Surat Gembala KAJ Hari Migran dan Pengungsi Sedunia 2024

Summary

On September 29, 2024, the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees is celebrated with the theme 'God Walks with Us.' The event calls for prayer and attention to migrants and refugees, drawing parallels to the biblical exodus from Egypt. It emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and support for these individuals facing persecution, violence, and lack of opportunity. The transcript also discusses Indonesia's role as a transit country for migrants and refugees and the challenges they face, including lack of legal protection and societal stigma. It concludes with a call to action for communities and religious institutions to provide aid and advocacy.

Takeaways

• 📅 The date mentioned is September 29, 2024, which is the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
• 🙏 The theme for the celebration is 'God walks with us,' emphasizing the journey of migrants and refugees.
• 🕍 The script likens the journey of modern migrants and refugees to the biblical journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land.
• 🛐 The Ark of the Covenant is used as a metaphor for the protection and guidance provided by God to migrants and refugees.
• 🌍 It discusses the hardships faced by migrants and refugees, such as persecution, violence, discrimination, and lack of opportunities.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The message encourages the congregation to pray for and support migrants and refugees.
• 📖 The script references the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle James, emphasizing the importance of caring for the vulnerable.
• 💼 Indonesia is highlighted as a transit country for migrants and refugees fleeing their home countries for safety.
• 🏢 The Indonesian government has not ratified the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees, which affects the rights and access to basic needs for refugees.
• 🤝 There is a call to action for individuals, communities, and humanitarian organizations to assist refugees and migrants in Indonesia.
• 🌟 The potential positive contributions of migrants and refugees to society are acknowledged, despite the negative stigma they sometimes face.

Q & A

What is the theme of the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees?

The theme for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees is 'The Lord walks with His people.'

When did the Church begin officially celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees?

The Church began celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees in 2014.

What challenges do migrants and refugees face, according to the script?

Migrants and refugees face oppression, violence, abuse, insecurity, discrimination, and lack of opportunities for growth.

How does the script compare the journey of modern-day migrants and refugees to a biblical event?

The script compares the journey of migrants and refugees to the journey of God's people towards the Promised Land during the time of Moses.

What biblical symbol is used to represent God's protection and presence with His people?

The tent (tabernacle) is used as a symbol of God's presence, as He chose to dwell in a tent and walk with His people during the time of King David.

What does the letter of James in today's reading remind Christians about wealth?

The letter of James reminds Christians to seek wealth that cannot rot, and to focus on righteousness, kindness, and love, rather than material riches.

What two meanings does the script give for the commemoration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees?

The first meaning is a reminder of our own life's journey, often as 'strangers,' both physically and spiritually. The second is a call to compassion and involvement in helping migrants and refugees.

What role does Indonesia play in the migration crisis, according to the script?

Indonesia serves as a transit country for migrants and refugees fleeing their countries in search of safety, with over 12,295 refugees in the country by the end of 2023.

What limitations do refugees in Indonesia face?

Refugees in Indonesia do not have access to basic rights such as education, employment, or social services because Indonesia has not ratified the 1951 Geneva Convention on refugee protection.

What negative stigma do migrants and refugees often face in Indonesia?

Migrants and refugees are often negatively stigmatized as potential terrorists, carriers of radical ideologies, or as a threat to settle permanently in the country.