Larry L. Winckles
The largest percentage of refugees seeking asylum in the European Union are fleeing the war-torn Middle Eastern and North African countries of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. They have escaped with only what they can carry, and often have had to pay human traffickers to transport them by boat to European shores. Countries that are members of the European Union (EU) are obliged to follow the requirements of the Dublin Accord, which states that asylum seekers must register and be processed in the first EU country that they enter. In addition to asylum seekers, economic immigrants have sought to take advantage of the refugee crisis in hopes of gaining entry into Europe as well. In 2015 over one million migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea, with the majority entering during the second half of the year through Greece (85 percent) and Italy (15 percent). Most governments were unprepared to deal with such a massive influx of immigrants.
From Greece to Hungary
Greece, in particular, is in chaos, and does not have the resources to adequately process immigrants nor secure its borders, thereby opening up a Balkan route into the European Union. Immigrants travel from Greece through Macedonia and Serbia, eventually arriving at the Hungarian border. What started with a hundred per day escalated by early September 2015 to well over 10,000 per day. At the beginning of 2015, according to Hungarian law, illegal immigrants were to be transported to refugee camps where they were to be registered and where they were to have the opportunity to apply for asylum. In the case of economic immigrants, asylum applicants were to be denied and deported. Those granted asylum receive residence permits and become eligible to work and receive social benefits.
Hungary Overwhelmed
Hungary managed to adequately manage the influx of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers until two new circumstances intervened. First, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on 31 December 2015, announced that Germany would welcome Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghan refugees. Germany has a much stronger economy than Hungary, has more job opportunities, and is able to provide many more social benefits and much more support to refugees. The message seemed to be clear: “Come to Germany!” Second, thousands of people attempting to move north through the Balkans to Germany overwhelmed border controls in Greece, Macedonia, and Serbia.
Hungary Blocks Its Border
It was at this point, on 16 September 2015, that, after having registered almost 400,000 arrivals, Hungary officially sealed its border with Serbia, erecting a razor-wire fence along the entire border between the two countries. At the same time, the Hungarian Parliament enacted laws that made illegal border crossing a crime punishable by imprisonment and deportation, rather than a misdemeanor involving transportation to a refugee camp for legal processing. The Hungarian military was also authorized to support the border patrol and police in stemming the flow of immigrants from Serbia. While not able to use deadly force to subdue border violators, they were authorized to use other deterrents including water cannons, tear gas, and truncheons. European leaders and human rights organizations have criticized Hungary for its poor treatment of immigrants. In response, Hungary has defended itself for not allowing immigrants to travel on to Austria by saying it was adhering strictly to the Dublin Accord.
Desperate Immigrants in Hungary Make Their Own Way
Hungary’s fence did divert many immigrants through Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria on their way to Germany. But many others who had entered Hungary before the fence went up refused to be processed in Hungarian refugee camps, attempting instead to make their way to Germany. Austria’s ban on immigrant transit, in turn, led to a brisk business for human traffickers, who offered to transport individuals or groups from Hungary to Germany for a large fee. This worked for some people, but unfortunately for others it did not, as evidenced by the 71 refugees who died in a sealed refrigerator truck on 27 August 2015 on the road from Budapest to Vienna.
The attention of the world became focused on Hungary. Immigrants who were not in camps in Hungary began to gather at the main train stations in Budapest and in several other large cities. By the last week of August 2015, well over 3,000 people had camped out at Budapest’s Keleti Train Station, with smaller groups located at other city train stations and in some nearby parks. Finally, a large group of over a thousand immigrants decided that they would leave the squalid conditions of the Keleti Train Station, setting off for Austria on foot. Eventually the standoff was broken when Austria and Germany agreed to suspend the rules for humanitarian reasons, allowing immigrants in Hungary free passage out of the country. On 5 September Hungary also provided 100 buses to transport immigrants from railway stations and the highway to the Austrian border.
