Global Refuge
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
New name, same mission. Welcoming newcomers since 1939.
www.globalrefuge.org
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Grace and peace to you this synod assembly season. At Global Refuge we remain committed to the work of welcome, no matter the challenges. For 85 years, Global Refuge (formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service) has championed the work of welcome by providing support to immigrants and refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Founded by heartbroken Lutherans in the United States who felt called to provide a home for those fleeing violence of the World Wars, Global Refuge has continued this good work welcoming more than 800,000 newcomers since 1939.
Our mission states, “As a witness to God’s love for all people, we stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice.” With help from Global Refuge, families are welcomed into their new homes with a hot meal, adults are enrolled in English language classes, children are enrolled in school, and Global Refuge partners guide newly-arrived refugee(s) in using public transportation and accessing community resources.
Unfortunately, on January 24, 2025, Global Refuge and the 9 other national resettlement agencies received a stop-work order from the U.S. Department of State as it relates to our funding for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, effectively cutting off vital support to families who have already lawfully resettled in the United States. The stop-work order directly affects thousands of refugees who rely on resettlement services for essential support such as housing, food, English classes, and job placement. While we were anticipating a pause of the refugee resettlement program and work with future clients, this stop-work order for clients in our care came as an unexpected blow. However, we are committed to carrying out our mission, through our hope in the promise of the resurrection, and remain steadfast in our holy work of welcome.
Despite the challenges, we are heartened by continued and growing support faith communities are providing for our work. More people of faith are getting involved in our work each year to meet the ever-growing need. In fact, 85 new faith communities became supporters of Global Refuge in 2024.
With the support of these new partners and Lutheran communities like yours, in 2024 we were able to…
• Welcome 18,622+ refugees from countries across the world.
• Empower and support 116 clients and 67 Businesses through personal and business loans.
• Open a new office in Mexico to expand our Camino A Casa programming and serve 1017 clients start again at home.
• Write and distribute 10,000 Hope for the Holidays cards that provided messages of welcome and hope to newcomers.
• Attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans where we engaged 20,000+ youth on the work of welcome and packed more than a 1000 welcome kits.
In a political season rife with anti-immigrant rhetoric and messages that villainize newcomers, we have a unique opportunity to change this narrative and refocus on all the gifts newcomers bring to community. We invite you to join us in this work!
- Support Refugees with a gift – If you or communities you’re connected with are willing to support financially, please use/share this link: www.globalrefuge.org/give
- Learn more and Advocate – Explore resources with more information about executive orders and accompanying actions: www.globalrefuge.org/advocate
- Know Your Rights – Our partners at AMMPARO have a great resource for communities to read about their rights and those of immigrants in their care. www.blogs.elca.org/ammparo/the-latest-kyr/
- Explore Resources – Visit our Congregational Resources page to explore all the resources available to you: www.globalrefuge.org/congregations
- Sign up for our Monthly E-newsletters – Get the latest updates for faith leaders by emailing outreach@globalrefuge.org.
- Volunteer with us – Support refugees in your community and beyond: www.globalrefuge.org/volunteer
Thank you for your continued support. The many ways Lutheran communities embody Jesus’ ministry through the work of welcome is truly inspiring.
Go in peace. Welcome the stranger.
Deacon Sarah Kretschmann | Congregational Engagement Specialist
outreach@globalrefuge.org
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