IAFR is serving refugees in Austria, France and Greece. Each ministry is contextualized to best meet the specific challenges of its location. Although our work includes projects and programs, long-term relationships withrefugees and asylum seekers are at the heart of all we pursue.
For many forcibly displaced people, Greece is the gateway to Europe. Refugees and asylum seekers come hoping to find peace, safety and a better future. But what they experience upon arrival is more uncertainty and struggle. They struggle to keep hope alive.
IAFR missionaries serve with our partner, One Heart, a like-minded Greek agency in Athens. Among other things, the ministry includes:
Most refugees and asylum seekers in Lille have decided to seek asylum (refuge) in France. The application process can take several years. With little social infrastructure, these women, children and men live in difficult and vulnerable circumstances, often living in the rough and on the streets.
IAFR missionaries facilitate supportive relationships between refugees, local church members and community groups. Among other things, the ministry includes:
Many refugees and asylum seekers make their way to or through Austria after transiting Italy, Slovenia and/or Hungary. Children of asylum seekers often fall behind in their education during this vulnerable time in their lives.
IAFR has a missionary in Vienna seeking to find solutions to this challenge in collaboration with local churches and schools.
Italy has long been a major crossroad along the refugee highway as people cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa in hope of finding refuge from war, persecution and gross violations of human rights in Europe.
IAFR has researched and identified some strategic places in Italy where we want to help the Church show up in life-giving ways.
We're praying that God will send us 2-3 people to pioneer this ministry. Let us know if you're interested in learning more.
IAFR | 1515 East 66th Street | Minneapolis, MN 55423 | info@iafr.org | 612.200.0321