Europe (MNN) — As Russia shifts its military focus to southeast Ukraine, Europe groans under the weight of refugees.
In six short weeks, five countries accepted over 4.2 million people fleeing Ukraine. Today, more of the estimated 6.5 million displaced people within Ukraine – especially those in the southeast – seek safety across the border.
“We’re looking at another refugee crisis; that seems to be the trend in this new millennia. Most are women and children; it is said that every second, a new minor becomes a refugee,” says Brother Luis*, Christian Aid Mission’s Area Director for the Middle East and Europe.
We pray especially for the most vulnerable — for children, the elderly and the sick— that they would find refuge. For our leaders responding to this injustice, we ask wisdom and courage. For the oppressors, we pray your light to shine in their hearts.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Christian Aid Mission)
According to the United Nations, Europe already hosted nine million refugees before Russia’s invasion. Now, the ongoing influx from Ukraine strains resources and capacity even further.
Krakow, Poland’s second-largest city, currently houses over 150,000 displaced Ukrainians – ballooning the city’s population by 20-percent in a matter of weeks.
Compassion fatigue
Countries in Eastern Europe struggle to meet health costs for Ukraine refugees. European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni warns of “a period of lower (economic) growth” due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Furthermore, if refugees can’t or won’t return home, resettling them could cost $30 billion in the first year alone.
The likelihood of compassion fatigue increases as a crisis drags on. “We can all get weary of doing good, and remembering some things could help us,” Brother Luis says.
“Compassion is at the core of who God is. Compassion is not only reflecting [God’s character], it also opens the door for the Gospel.”
Help Ukraine refugees here through Christian Aid Mission. Remember, each refugee is a person made in God’s image.
“‘Refugee’ is not the word that defines who they are. It defines where they are right now. We need to go back to looking at people with a name, a face, and a story.”
*Pseudonym
Header image depicts a sticker on a street lamp in Sebnitz, Germany on March 22, 2022. (Wikimedia Commons)
