Mission & Migration
Eritrean refugees hold a church service on the snow-capped peak of Israel’s Mount Hermon near the borders of Lebanon and Syria.
People migrating around the world have always been a central part of God's bigger story. From Cain being sent out to wander, to the confusion at Babel, Abraham’s big move, and Israel bouncing between Canaan, Egypt, and exile — it’s clear that God moves people around to shape history. Even Jesus started out life as a refugee as his parents escaped with him to Egypt. Later, he told his followers they will be scattered all over the world, whether by following the Great Commission or because of persecution (Matt 10:23, Mk 16:15, Acts 8:1).
Refugees (millions) Source: UNHCR
Right now, we’re living in a time when more people than ever are living in countries they weren’t born in. According to a 2024 UNHCR report, around 120 million people have been forced to leave their homes because of war, economic struggles, natural disasters, or persecution. That number is increasing every year. Proportionally very few are fleeing to ‘wealthy’ nations. The vast majority are displaced within their own country or fleeing to a neighbouring country.
MIGRATION IS MISSIONAL
The Bible makes it clear that God is working his purposes out in choosing where and when people live. The apostle Paul tells us his main reason for this is so that the people of the earth ‘would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him.’ (Ac 17:24-27). So, when people move, it’s not just random — it is part of something bigger. It’s missional. God cares deeply for refugees and foreigners and calls us, his people, to demonstrate compassion and share the good news of God's rescue plan.
Frontiers teams who have gone to serve displaced people in the Muslim world are seeing many become open to discovering more about Jesus. There are several key reasons for this openness:
Shaken worldview
Being forced to leave home can shake the foundational beliefs of people, leaving them open to new ways of looking at the world. Experiencing suffering, especially under strict religious governments, can lead people to question their long-held beliefs and traditions. A good example are the thousands of Iranians who, after escaping harsh religious rules, have found new faith in Jesus, even in Muslim countries like Turkey.
Exposure to new freedoms and new ideas
As migrants relocate, they have opportunity to explore faiths previously restricted in their home communities. Some end up meeting followers of Christ, and in their state of grief and uncertainty the gospel message of hope, peace and restoration can impact them deeply. Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon and Jordan, who have received consistent compassionate aid in Jesus’ name, have been asking questions about faith, attending Bible studies and starting their own house churches. At great personal risk some have returned to Syria to share their new faith.
Seeing Jesus’ people in action
Undoubtedly, the practical love and service of friendly Christians offering food, shelter, medical care or trauma counselling has opened the hearts of many refugees to listen to them. The gospel is both a message to be heard and a practical demonstration of God’s love. Displaced by conflict, many Sudanese crossed the border into Uganda where local churches reached out with food, trauma healing, and Bible teaching. As a result, indigenous church movements emerged within refugee camps.
What about us?
Whatever political views on migration we hold, we need to see this as a God-given opportunity for the spread of the gospel and making disciples among previously unreached people. The opportunities start at home. Wherever you’re reading this it’s likely there are numbers of hurting and needy asylum seekers and refugees near you. If you’re in the UK welcomechurches.org offer resources to help your church connect well with refugees in your area.
Or maybe the Lord is prompting you to go and join one of our teams reaching out to displaced people overseas? If so, we’d love to talk with you and help you with next steps. Let’s step out in faith to join God in his great plan for the families of the earth.