Eurasia Region and global Nazarene Compassionate Ministries leaders met with representatives from the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Europe, and Northern Europe fields in early December for the first phase of a plan to develop a coordinated strategy for engaging refugees as they exit their origin countries and travel through or settle on the three fields. The meetings were held in Budapest, Hungary, both in person and through Skype.

Leaders discussed creating a consistent identity for Nazarene workers across the three fields as they intentionally strive to be a safe, dependable, and compassionate presence. Each field is exploring avenues of compassion and opportunities to offer intentional relationship while acknowledging that the influx of people require all cultures to make room, be flexible, and learn from one another. 

In an examination of terminology, participants agreed to no longer negatively refer to the current events as a “crisis,” but rather, in recognition that God is sovereignly guiding a kairos (Greek for “right” or “opportune”) moment for the Church, to describe it as a “refugee situation” or “event.” Since some fields, such as Central Europe, are comprised of both transit and destination countries, references to the refugee exodus will be distinguished by origin country, transit country, and destination country. 

While three fields were represented in the current meeting, the refugee exodus, transit, and resettlement includes countries from additional Nazarene fields that are also being considered in the strategy. 

Eurasia Regional Director Arthur Snijders and Eurasia NCM Coordinator Joerg Eich are meeting this week to review the developed strategy and the funds donated by Nazarenes around the world. 

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region