. Refugee Sunday 2011 – Celebrating 60 years of Seeking Justice for Refugees

“Sister, let me be your servant. Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I might have the grace To let you be my servant, too.” Richard Gillard, copyright ©1977 Scripture in Song (Admin. by Marantha Music)

Every year, millions of people face the real horrors of disaster, war, conflict, and persecution.

In 1951, the League of Nations signed a Convention to respond to the needs of the many World War II refugees scattered around the world. Photo courtesy

Sixty years later - that convention still applies to the estimated 40 million people who have been uprooted from their homes and the 10 million who will be relocated to new countries as refugees this year.

“ We are pilgrims on a journey. We are brothers on the road. We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load.” Richard Gillard, copyright ©1977 Scripture in Song (Admin. by Maranatha Music)

Canada has long been a place of refuge for those needing a new start. Photo coutesy:

A welcoming land of diversity and justice – it provides a safe home for those in need. Photo courtesy:

Last year, 12,098 refugees were resettled to Canada. Forty-four of them were brought here under the auspices of CRWRC and the Christian Reformed Church.

“I will hold the Christ-light for you In the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you; Speak the peace you long to hear.” Richard Gillard, copyright ©1977 Scripture in Song (Admin. by Maranatha Music)

Recently, CRWRC helped four women in Canada reconnect with their refugee siblings

After as much as 23 years apart, these siblings have found a way to help their families escape danger and begin a new life in our great land.

What a blessing it is to be a part of this process.

“I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh, I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow Till we've seen this journey through.” Richard Gillard, copyright ©1977 Scripture in Song (Admin. by Maranatha Music)

Churches too, often play the role of sponsoring a refugee family…

… providing them with friendship, support, and encouragement.

“When we sing to God in heaven, We shall find such harmony Born of all we've known together Of Christ's love and agony.” Richard Gillard, copyright ©1977 Scripture in Song (Admin. by Maranatha Music)

Romans 12:12-13 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Will you prayerfully consider what role you can play in providing hospitality to refugees?

Perhaps you could speak up about refugee issues to help make Canada an even better place for those in need;

Maybe you could give generously so that CRWRC can continue helping refugees resettle in Canada;

Or maybe your church could sponsor and host a family.

To find out more, please visit us at: Or call

Thank you for doing your part to continue making Canada a refuge for those in need.