It’s easy to forget that Jesus Himself was a refugee when He and His family fled Herod’s wrath. Throughout our storied history, Alliance people have embraced the challenge of refugee care—because we ourselves have been exiled, too.
China
In the early years of The Alliance movement, a caravan of Alliance workers were forced to flee to Mongolia during China’s Boxer Rebellion.
Vietnam
Our own Compassion and Mercy Associates (CAMA) began in 1972 as an outreach to internally displaced persons in Vietnam. At war’s end, refugees fled to camps in Thailand, where CAMA workers provided for their basic needs and shared the good news.
It was in these camps that Syna and Soueth Lao, now C&MA workers, were introduced to the gospel during the waning days of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
Our legacy of caring continues.
Mali
Because of the current Malian conflict, Alliance personnel have sought safe haven in neighboring Burkina Faso.
In Jesus’ name, Alliance workers in Burkina Faso provide emergency assistance to refugees from the people called Tuareg (an Arabic word meaning “abandoned by God”).
Syria
In the Middle East an Alliance pastor, in partnership with CAMA, is leading a team that provides relief to thousands of Syrian refugees in the region.
“The people ask, ‘Why are these people helping? What is the secret?’” the pastor writes. “I tell them it is to serve God. . . . This is the Alliance church going to the people.”
What You Can Do
Pray
Pray that the many people currently in their own exile will come to know Jesus as their Redeemer. Pray for Alliance workers worldwide to find many ways to share the good news so many more will understand the great love of Jesus our Redeemer. Try using our weekly Alliance Prayer requests.
Give
- Give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) to support Alliance workers all around the world who are extending the hope of Christ to the lost and discipling new believers.
- Give now