June Update

Today is World Refugee Day!

Every year, the world commemorates the strength, courage and resilience of millions of refugees. World Refugee Day is also an opportunity for us to show support for uprooted families.
What a perfect time to look at the refugee crisis and what God has been speaking to us over the last month. Earlier in June, many of us gathered together in the beautiful city of Amsterdam to look ahead. It was a beautiful time of connection, sharing stories, encouraging one another and seeking the Lord for His vision on how to move forward.

Mothers and Fathers of the Mission

We were so honored to hear from some of the fathers and mothers of YWAM over this week, including Lynn Green, Jeff Fountain and Steve Good. We even had surprise guests with us: Loren and Darlene Cunningham!
They shared a depth of wisdom about YWAM's initial step into mercy ministry 30+ years ago, through the refugee crisis in South East Asia. Offering invaluable insight, they spoke into the core DNA of our mission: a willingness to serve holistically, a commitment to discipleship and equipment of next generation with the gospel.

Looking back on how God has opened doors for our mission to serve, we can so clearly see that YWAM carries a call, yes, to the refugee crisis and to aid the widow, orphan, and stranger in this world. But even more than meeting needs in these crises or being a humanitarian aid organization, we are called to rebuild communities on the values and foundations of God’s Kingdom. Through these key leaders' shared experience, we saw the value of having "stakes in the ground" - long-term commitment to walk alongside displaced people as they settle into their new homes.

Entering A Development Season

As we shared throughout the Refugee Circle Gathering earlier this month, we realized that the momentum of the crisis has now shifted and so have ministry dynamics, prompting us to ask how we need to change with it.

While the need for short-term teams to come and serve remains, in many places greater impact can now be made by longer commitments - creating the "stakes in the ground" that allow us to see lasting fruit and deeper discipleship. Many throughout the course of the Gathering expressed the benefit of having committed workers come alongside of them in this season, with a mindset of working with displaced people: whether through long-term volunteers or long-term commitments to send short-term teams.

Iraq: An open door

One of many opportunties for us move into a development season is open to us right now in Northern Iraq.

The city of Mosul in Iraq is in the last stages of being set free from ISIS control. Once a city of 2 million people, there are now about 100,000 civilians left in the city, trapped by militants. Most of the rest have fled to nearby displacement camps.

There is currently an amazing Y couple on the ground there, involved in one of the largest refugee camps that houses 200,000+ refugees. They are seeing immense favor and opportunity to reach out to displaced people - but they are in need of committed individuals and teams. As invested workers establish presence on the ground in Iraq, it's a great opportunity to also consider launching shorter-term teams (3 months or more). These short-term teams can come alongside and propel ministry to see lasting change and establishment there. We ask that you prayerfully consider being involved, as there is deep need for committed workers in the region.

This is just one example of long-term needs too! Most locations in Europe and throughout the Middle East would love to receive teams willing to stay for longer periods of their outreach.
If you would like more information on getting involved this way in any location, please reach out to us via info@ywamrefugeecircle.com

Prayer Points

- Release of long-term workers into the refugee crisis

- Inspiration and vision from God for the reaching of asylum seekers through investment and discipleship

- Continued prayer over the city of Mosul, those still trapped inside and for the softening of ISIS members' hearts

- That our work in discipleship of refugees would be a catalyst for the local church to begin long-term discipleship and investment as well.

- Open doors for partnership with local businesses, churches and governments