We have all been moved and our hearts touched by the graphic scenes of refugees who have fled persecution and civil war in Syria. The four-year-old war has killed over 200,000 people and millions have been left homeless and in desperate need of safety.

The conditions these refugee families face during the journey are very difficult. Along the route, many refugees have faced hostility and a lack of support with some forced to resort to journeying by foot and sleeping in public places.

As a movement, our immediate response is to assist in providing resources for the hundreds of thousands of refugees now streaming across Europe. ACC International Relief has launched a Humanitarian Relief Appeal to respond to the crisis, working together with Samaritans Purse in an inter-agency partnership. Funds will go towards providing emergency physical relief, counselling, migrant assistance and other services to displaced families in transit countries.

For more details on how you and your church can support the Syrian Refugee Crisis Appeal: http://www.accirelief.org.au/syria

Following the announcement that Australia will take 12,000 Syrian refugees, ACC will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities and work in tandem with the government and recognised agencies as to how we can best support the refugees once they arrive in Australia.

Let’s continue to pray for all those affected by the conflict in Syria and support the ACCIR Syrian Refugee Crisis Appeal. Together we can reach out and show the love of Jesus to those in desperate circumstances.