In the winter of 1944 — one of the coldest during World War II — the European war front was approaching the town where young Dieter F. Uchtdorf lived. His mother took the four children, leaving behind all their possessions, and joined millions of fleeing refugees in a desperate search for a place to survive.
In fact, the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was a refugee twice before age 12. And so today, on World Refugee Day, he took the opportunity to remind others to lift those around them.
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have a critical role to ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees,’” Elder Uchtdorf wrote on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, quoting from Doctrine and Covenants 81:5.
“Extend a welcoming hand. To all of God’s children, extend a special measure of humanity, compassion and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home,” he said.
How the Church helps refugees
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responds to refugee crises by helping with immediate relief, long-term aid and resettlement support — working with local and global organizations, such as USA for UNHCR, UNICEF USA, Jesuit Refugee Services and others.
In 2022, natural disasters and armed conflict caused a dramatic rise in people displaced from their homes. With 174 refugee response projects, the Church made significant financial donations to refugee assistance programs around the world.
Members of the Church also strive to follow Christ’s instruction to welcome “the stranger” in their communities around the world (see Matthew 25:35). Latter-day Saints work within their communities to support refugees and displaced persons — including donating to shelters and serving at welcome centers.
“The plight of people who have been displaced from their homes is close to our hearts,” said Caring.ChurchofJesusChrist Facebook and Instagram posts — the social media channels where the Church shares humanitarian efforts and service.
“This World Refugee Day, we stand #WithRefugees to bring safety, help and belonging to those displaced around the world,” said the posts.
Examples of helping refugees
In 2022, the Church expended more than $16.8 million in aid in response to the Ukrainian and Russian crisis, donating hundreds of tons of food and hundreds of service hours to help those fleeing the conflict.
Church members organized thousands of beds — many within their own homes — for those displaced by the conflict.
Other monetary donations from the Church in 2022 included $32 million for the World Food Programme — the largest one-time donation to date at that time — which was used for several purposes, including helping feed refugees in camps in Kenya.
Food and supplies were delivered to refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well, and donations in Mexico helped refugees reaching that country.
Through the Church’s counseling services and Psychological First Aid training, volunteers were able to help minister to refugees at welcome centers and through online courses.
The JustServe website and app helps volunteers find ways to welcome refugees and meet their needs. Stories from the Church News have included efforts to welcome refugees in England, Virginia, Colorado, Oregon and Missouri.
Learn more about how the Church supports refugees here at churchofjesuschrist.org/serve/offering-refuge
Find more Church News reporting of humanitarian efforts at thechurchnews.com/humanitarian-efforts.
