March the 15th marked the five-year anniversary of the tragic crisis in Syria. In response, World Vision Australia is encouraging churches to hold a ‘Syria Sunday’ service and stand together for those in need.
“Jesus was born into poverty; into oppression; into the margins. And soon after his birth, his family was threatened by violence and he became a refugee. We believe Jesus is calling his Church to rise up on behalf of the millions of child refugees fleeing violence in Syria.” - Tim Costello
World Vision Australia's ‘Syria Sunday’ service is an easy way for churches to make a make stand for justice on behalf of the millions of refugees fleeing Syria.
What is a Syria Sunday?
Syria Sunday is a movement of churches across the country that are taking time to focus specifically on the Syrian refugee crisis during their service, on a date that suits their congregation. To equip churches to do this effectively, World Vision has made a range of resources available.
What resources are available?
World Vision’s Refugee Sunday kit includes service ideas, story cards, talking points, a small group discussion guide, videos and more, all designed to equip church leaders to:
- tell the stories of families fleeing;
- understand God's heart for the most vulnerable;
- pray for breakthrough in the situation; and
- provide tangible ways to make a difference.
Click here to partner with World Vision in a Syria Sunday service at your church.
But I'm an individual not a church, what can I do?
With such easily accessible resources, we think this is a great way for anyone to get involved. Perhaps you could use these resources to inform your prayers or your small group? Perhaps you could encourage your church leadership to raise awareness of the plight of people seeking asylum within your congregation? This may be a great first step for churches to begin to put action to their prayer.