A Walk through the Journey of Displacement
By Amanda DeWitt
She left in a hurry.
The sound of fighting, once background noise off in the distance, refused to fade. Instead, it grew louder and fiercer as it approached her South Sudanese village.
Not wanting to be caught in the crosshairs, Asma* fled. But like so many refugees, the journey was not easy.
Many international refugees leave with only the items they can carry. They wander from place to place, relying on the kindness of others to sustain their journey.
There are long walks, dark nights and gnawing hunger. There are the horrors of war, fear lurking around every turn, the nagging questions and unknowns.
This is not the life anyone chooses. This is not charity. This is a journey for survival.
Eventually, Asma made it to another South Sudanese village where some of her extended family live. She was safe — for now. But she could not unsee the horror. She could not unwind fear’s grip. She could not return to the life she had left behind.
When the local Unto team met her, they recognized her trauma. They saw clearly how much she was hurting. They listened to her story and offered her comfort from God’s Word.
As Asma listened to the message of Jesus, she responded in faith to what she heard. She longed for peace that could loosen fear’s grip on her soul. She wanted restoration for her fractured family. She needed hope.
The local team had the opportunity to share the message of Jesus personally with 350 people in Asma’s village and in two other communities. They saw 114 people commit their lives to Christ. They also showed the “JESUS” film to 600 individuals, and 350 responded in faith.
Fleeing is never easy. The journey is long and hard. But there is hope for the displaced. There is healing for those who have endured unimaginable trauma. There is peace in Jesus’ name.
How Your Help Makes a Difference
When a refugee leaves with only the items they can carry, they rely on the kindness of people like you to help them rebuild their lives. Here is what that looks like for many people in the toughest places.
On World Refugee Day, there are so many things you can do to help. Would you pick just one? Give to help one person. Pray for those who are displaced. Help reach those who could never hear the name of Jesus in their home country. You can bring help and hope to refugees.
*Name changed for security purposes.
DOUBLE Your Impact for Refugees
You can help meet the physical needs of refugees and others who are suffering. You can also introduce them to Jesus and the hope He gives. Your generosity on World Refugee Day will be DOUBLED by matching funds to help twice as many in need.