Let's talk about World Refugee Day - June 20

World Refugee Day commemorates the obstacles refugees face each year, while also celebrating their courage and strength. Since 2001, the United Nations and more than 100 countries have observed World Refugee Day annually on June 20th.

Here are a few facts to help you better understand the current refugee crisis:
· There are currently 65.3 million forcibly displaced people around the world. 

· More than 21 million of these people are refugees and 10 million are stateless. 

· On average, 42,500 people per day flee their homes to seek protection .

· In the last year alone, there have been 13.9 million people newly displaced.

· More than 11 million Syrians are currently displaced. This amounts to 45% of the Syrian population.

· 86% of the world's refugees are hosted by developing countries.

· Refugees only account for a tiny percentage of overall immigration.

· Of the 20 million refugees worldwide, 51% are under the age of 18. This is the highest number of child refugees since World War II. 
 
On June 20, and on every other day of the year, please join our team as we pray for and serve our refugee neighbors and friends.  #loveyourneighbor

***Special challenge! Let's step it up this week!!!  
Take A Step for World Refugee Day -
Join the #StepWithRefugees Global Challenge
Around the world, communities, schools, businesses, faith groups and people from all walks of life are taking big and small steps in solidarity with refugees. This World Refugee Day, we challenge everyone to join together and take a step with refugees.
You can take a step too. Join today and take part in the #StepWithRefugees Global Challenge. Get moving!
Step 1:
Join the #StepWithRefugees challenge and walk, run, dance, swim 1 km/mile or take any step with refugees. Don't know a refugee? That's okay... take a step anyway and do those km/miles with refugees in mind. Think of the work we are doing with refugees. Walk and Pray for refugees and for our community center - La Mesa Turquesa. Look up refugee issues on the web and get a country or specific issue in mind and walk with that. Just do it!!!  Take a step. 
Step 2:
Post a photo or video of yourself after you’ve completed the challenge and nominate three friends to take a step further! Let's light up Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to tag your post... #StepWithRefugees #drumsforchrist   #lamesaturquesa   #loveyourneighbor