The growing shock and horror of the people fleeing across Europe for safety is horrifying for all of us. The cheering crowds who welcomed them as they arrived in Germany were restorative of the humanity for those on the run and for those welcoming them.
This global crisis has been edging into our communities for some months, as people from many countries are fleeing war and terror.
According to the UNHCR statistics, more people are running this year than at any time since the end of World War II. (70,000,000).
At RIM we have seen an increase in the number of referrals for Asylum Seekers, from attorneys, hospitals, and congregations. We have a growing waiting list. People are from: Uganda, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Sudan, DR Congo, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Most were persecuted for religious beliefs, some for helping others and some for political affiliations.