Welcome to the IAFR Toolbox! These tools will help you learn about refugee realities, gain some biblical perspective and learn important principles related to refugee ministry. Please take and use what is helpful. We only ask that you not edit or change any of these resources without permission.
When forced to flee their homes, refugees need to find a way to a safe place. There are some well-worn routes in the world that they travel. These paths are the Refugee Highway.
The Highway is paved with tears of loneliness, fear and discouragement. Whatever part of the Highway they travel, refugees are met with the same message: Do Not Enter.
Yet there is hope. God is alive and well on the Refugee Highway.
Watch this powerful 6 minute video to learn more. We hope you will share it with others via social media! You can also download it.
Version: 2021 (updated versions are released annually in late June/early July.
IAFR designed this stunning and informative poster to raise awareness about the realities of the Refugee Highway and of our mandate to love the alien as we love ourselves.
Perfect for churches, class rooms, dorm rooms and the office.
Click the map to download a standard resolution version of the poster.
The Map companion resources include a discussion guide, credits and source Information.
If you desire a free High Resolution version of the Map please email us and we will give you a link to a PDF version that prints in rich color at up to 36" x 27". File size: 32 MB.
Map Companion Resources
Version: 6/2021
You can influence how people think about refugees and asylum seekers. These tools will help. Just save the ones you like and post them to your social media. Thanks for partnering with us in this way! We will upload new memes from time-to-time, so be sure to stop by again soon!
All photos by T.Albinson/IAFR. Statistics from UNHCR Global Trends 2020 (published in 6/2021).
Answers to common questions about refugees in the world today. How many forcibly displaced people are in the world? What countries host the most refugees? How many refugees are children? ...and more!
Version: 6/21/2021
Learn the difference between normal migrants and forcibly displaced people along with the meaning of often misunderstood terms including: "refugee", "asylum seeker", "internally displaced persons (IDP)".
An important document related to faith-based ministry engagement among forcibly displaced people published by UNHCR in partnership with World Evangelical Alliance and others.
Drafted in 1948 in response to WW2, the Declaration serves as a guarantor of basic rights for all people. Article 14 states, "Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution."
From beginning to end, Scripture is filled with stories of forcibly displaced people. This document lists some of them along with key references to facilitate learning and discussion.
Originally drafted in 2001 at the gathering that formed the Refugee Highway Partnership (RHP), these Best Practices proven their worth in helping Christians serve refugees in life-giving ways.
This brief and insightful document is the fruit of a diverse and international group of Christian leaders as they considered what helpful Christian Witness looks like in the world today.
Drafted in 1951 in response to WW2 and ratified by 142 nations, the Convention defines "refugee", the rights of the displaced, and the legal obligations of signature States to protect them.
Articles and papers written by IAFR staff related to forced displacement
An Open Letter to the Church at Large by IAFR Founder/President, Tom Albinson. Written on the occasion of World Refugee Day 2021.
__________
A biblical call to action by IAFR Founder/President, Tom Albinson. Tom gets very practical as he highlights how the Bible is filled with perspective and examples of life-giving refugee ministry. Find out how Reuel, Boaz, Nehemiah, king Artaxerxes, and Jonathan all serve as helpful examples from which we can learn important lessons.
David ran for his life in response to persecution by King Saul. Jonathan, the King's son and David's friend, responded to David's displacement in a way that inspired what has become IAFR's Jonathan House ministry. We hope that you will read and be inspired by this compelling paper by SJ Holsteen (IAFR Ministry Leader, Minneapolis - St. Paul.
It takes research, time, talent and resources to create these tools and keep them sharp. If you've found them helpful, please consider making a donation to the IAFR Sustaining Fund today.
IAFR | 1515 East 66th Street | Minneapolis, MN 55423 | info@iafr.org | 612.200.0321