
Prerequisite: Completion of a YWAM DTS
Click below to make a school related payment for a DTS or one of our secondary schools. If you are trying to give to one of our students, this is where you go!
Make a Payment
Click below to make a one time donation or set up monthly donations to support one of our YWAM Salem staff member's ministries.
Make a DonationClick below to make a payment for a hospitality room, staff fees, Mission Adventures, or any other misc. payment.
Make a PaymentAs a regular donor, we recommend creating an account. This will keep your year-to-date totals correct, your information will be saved so you will not have to enter it each time you want to make a donation, and you will be able to manage any recurring giving you set up. Hello
Prerequisite: Completion of a YWAM DTS
In an era marked by unprecedented global migration, we find ourselves at a unique intersection of human movement and divine purpose. Today, one in thirty people worldwide lives outside their country of birth, with over 117.3 million people forcibly displaced from their homes. These statistics aren't just numbers—they represent individual stories of both tragedy and hope, loss and redemption.
Throughout scripture, we see God consistently using the geographic movement of people to advance His kingdom. From Abraham's call to leave his homeland to Joseph's journey to Egypt, from the Israelites' exodus and entering the promised land, to their exile in Babylon, and from the gathering of nations at Pentecost to Paul's missionary journeys—movement has been central to God's redemptive plan.
This pattern continues today, perhaps more visibly than ever before. The United States, as the top destination for international migrants (comprising 14.3% of the U.S. population), stands at the forefront of this modern-day movement of peoples. But what does this mean for the Church, and how should we respond?
The impact of refugee movements on the gospel manifests in two distinct ways: God transforms the people who move, and He transforms the places they go to. This dual transformation creates unprecedented opportunities for mutual blessing and kingdom advancement.
Consider the biblical account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. This high-ranking official traveled 1,500 miles to worship in Jerusalem, and on his return journey, encountered Philip who shared the gospel with him. This divine appointment not only transformed the eunuch's life but led to the establishment of some of the world's oldest churches in Ethiopia.
Similar stories unfold today. In the Middle East, during the Syrian refugee crisis, unprecedented numbers of Syrian Muslims encountered Christ through Christian aid workers and local churches. The practical demonstration of Christian love—Christians comprising nearly half of all refugee aid workers in some regions—opened doors for the gospel in ways that traditional evangelism never could.
The biblical story of Daniel illustrates how forced displacement can lead to kingdom impact in new locations. As an exile in Babylon, Daniel's faithfulness eventually led King Darius to proclaim the greatness of God throughout his empire. Today, we see similar patterns through organizations like YWAM Salem and Salem Alliance Church's refugee ministry, Baraka.
Local Impact: Salem's Story
In Salem, Oregon, the intersection of global displacement and local ministry has created a vibrant testimony to God's work. Through Salem for Refugees, established in 2016, the community has witnessed the powerful impact of welcoming strangers. The international prayer gathering, led by Pastor Adela, a refugee from Congo, exemplifies how God uses displaced people to bring renewal and transformation to established communities.
Pastor Adela's story is particularly striking. Before arriving in Salem as a refugee, God spoke to her about bringing healing to the American church—a prophecy that has been remarkably fulfilled through her leadership in multicultural ministries, prayer gatherings, and healing ministry.
The current global refugee crisis, while challenging, offers the Church a unique opportunity to participate in fulfilling the vision of Revelation 7—a vast crowd from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshiping together before the throne. This diverse, multicultural community praising God together isn't just a future hope; it's beginning to take shape in communities like Salem through intentional welcome and mutual blessing.
For Christians today, the response to global displacement should mirror God's heart for the foreigner, as consistently expressed throughout scripture. This includes:
Organizations like YWAM Salem and Salem Alliance Church demonstrate how local communities can engage meaningfully with the refugee crisis. Through English classes, soccer ministry, international prayer gatherings, and airport welcomes, they create opportunities for transformation on both sides—blessing those who come and those who receive.
The current refugee crisis represents more than a humanitarian challenge; it's a divine appointment for the Church. As we witness the largest forced displacement in recorded history, we must remember that God has historically used the movement of people to advance His kingdom. Today's refugee crisis, viewed through a kingdom lens, reveals itself as an unprecedented opportunity for gospel advancement and mutual transformation.
The question isn't whether God will use this movement of people—He already is. The question is whether we will join Him in this work, positioning ourselves to both bless and be blessed by our global neighbors. As we do, we participate in building a church that better reflects the full diversity of God's creation and the ultimate vision of Revelation 7—every nation, tribe, people, and language worshiping together before the throne.
These Stories on Purpose
YWAM Salem, Oregon → We want to help you discover your passions and gifts and provide channels for you to use those to serve God in the world and missions.
Address: 7085 Battle Creek Rd SE Salem, OR 97317 — Phone Number: 1-971-719-1134
No Comments Yet
Let us know what you think