Refugees

No one is a refugee by choice. Thousands of people are forced to flee their homes out of fear for their lives and liberty. Imagine leaving behind everything you know - food, culture, friends, family. Imgaine leaving behind your home, your possessions, your security. Imagine arriving in a strange land with only what you can carry. Imagine finding yourself in a refugee camp, living in a tent, wondering if you will ever be home again.

There are some refugees who arrive with literally nothing. They are not sponsored by any individual, church or group - but simply cross our border or arrive by plane with no way by themselves of establishing a new home. We are grateful for the ministry of Matthew House (now Matthew House, Fort Erie, Matthew House, Toronto and Matthew House, Windsor with new work beginning in Ottawa and Montreal) that give appropriate shelter that is geared specifically toward the unique settlement needs of refugee claimants. The first Matthew House, in Toronto, grew out of the vision of the need and a passion to respond, of Anne Woolger-Bell. As the Executive Director of the Toronto Matthew House, Anne and staff regularly speak at churches and other groups, educating the public about the plight of refugees and the need for people to reach out to them.

These are the people to whom refugee sponsorship means so much. Helping a refugee resettle in Canada gives them a chance to be home again, a chance to rebuild their lives. You can help.

Why are sponsors needed?

Jesus clearly called us to serve the least powerful and the poorest in our world. He also called us to participate with God in bringing about new life. In doing so, we make full use of our abilities and resources, finding ourselves renewed and blessed by God's presence.

According to statistics from the past two decades, church-sponsored refugees integrate into Canadian society the quickest and most successfully. Congregations often experience unexpected rewards from refugee sponsorship—members become closer to one another as they work together in meaningful service; some find that a far-off country becomes a real place; others come to an understanding of the day-to-day realities and priorities of their own lives; some find the opportunities for intercultural exchanges; and some experience deep intercultural friendships.

Guide to Refugee Sponsorship
Get Organized
Refugee Rights Day

For more information contact us at 416-620-2949, email publications@baptist.ca.

The number of refugees is not decreasing. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) states that there are over 22 million people of concern; refugees, internally displaced people, returnees and asylum seekers. Over 10 million are refugees, two-thirds of whom have been in refugee camps for over a decade.

There are not enough sponsors for the people requesting help. Many do not meet the normal acceptance criteria based on education, occupation and language skills. The Canadian government permits such people to come to Canada only when they have a church or community sponsor.