The People

Tucson will become home this year for approximately 900 new refugees who have been forced from their homeland and are coming to the United States from war torn countries in order to flee persecution. Many of them have been waiting in primitive refugee camps for almost twenty years in the hope of being given a safe place to call home.

They go through a long, rigorous selection process with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and if approved they come here ready to start over. But unfortunately many of these families lack the language skills, job skills, or financial resources to make a better life for themselves once they arrive.

The majority of them will live in Tucson for months or even years before ever being invited into an American neighbor’s home… unless we are intentional about welcoming them.

The Ministry

Tucson Refugee Ministry was established in 2006 to build bridges between the Church and the refugees of Tucson, many of whom are Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu.

We partner with the refugee resettlement agencies to help facilitate practical, tangible ways that Christians can love and serve refugees in the name of Jesus. Volunteer opportunities include Group Adoption, Furnishing an Apartment, Baby Showers, Teaching English, Donations and numerous Special Events.

Group Adoption especially has made a significant difference in refugee families and their adjustment and assimilation to life in America, but it has also brought transformation to many Bible Study groups, Sunday School classes, and entire congregations.

World at our Doorstep

There are new refugee families arriving in Tucson every week that need help navigating in this strange, new country. The nations are at our doorstep and we have an opportunity to literally "welcome the stranger" as we greet them, embrace them and come alongside them to help as they build their new lives.