At the same time, many other immigrants in other parts of Hungary, as well as those not yet in the country, were still desperate to reach Germany. Rail service was resumed to the Austrian border, and immigrants with tickets were allowed onto trains. So, day by day railway stations filled up with immigrants who were merely there in transit, waiting for the next train to the border in hopes that there would be space for them to board. Unfortunately, human traffickers were—and still are—also hard at work.
Greek Actions of Late
Meanwhile, the daily flow of immigrants crossing from Greece into Macedonia declined in the winter of 2015-16, in part due to colder weather and in part due to a strike of ferry workers responsible for transportation from Greek islands. Frontex forces (the European Union body responsible for border protection and security), now deployed at the Greek-Macedonian border, are carefully checking documents and only allowing people from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan to pass. All others are returned to Athens by bus. This has led to a thriving document forgery business, preying on individuals who are indeed economic immigrants rather than refugees.
Europe Divided
Europe is deeply divided over the current immigration crisis. Leaders of some countries are motivated by an ethical and moral imperative to receive refugees. Leaders of other countries, however, believe that the current refugee crisis is tantamount to a Muslim invasion of Europe. They insist that Arab nations need to be the ones offering assistance and granting asylum, and that Greek and Italian coastal borders must be secured. Not only Hungary but Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic have taken a hardline stance opposing the acceptance of more Middle East refugees. Still, this anti-immigrant position has not stopped the flow of immigrants, but rather diverted it through Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria, en route to Germany.
Who Is Helping?
Europe is facing a political and humanitarian crisis of monumental proportions. The reality is that thousands of people continue to risk their lives trying to reach Germany, and at every step of the way they are in dire need. In the case of Hungary, relief groups and concerned citizens, as well as tourists from abroad, joined in spontaneous efforts to provide for the needs of immigrants. The Hungarian government made little effort to assist immigrants who were not at one of the refugee camps. So early in the summer of 2015, concerned Hungarians and other residents of Hungary organized a grassroots effort to offer aid to immigrants. This NGO, Migration Aid, worked to provide medical care, food, blankets, and shelter to immigrants gathering at railway stations and detention centers. In addition, faithbased organizations have assisted in various ways as they are able. Their grassroots collaborative effort, Christians for Migrants, also ministered at the main detention point in southern Hungary near a village called Röszike. In addition, numerous independent volunteers ministered to immigrants, including university students and tourists who happened to be in Budapest at the time.
In the wider context the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has established refugee camps in several countries. Non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and the Salvation Army have deployed personnel and volunteers. Some European church groups and mission organizations, such as One Mission Society, have sent volunteers and aided in relief efforts. But it has not been enough.
“Where Are the Christians?”
More volunteers and more resources are needed. But the politics of fear and rising ultra-nationalism in Europe (and abroad) are keeping many people from even caring about the situation. As one aid worker at the Greek-Macedonian border reported, many of the refugees have heard about Christianity but have never encountered a Christian in person. They are curious and want to know more. Many ask, “Where are the Christians?” This indeed is a good question. Where are the Christians?
Throughout the Old Testament God called his people to show kindness and compassion to strangers and foreigners. The New Testament affirms this call, with particular injunctions for care for widows, orphans, the poor, and the oppressed. The Free Methodist Church in Hungary, which I serve, affirms this biblical position and encourages its congregations and members to demonstrate the love of Christ by engaging in compassionate ministries directed toward immigrants of any kind, as well as other needy populations, either on their own initiative or in partnership with other like-minded organizations.
What Do the Hungarian People Think?
At the same time, many people in Hungary are opposed to letting any immigrants into the country, and indeed, object to helping even those who have already entered the country. Some immigrants have been subjected to insults and violence, and scattered anti-immigrant graffiti has appeared in Budapest. Four objections in particular are raised: 1) the people coming in are either ISIS, al-Qaeda, or Taliban terrorists; 2) they are not Christians and therefore should be helped by people and countries of their own faith; 3) helping some immigrants will only encourage more to come; and 4) immigrants are breaking the law, and lawbreakers should be punished, not assisted. These sentiments mirror those of the Hungarian government.
