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THE PEF STATEMENT CONCERNING THE REFUGEE CRISIS IN EUROPE

The Pentecostal European Fellowship (PEF) is concerned about the situation of the refugees coming to Europe, recognizing the political, economic, humanitarian and spiritual aspects involved.

1) PEF encourages its member movements to show Christian love toward the refugees following the example of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. PEF is encouraging the Pentecostal believers to remember the positive attitude concerning the stranger which is so evident in both the Old and New Testaments.

2) PEF is calling for prayer in this difficult situation. We need the spirit of discernment to understand what is behind the whole move that we are experiencing right now. Yes, we need to care about the refugees, but we also understand the long-term difficulties it may bring to the various countries. Different cultures, religions, beliefs and moral standards are only a few of the challenges we are going to face in the near future.

3) PEF also encourages the governments and authorities to show compassion and empathy toward those who have been in danger in their own countries, believing that the nations will be blessed in helping the people in need,  yet to act with wisdom and justice in the whole process.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)

When it comes to the whole refugee crisis, we are to be Christian believers and Churches with open arms, a warm (loving) heart, but also a sound mind.

Power: not to be afraid of an “invasion” but to know that the one that is in us is stronger than the one that is in the world.

Love: to always have open doors and arms to those in need and are hurting.

Sound mind: to exercise spiritual discernment, understand that there are also “hidden wolves” among these refugees, and recognize who is really in need and who is not. And above all, understand the whole background behind this situation on an eschatological level.

PEF has started a humanitarian aid project in helping the refugees in Europe. PEF is an umbrella organization of Pentecostal churches in Europe representing 53 denominations in 36 countries of Europe and about 3.5 million members.

Source: PEF Head Office,

Brussels, Belgium

September 16, 2015