Did you know that June 20 is World Refugee Day? It’s a time when the global community celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.1
The Savior taught us to be compassionate to our brothers and sisters in this situation. He reminded His disciples that whenever they helped a person in need, they were also helping Him. They fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and imprisoned.
“I was a stranger, and ye took me in,” He said (Matthew 25:35).
This gives clear direction for Christians to follow. And, as Christians who are also members of The Church of Jesus Christ, we can be extra empathetic to displaced people, because early members of our Church were often refugees! Those pioneers were driven from their homes because of religious persecution, forced to flee to the western United States to find a place to live peacefully.
(And even if your ancestors weren’t one of these early pioneers, chances are someone in your family was new to a country or culture at some point. We all benefit from the kindness of strangers in some way!)
Check out the video above about two women who develop a friendship even though they come from very different backgrounds. What can you do to help those who are new in your community feel supported and welcome?2
A Place to Start
NOTES
1. Here’s more information about World Refugee Day from the UN Refugee Agency.
2. For more about Churchwide efforts helping those in need, visit caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.