What Is Wrong with This Picture?
It is important to state that the four reasons listed above are not biblical. Fortunately, as noted, there are Hungarian believers who realize this and who are working sacrificially to help those in need.
- Some terrorists may indeed be among the more than one million refugees who entered Europe in 2015, just as some “home-grown” terrorists also pose threats. It should be kept in mind that those who perpetrated mass shootings in Columbine, Colorado; Sandy Hook, Massachusetts; Oslo, Norway; and Charleston, South Carolina, were not immigrants, but were fellow citizens of those they terrorized. The problem is not terrorists per se, but societies that are broken, and no part of the world is exempt from this brokenness. Our societies need to be restored, and compassionate Christians can help in that restoration.
- When Jesus was asked “Who is my neighbor?” he responded by telling the story of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were despised and hated by the Jews. They had a different faith. They lived in their own area, which Jews hesitated to pass through. But it was a Samaritan who helped the wounded traveler. Jesus concludes the parable with a question and a command. “Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10: 36- 37). (All biblical citations are from the New International Version.)
- Christians are commanded to give generously. The Apostle Paul writes, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9: 6-11).
- Individual Christians may not have the ability to affect the legal status of refugees. That typically is the job of the government. But Christians do have a responsibility to demonstrate the love of Christ. Jesus said that those who minister to others in need are also ministering to Him. Matthew 25:35 reads, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings everyone to the same level. In Galatians 3:28 Paul writes: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” So in God’s eyes no distinction exists between Hungarians and Syrians or between refugees and citizens of a country. It may be argued that this verse is referring to believers, not to everyone. And this is true. But it is important to remember that some of the refugees are Christian; the Great Commission instructs Christians to make disciples of all nations; and Christians no longer live under the law, but under grace.
Should not that grace be demonstrated to immigrants as well? Christians should not be afraid. Christians should do what is right. And Christians should love as Jesus loved, showing compassion to the poor, the homeless, the lost, the sinner, the foreigner, and even immigrants. In responding to the refugee crisis Christians should keep in mind Philippians 2:1-5: “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”
What Else Can Be Done to Help?
Free Methodist World Missions, like other churches and ministries in Hungary, have received many inquiries about the immigration crisis in Hungary. People want to know what they can do to help. Some want to send money. Others want to come to Hungary to help with relief efforts. Many are looking for guidance. It is hard to give specific advice, however, because the situation has been changing dramatically and almost daily. Still, some suggestions come to mind.
- Pray: Download the document, “10 Ways to Pray for Refugees,” from the International Association for Refugees at https://www.iafr. org/toolbox/articles-handouts;
- Give: Make an online donation to an organization that is working directly with the refugees, such as: The Free Methodist Bishops’ Crisis Response Fund (https://fmcusa.org/bfund/ and specify “Refugees in Hungary”); Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (https://www. ncm.org/refugees.html); One Mission Society (https://onemissionsociety.org/give/ Middle-East-Refugee-Fund); The Mission Society (https://www.themissionsociety. org/give); The Salvation Army (http:// donate,salvationarmyusa.org/europeanrefugee-relief); Samaritan’s Purse (http://www. samaritanspurse.org/disaster/refugee-crisis-ineurope/); World Relief (https://refugeecrisis>>.
- .Sponsor: Readers in the United States should note that their government allows its citizens to help directly in immigrant resettlement only in the case of family members. Otherwise, only refugees who have officially been granted asylum are eligible for potential relocation. Statistics show that less than one percent of refugees who are granted asylum are relocated to another country. Most stay in the country that grants them asylum. However, it is possible to work with refugee relocation agencies in the United States that place refugee families and arrange for support services. For a state by state listing of U.S. agencies that assist refugee resettlement see: http://cwsglobal. org/our-work/refugees-and-immigrants/ welcoming-communities/refugee-andimmigrant-offices/.
Larry L. Winckles is the Europe Area Administrator of Free Methodist World Missions. He and his wife, Katie, have served in Budapest, Hungary, since August 2000.