International Christian Broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) has begun implementing the first phase of their project to reach refugees stranded across Europe with messages of hope and comfort.
The United Nations, along with refugee agencies, are increasingly recognising stress, depression and mental illness as serious problems which face refugees, for whom the difficult journey to a refugee camp may be only the first in a long series of challenges. Culture shock and disillusionment, compounded by the difficulties of navigating a language barrier, are leading to high levels of stress in a group of people already affected by the trauma of leaving war-torn countries.
What could be more comforting for a refugee than hearing timely spiritual encouragement in his or her heart language?
TWR have therefore created Refugee Bridge, an Android app which brings together TWR’s audio content with a format readily accessible to refugees via their smart-phones. Refugees typically carry smart-phones in order to navigate, to keep up to date with news and to remain in contact with family members.
Available now in Arabic, Refugee Bridge repurposes radio programmes originally produced for use in Syria and Lebanon. The app contains Hope for Syria episodes and Women of Hope programmes, all of which are especially relevant for refugees.
The next step is to create and upload fresh, tailor-made programmes for incoming refugees to Europe in a variety of languages, beginning with Farsi, and even add a collection of videos. They will provide biblical counsel on refugee-specific issues, such as displacement and loneliness.
