We Collaborate with refugee churches.

IAFR recognizes that refugee churches are uniquely situated to identify the needs of forcibly displaced people. They are well aware of the challenges and opportunities related to their context and often have clear vision and a compelling sense of mission. IAFR looks for opportunities to help refugee churches accomplish their mission.

Photo: A refugee church praying in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya.

We Partner with local churches.

As followers of Jesus are to be marked by hospitality to foreigners, local churches are called to be communities that welcome refugees. Their knowledge of the local language, culture, resources, and laws make them well-suited to helping displaced people integrate into their new society. The refugee crisis desperately needs churches to show up in ways that further hope, healing, and reconciliation in the world.

Photo: An IAFR partner church in Minnesota sending their greetings to refugee churches in Kenya.

We establish and sustain long-term relationships of trust.

Relationships of trust form the basis for all that we do. IAFR develops long lasting relationships with refugee churches and like-minded partners from which projects come and go. Our commitment to these relationships continues long after  projects are completed.

Photo: IAFR missionary, Sharon Tonzo, visiting with a resettled refugee family in Atlanta.

We acknowledge that refugees bless us even as we seek to bless them.

Refugees are more than people in need. They are among the world's most resilient and resourceful people. Yes, we need to help them, but we also have much to learn from them. IAFR ministries promotes mutual blessing in all we pursue.

Photo: A short-term missionary sharing smiles with a refugee sister in Dzaleka refugee camp, Malawi.

We collaborate with others, including refugees.

The challenges and needs facing forcibly displaced people are overwhelming. No single agency has all it takes to meet these needs.

We compliment existing ministries and partner with refugees as well as like-minded churches and agencies, believing that we can accomplish more together than we can on our own.

Photo: Our US partner (Wheaton College) offering theological and trauma care training to our refugee partner in Kenya (United Refugee and Host Churches).

We demonstrate respect and affirm dignity.

We are committed to demonstrating respect and affirming the dignity of forcibly displaced people. IAFR publications and media will represent them in honest, respectful and non-exploitive ways. We share IAFR publications, photos, videos, etc. with those featured in order to confirm that they feel respected and appropriately represented.

Photo: US church leaders listening to a refugee church leader in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya.

We respect and strengthen the economies of the countries within which we serve.

IAFR ministries and projects draw from resources available in the host country whenever possible. We seek to strengthen local economies and avoid creating dependencies upon foreign economies.

Photo: Pastors in Kakuma, Kenya, sharing their joy upon receiving a fresh shipment of Bibles. The Bibles were purchased from the Bible Society in Kenya.