IAFR in Dzaleka

Yesterday we had the privilege of joining our friends at the Pentecostal Community Church for worship in Dzaleka. Upon arrival we were greeted with the biggest smiles and hugs I have seen in a long time. We were also greeted by these two children with the words "you are welcome." It struck me that refugees are so quick to welcome us into their communities but so often the rest of the world will not welcome them into their communities. It was a real lesson in hospitality.

One of the things we heard on our first day in Dzaleka was the reality of many new arrivals to start this year. It was hard to hear the strain in the voices of our friends as they talked about the growing numbers of people in the camp and the strain this puts on the system. Yet I was also reminded of how it is the local refugee churches who are the first to welcome new arrivals and help them get settled into life in the camp. This is one of the informal roles local faith communities play on the refugee highway and it's one of the many reasons why we love partnering with the refugee church.This photo is of one corner of the refugee camp that has bee recently expanded to give space for new arrivals.