracle of our Heavenly Father’s response.

Together With Our Ongoing Prayer –

Publicize widely throughout all our ecclesias the distressing condition of many of our brethren, and their uncertain future in the refugee camps, also those others who are living in fear of persecution, urging earnest prayers on their behalf;

Consider a monthly collection from all our ecclesias on an ongoing basis, encouraging each member to contribute; this sacrifice would be appreciated when we compare our comfortable living conditions or to this present time, our trouble free existence, with that of our suffering brethren;

Encourage those who are blessed financially to, in addition 'adopt' a family, that is to undertake to help as seen fit, the adopted family to ease their burden of poverty; This action could also greatly assist other poor, elderly brethren who are struggling in harsh, cold conditions in parts of Europe, people who are living with constant persecution etc. There are so many distressing cases. Striving to keep these actively in our thoughts and prayers, will stimulate us into thinking of ways and means of assisting. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40 - NIV).

Establish an organized on-going refugee relief project if not already in process, directly aimed at resettling, firstly, those who are seeking relief from the very harsh conditions in which they are living, and families with young children. Issuing bulletins periodically on this project will help to stimulate and maintain interest among the brotherhood.

Encourage volunteer work with our brethren - those brethren with building and other skills, who are in a position to do so, to visit to assist our brethren to build homes for themselves and other brethren who need their help. (I am thinking here of how those returned exiles worked next to each other - notably a demonstration of their interest and togetherness - to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah). This will encourage unity, closing the gap caused by distance and culture. There are many, from various organizations, who are traveling and helping people in other countries. Two of my nieces (Nurses) recently returned from volunteering in Kenya – obviously from the account of their activities on their return, a very positive experience – enriching, rewarding and fulfilling.

Establish a Liaison System: This is a touchy one, but building a solid financial base, perhaps, the Christadelphian body may be able to approach UNHCR with a proposal to open up avenues in stable regions for the resettlement of our brethren, relieving them of some of their numbers, preceding this request with earnest prayers, Nehemiah approached the King for the assistance he needed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem . With his money in his hand, Abraham approached Ephron, through Heth, evidently the influential people of the land, to purchase a piece of land for the burial of Sarah.

The Refugee Camps And Additional Problems: We must ask ourselves how long the United Nations will be able to take care of these refugees, who are rapidly increasing in number. What happens if it becomes necessary for them to scale down their operation? How will our brethren fare? I am of the opinion that it is only a matter of time before this happens. Should we wait for this? CBM has been doing what they could to assist our brethren. in and out of the camps, also I am aware that there are funds in the brotherhood, already provided for various causes; but the terrible times ahead prophesied, unparalleled in the history of man, as I see it, warrant more concentrated effort. I am taking into consideration coming world events which certainly will put great pressure on everyone. For example, the devastating effect of these nuclear threats, if carried out, could affect vast areas, both in the developing and developed world demanding an extension of UN operation. We have experienced the ravages of natural disasters, with their overwhelming effects on powerful nations, leaving in their wake many displaced persons and related problems. There is on going terrorism, no one knowing the extent of, and how far reaching this will be; there are threatening pandemics, possibly beyond control, persecution, etc., and this will affect rich and poor countries alike. So while we are considering primarily our present problems, we need to think ahead. Our Heavenly Father has revealed all of this to us in his Word, and, in his love and wisdom, has pointed guidelines to help us to cope.

Follow God’s guidance given through his servant Joseph, to Pharaoh, King of Egypt, at the prediction of the great famine, and how Joseph’s advice sustained the powerful Egyptian Empire and the other nations around, who came to them for help, at a very grievous time indeed.

Benefit from the disciples’ action following the prophecy of the great world famine, given by the Prophet Agabus – every disciple according to his ability determined to send relief unto the brethren in Judaea , See Acts 11: 28 – 30.

I believe the examples in the scripture, which our Heavenly Father has provided for our benefit, are the only effective way of approach to our problems. Following these with singleness of mind is a challenge to our conviction of the power of our God, and evidence that we do not only have a form of Godliness, but believe in its power.

At this time of plenty, let us redouble our efforts, led by prayer, to help those in distress now , and also to prepare for ourselves in the times that are about to come upon the face of the earth. It is only a matter of time, and we have been forewarned.

Brothers and sisters, having brought this matter to your attention, you may want to offer your suggestions and comments bearing in mind that the sole purpose is to support and help resettle our brethren who are experiencing grave problems. My own further contribution, for the time being, God willing, is to pursue this matter, continuing to write about this, with God’s help.

Sis Esther Worrell (Canada)