Hello EMCC,

In the Gospels we read a few instances of Jesus’ compassion for people:

Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. – Matt 9:36 

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ – Mark 1:41

When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. – Mark 6:34

In this fifth year of reflecting ahead of World Refugee Day (June 20th), we want to share some stories and resources which encourage reflection on those vulnerable people seeking protection, or newcomers in our own neighbourhoods.

Our theme this week is "Moved to Engage," drawn from one of our five core services for World Partners: Activating Compassion. We want to respond like Jesus to the needs of the world with the same love and care that He demonstrated in his humanity.

When we read those earlier verses, we recognize ourselves in that bunch and receive that compassion, knowing He gives freely to us. And as Jesus taught us to love our neighbour, we can also recognize how we should emulate the same love and care.

May we be moved to compassion, and further, moved to engage with the stranger–including refugees and newcomers.

A Broader Picture

Below is a summary of the UNHCR 2023 Mid-Year Report, giving a glance at the plight of those forcibly displaced worldwide as of June 2023.

Major highlights include:

• There are over 110 million people forcibly displaced from their homes, which equates to 1 in 73 people on earth.
• There are over 36.4 million refugees worldwide.
• 9 in 10 live in low to middle income countries.
• 90% of the displaced are from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latin America and Caribbean countries, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Ukraine.

In Canada, we recognize that our country has been a place of refuge and welcome for many. As the IRCC notes, from Canada's Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025 and plateau at 500,000 in 2026.

From the UNHCR 2023 Mid-Year Report. Accessible at https://www.unhcr.org/mid-year-trends

What does this all mean for us, as followers of Jesus? How are we meant to respond, knowing we serve a God of abundance, who calls us to generosity?

Perhaps the next step today is to pray, to consider the global reality of those migrating, and that Canada is one of the largest recipient countries in the globe.

We hope you will join us for more stories and reflection this week.

Register below to join us as we pray together, consider the stories, and connect with those in the EMCC involved in this important work.

#WRW2024