Source: INcontext Ministries, August 2015
During this year of spiraling crises, with millions of people already forced to flee from their homes and many thousands dying while trying to get to safety, the global humanitarian system has been severely stretched. Global forced displacement is currently reaching unprecedented levels:
- 59.5 million individuals are forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalized violence, or human rights violations.
- 51% of all refugees are children below the age of 18 years.
- 86% of these refuges were hosted by developing nations.
- 42,500 people are forced to leave their homes every day.
- 53% of all refugees come from three nations alone: Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
- 30 million people are currently subject to slavery.
- 162 nations have slave practices.
- 22% of these are subject to sexual exploitation
In this age of unprecedented displacement and suffering, the church needs an unparalleled response and a renewed global commitment to imitate Christ, the father of all compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3).
In John 11:35, we find the heart of Christ for those in need: “Jesus wept.” Tears of compassion well become Christians and make them most resemble Christ. It is indeed a season for anguish.
» Read full story and watch David Wilkerson’s message A Call to Anguish.