In countries from Afghanistan to Ukraine, families are facing the danger of conflict and war. At any moment they may have to make the decision to escape when intense fighting comes too close to their homes. It is a challenging decision as the journey is likely to involve considerable risk. They may be cold, hungry and in danger.

“I encourage you to join this year’s Operation Refugee as a message of hope for people who have fled in fear. Nobody wants to be a refugee but we can choose to give families the food, education and medical care they need. Please stand with them,” says Murray Overton, National Director.

Operation Refugee has three strands: Pray, Walk and Eat. Individuals can get fit by walking, challenge themselves to live off refugee rations or host a special meal to raise funds for refugees. CWS encourages churches and groups to organise a fundraising dinner or community walk to come together to share their concern.

CWS will launch Operation Refugee on 20 June, World Refugee Day. The campaign will run for two months.

Funds raised will provide vital assistance to new refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan, as well as longer term communities of Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in the Middle East.

Individuals, families and large or small groups can sign up online. CWS has aimed to keep the fundraising simple and provide ways of bringing people together.

CWS has prepared resources for individuals, home groups, schools and churches, including refugee stories, a quiz, Bible study and activities. Worship materials for Refugee Sunday on 26 June will be available later this month.

With refugee numbers on the rise, the need is growing fast. Since February more than five million mothers, children and older people have left Ukraine alone.

For more information or to sign up, visit the website: https://cwsoperationrefugee.nz/ or call Murray on (03) 366 9274.