What is a Refugee?

A refugee is someone who has fled his/her home because of life-threatening issues. They are not choosing to leave home - often there only choice is to flee or die.

Why should we help Refugees?

When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33

Do not deprive the alien or the Fatherless of Justice....Deut 24:17

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God. Lev. 23:22

When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Deut 26:12

This is what the Lord almighty says Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other. Zech 7:9,10

In our own country there are thousands of all nations, and tongues, and peoples who are ignorant and superstitious, having no knowledge of the Bible or its sacred teachings. God’s hand was in their coming to America, that they might be brought under the enlightening influence of the truth revealed in His Word, and become partakers of His saving Faith. God in His providence has brought men to our very doors, and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that they might learn the truth, and be qualified to do a work we could not do in getting the light to men of other tongues. Many of these foreigners are here in the providence of God that they may have opportunity to hear the truth for this time, and receive a preparation that will fit them to return to their own lands as bearers of precious light shining direct form the throne of God. Great benefits would come to the cause of God in the regions beyond, if faithful effort were put forth in behalf of the foreigners in the cities of our homeland. ChS 200

Why should we be interested in helping Refugees here in Fresno?

Fresno County (pop. 754,000) is ten percent Refugee. Of those refugees, more than 70% are Southeast Asians (Hmong, Cambodians, Laotians.) Their communities surround several of our Fresno churches.

In Fresno County, God has brought a mission field to us.

They have needed help since they came, but now with welfare reform the needs are multiplied. They need to speak English, become U.S. citizens, and become employable and self-sufficient. Their children need to become part of our society, gain a purpose in life and have a hope , vision and a future.