Stepping Beyond the Tents
Every 4 seconds someone is forced to flee their home. These refugees are vulnerable and without long-term options. Many struggle in significant ways. A few break through and start a new life. Get to know their situation and how you can help as you step beyond the tents.

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The number of refugees and migrants to arrive in Greece has reached over half a million. The crisis continues and UNHCR warns of the chaos in bleak headlines:

“UNHCR warns of continued chaos unless reception in Greece strengthened and relocation expedited”

Here is an excerpt from a press conference given in Greece today:

In Greece, the number of sea arrivals this year has now passed the half-million mark with the arrival yesterday on the Aegean islands of nearly 8,000 people, bringing the total to some 502,500. The total number of arrivals so far in Europe via the Mediterranean is now over 643,000. The spike in arrivals in Greece is sharply increasing reception pressures on the islands. Many of the refugees and migrants are desperate to quickly move onwards, fearing that borders ahead of them will close. As of this morning, there were more than 27,500 people on the islands – either awaiting registration or onward transport to the mainland. Additional police had to be called in on Sunday and yesterday to control the chaotic situation.*

I don’t write to add guilt to our already guilt-ridden lives. I do it to remind us to continue to pray and give as we can. It’s not over. My husband is in Turkey and posted this picture today with the poignant caption: “Refugees waiting by the sea for boats to Greece.”

Today, will you pray?

“Merciful Father, bless every refugee entrepreneur who is rebuilding life and community in a new place. Heal the wounds of their trauma, especially among the children. Let them not turn against you because of it, but let them see it as “Joseph” saw his experience, “You meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose” (Gen. 50:20)”from http://www.gmi.org/services/missiographics/library/world-refugee-day

[Source: http://www.unhcr.org/562617c36.html]