The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created after World War II. The plan was to create this office in 1950, give it a small budget (US $300,000), resettle Europeans displaced due to the war, and dissolve the office after three years. Reports from this week note that the numbers in the European crisis are the highest since World War II.
The UNHCR is still around and operates with a budget of $7 billion and oversees efforts related to the 51 million (2014 estimate) uprooted people in the world.
As you keep an eye on the news, make sure you know the definitions. The media often gets them wrong.
Related to the matter in Europe, here are some important articles:
Germany has received almost 800,000 people with the Vice Chancellor saying they can receive 500,000 annually for many years to come.
Britain and France have agreed to receive 20,000 and 24,000, respectively.
Canada is making plans to receive several thousand Syrians. Brothers and sisters, are you being proactive and prepared?
I do not know the details on the U. S., but conversations are happening. One non-governmental group (The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) is asking the President to receive 100,000 Syrians in the next year. Brothers and sisters, are we being proactive and prepared for what may come?
Here is a recent article on the numerous gospel opportunities in Europe.
Here is a recent article on Iranian Muslims coming to faith in Berlin.
As we consider the peoples on the move, consider the state of lostness in Syria and Iran. Check out other countries as you hear of their peoples too.
Be proactive. Be intentional. Be prepared. Such is the way of the wise Kingdom steward.
———-
My conversation on last week’s episode of Strike the Match addressed reaching unreached peoples in North America. This is very timely in light of what is happening in Europe and likely to affect the United States and Canada to a greater degree. I hope you check it out!