The refugee
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines a refugee as any person fleeing their native country out of fear of persecution based on race, religion, creed, national origin, or political belief. They are people fleeing from brutal and oppressive conditions in all regions of the world largely as a result of war and civil strife. Coming from Asia, the former Soviet Union, the Americas, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, refugees represent the spectrum of racial, social, ethnic and religious diversity.

"For the first hundred years of US history, anyone could come to this country to stay; immigration was unrestricted... The primary truth of faith as we consider immigrants and refugees today is that Christ has made another appearance among us, as Himself an immigrant and refugee, in the person of political dissidents, the economically deprived and foreigners on the run. We are to join them as pilgrims in search of that city yet to come, with foundations of love and justice whose architect and builder is God." Church of the Brethren 1982 Annual Conference Resolution on Undocumented Persons and Refugees

Sri Lankan children: UNHCR/M. Kobayashi

The Church of the Brethren has long been involved in the ministry of refugee resettlement. In the 1940's the Church of the Brethren provided assistance to Europeans left homeless by World War II. Since that time our assistance to refugees has grown, and we are now involved in the resettlement of refugees from all areas of the world.

African youth: UNHCR

"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it, " Hebrews 13: 1-2

Kosovar couple: UNHCR/R. LeMoyne

Peruvian women: US Committee for Refugees

Sponsorship
The responsibility of a sponsorship can be undertaken by any church, Sunday school class, or community group.

Responsibilities of a sponsor
The agreement to sponsor a refugee is a moral, not legal commitment. The sponsor is asked to provide:

• Food
• Housing
• Clothing
• Health Exam
• English Instruction
• Orientation to the Community
• Obtaining a Social Security Card
• Assistance in Finding Employment

Goal of sponsorship
To assist the refugee in adjusting to life in a new culture, and in becoming self-sufficient as quickly as possible.

Adjustment/self-sufficiency process
The process varies with each refugee. If the sponsored refugee comes with a job skill and some command of the English language, self-sufficiency may be reached in a relatively short time. But, if the refugee needs language and job training, this process will take longer. Another consideration is their emotional, psychological and physical welfare. A refugee could need counseling or could have sustained injuries and be in need of medical care. Therefore, a sponsor is asked to commit at least three months of assistance to the refugee, and hopefully, longer should it be required.

The challenge
Advocacy: Support not only the refugees in the United States but also those in camps and other countries. Be concerned about the conditions of camps and make your concerns known about both international and domestic matters that affect the refugee. Visit, call or write your representative or senator. Specifically address the one issue to the aide working on behalf of the congress person. In the community, acknowledge the gifts refugees bring. Recognize the universal values shared with the refugee - the reuniting and strengthening of family coupled with the desire and capabilities to work and to achieve a better life.

Refugee resettlement/advocacy remains an ongoing commitment by the Church of the Brethren to respond to the needs of the sojourners who are among us. For more information on how you might become involved in this important ministry, contact Brethren Disaster Ministries or your state Church World Service Affiliate Resettlement Office.