Two years ago, in 2015, Europe found itself in the midst of a crisis as thousands of people fled from conflict and destruction to find safety. As a YWAM community we prayed and asked for opportunities to respond. Many heard the call to respond where the need was the greatest: at the coastlines where people were washed ashore in dinghies, in camps and emergency housing and in the communities that struggle to integrate those arriving from afar. It has been a time of great mobilization and we have seen many miracles in the way God has opened doors for people to serve and be served.

Yet, the work is not finished! To this day we have endless possibilities to turn this crisis into opportunities. While many refugees have settled in more permanent environments in Europe, many of them are still in great need of jobs, language learning, relationships and discipleship. Thousands are still stuck, waiting for paperwork and yearning for a home. The amount of people trying to reach Europe may have decreased, but people are still coming. The crisis has lost momentum, but the urgent need to reach out remains. Let us continue to pursue God's heart for the refugees, migrants and displaced people, actively committing to engage with them and seeking long-term transformation in the nations. 
 

Partnerships and responding to needs in Italy

Last week we heard about the situation of a refugee community in Ventimiglia, Italy. A partner of the YWAM Refugee Circle saw a need and was willing to donate 1,000 litres of water per day until the issue was resolved. He was asking for people who could deliver the water and hand it out to the migrants there. Erik and Mark from YWAM Biarritz responded and were on their way to Italy within days after request reached us. 

Upon arrival they found that–thankfully–the situation was not as bad as expected. Where people were expected to be without food and water, the Red Cross and other organizations are providing accommodations and food. Around 150 people have decided to live under a bridge for fear of registration, but they also have access to a place that provides meals. The majority of the refugees are men from Sudan, but also from Chad, Libya and Tunisia. Mark and Erik were able to connect with some of the men, playing soccer, getting to know them and handing out drinking water during the hot hours of the day. 

It is amazing to see another example of people from different nations joining together and contributing their means, time and gifting to serve refugees in the name of Jesus. 

Watch the video below for a short update. 

Pray with us

• give thanks for the impact YWAM Refugee Circle has been able to have over the past years  
• vision, protection and perseverance for long-term teams working with refugees and migrants across Europe and the Middle East
• continued release of committed workers to serve in camps, communities and churches
• revelation of Jesus as the Son of God among refugees and opportunities for long-term discipleship and relationship 
• partnerships and open doors in responding to the emerging and changing situation of refugees