Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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January/February 2016 29 loved ones and other tragedies. One Hungarian Reformed pastor working with refugees outside of Debrecen described meeting a young Iraqi child (a Muslim, he would later learn) with a wounded leg who had been sepa- rated from his parents. A Syrian teenager (a Christian) carried the boy, who was unable to walk, into Hun- gary. In what the pastor could only describe as a miracle, the pastor was able to help the Iraqi child find his mother. Government Response, Church Response When I visited St. Columba's and Kalunba Charity at the end of Septem- ber 2015, in the company of PC(USA) mission co-worker Burkhard Paetzold, the Hungarian border had been closed to migrants for several days. The once-overflowing Keleti Station was emptied. St. Columba's sanctuary was still lined with blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and clothes—illustrations of Christ's love as pretty and as tangible as any stained glass window could be—but no there were no new arrivals. Not many refugees will stay in Hungary. The Hungarian language can be very difficult to learn, few refugees have family connections there and the right-of-center government is not mak- ing extra efforts to accommodate large numbers of refugees. Some argue that Hungary is barely making an effort to accept any refugees. In contrast, Ger- many has agreed to accept 1.5 million people by the end of 2015. While official numbers are not being released, there are believed to be several hundred Syrian refugees still in Hungary. They are in a holding facil- ity, waiting either to be charged with illegally crossing the border or expe- dited to another country. Kolunba Charity is working with 50 people (refugees), teaching them Hungarian and helping them find housing and employment. With eight part-time staff, they have the capacity to work with more. At St. Columba's, daily activity has resumed and the pace is much gentler. The environment is warm and happy. The people are working together to overcome cultural divisions, and look- ing for ways to build a new life. Dora spoke excitedly of Christians and Mus- lims meeting and sharing experiences. One important event took place during Ramadan, when Muslims cannot eat during the day. The inclusive commu- nity of St. Columba's Church decided to wait until after sunset to eat, so that everyone could share the meal. "It was an amazing moment for every- body," Dora said. Seeing, Understanding, Welcoming Following the closing of Hungary's borders, the question of how to help the refugees within its borders seems less pressing. And other European Union countries have taken similar measures, limiting the number of refugees who can enter. Yet, the issues creating this mass migration are hardly resolved or even understood by many. If anything, ensuring welcome and hospitality for Middle Eastern refugees has become more difficult. The November 2015 attack in Paris and the December 2015 shoot- ings in San Bernardino are among hundreds of terrorist acts that have been linked to the so-called Islamic State. Although this jihadist group is a relatively small, extremist group, many worldwide generalize about its actions and beliefs, believing it represent all or most Muslims and Middle Easterners. Western response to such terrorist acts has been that of fear toward refugees rather than seeing them as fel- low victims of violence. Many of these events are unfolding between the Christian observances of the birth of Jesus—who was himself once a refugee—and his death. Viewed by the establishment as a threat to their world, he was crucified. Yet, he went willingly, ready to pay the price for sins he did not commit. This salvation narrative demands new eyes for the world. As we walk with our brothers and sisters who seek refuge, we see our Lord and welcome him, just as he welcomes us. Derek Macleod is associate pastor of outreach at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Notes 1. "Syria: The Story of the Conflict," Middle East section, BBC News on line, October 9, 2015; www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868. 2. United Nations, "Refugees: The Numbers," www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/refuge es; accessed December 15, 2015. Stay informed about events in the Middle East and how local Christians are witnessing to Christ's love in the midst of crises. Follow mainstream media as well as news about our denominational partners are impacted by this issue at www.pcusa.org/middleeast. Investigate and join your community's efforts to welcome refugees. Every year, hundreds of refugees come to the U.S., including from Syria and Iraq. President Obama has pledged to accept as many as 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016, although that number may change in the Senate. If your community or church needs assistance in welcoming refugees, contact Presbyterian World Mission's Middle East Office, 888/728-7228, ext. 5415, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 888/728-7228, ext. 5839 and/or the Office of Immigration Issues in the Office of the General Assembly, 888/728-7228, ext. 5372. Here's What You Can Do T