Approximately 40,000 individuals left their homes today. They were not moving into something bigger or better. They were not moving to a retirement community. They were not relocating for a better career opportunity. And, they were not leaving for college.

Approximately 40,000 individuals left their homes today because they are afraid. Some of them lost their jobs because they follow the “wrong” religion. Some of them were forced out because they were born into the “wrong” ethnicity. Some of them witnessed friends, parents, siblings and extended relatives being murdered in terrorist acts and brutal civil wars. Many of them fear for their own lives.

Approximately 14.9 million people left their homes because of persecution and fear. These people are refugees. Refugees have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution because of their race, religion, nationality or participation in a particular social or political group. Refugees usually leave their homes with little warning; with only what they can carry, and endure great hardships and trauma during their flight to safety.

If you are reading this maybe you are interested in understanding more about Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota Refugee & Immigration Programs, or maybe you have sympathy for refugees. Your sympathy cannot help a refugee, but it is a beginning. Take the next step and CARE for the refugees in your community.

Communicate Cross-cultural communication may seem like a challenge, but it is worth the risk of making a few mistakes in order to help a new friend.

Advocate Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.
- Proverbs 31:8

Relate Every meeting of persons is an exchange of gifts! Friendship is a relationship between persons who see themselves as they truly are: gifts of the Father to each other for others…brothers and sisters.
– author unknown

Educate Share with others what you have learned about refugees, or the experiences you have had. Share with a refugee your language and cultural understanding.