The EFC and its partners in the
Refugee Resettlement Roundtable produced this practical resource first in 2020 and now revised (2026) to help private sponsors welcome and settle individuals and families into a new life in Canada. The full booklet is 68 pages.
Filled with personal stories from those who have walked the path of sponsorship from the very first stages of inquiry to building relationships with the individuals and families who arrive in Canada, as well as stories and insights from refugees themselves, this resource is a tool for a discussion group or study guide in any church or community considering sponsorship. It will especially help those who want to be involved, but don’t know where to start on the journey of sponsoring refugees to Canada.
The
PDF is available free to download. Printed copies will be available soon.
You may also want to check out the
Welcome Church video training program released in 2022.
Contents
Introduction
SECTION 1: A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
Why should Christians and the Christian community sponsor refugees?
By Roy Berkenbosch
SECTION 2: FACTS AND STATS
Glossary: Explaining the terms
Infographics: World refugee resettlement
Infographics: Canadian refugee resettlement
Map: Resettled refugees in Canada by province/territory
Infographics: How refugees benefit Canada
SECTION 3: CALLED TO WELCOME – SPONSORED REFUGEES
Sponsor stories: The joy of sponsoring refugees.
By Mikel Laurie
Sponsor stories: Welcoming brothers and sisters from a foreign land.
By Fran Oussoren-Hamstra
Refugee stories: Overwhelmed by Christian love.
By Ihsan Alkassar
Refugee stories: From persecution to peace
Timeline: The sponsor's journey
Timeline: The refugee's journey
Sponsorship in action: Best practices and those to avoid
Can my church request Christian refugees?
By Jenny Miedema
SECTION 4: CALLED TO WELCOME – REFUGEE CLAIMANTS
A ministry opportunity: An opportunity to share God's goodness.
By Sam Chaise
Christian organizations working with refugee claimants across Canada
SECTION 5: NEXT STEPS
Discussion questions
Thinking through the best way for you to be involved in caring for refugees
CONCLUSION
Refugee Resettlement Roundtable members
Featured authors
We answer the call to welcome