There are 65 million people displaced today.  That is more than at any time since World War II.  In response to the global migration crisis, The United Methodist Church has planned a day of prayer and a special offering to raise awareness and funds to aid migrants and refugees.

The Council of Bishops is inviting local churches to observe Global Migration Sunday on December 3, 2017. The following are excerpts from the letter from Bishop Bruce R. Ough, President of the Council of Bishops, sent on Oct. 12th:

"This is the first Sunday of the season of Advent, a time when we remember the coming birth of the Christ child who himself was a migrant. 

"From Asia and Europe to Africa and the Americas, the plight of more than 65 million men, women and children forced to leave their homes and migrate to places unknown calls all Christians to remember what God requires of us. 

"For most of these migrants, the decision to flee their homeland comes as a last resort effort to live. We are reminded of Joseph and Mary as they sought to save their lives and especially the life of the Christ child as they fled to Africa to escape the wrath of King Herod, who (threatened by the birth of Jesus) ordered the massacre of children (Matthew 2:13 14).

"As your bishops, it is our fervent hope that on Global Migration Sunday on December 3, United Methodist congregations in all the places we serve around the world will join our voices to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering the journey of forced migration. In addition, as a people who pray and act upon those prayers, we ask that all our congregations gather an offering dedicated to the human suffering inflicted by forced migration. Offerings collected should be sent to the Migration Advance No. 3022144. 

"Jesus said, “When you welcome the sojourner, you welcome me.” (Matthew 25:35)"