In this Youth Updates we welcomed along Lian from We Are Tearfund who chatted to us about the topics of racial injustice, the refugee crisis and being a leader in justice. This blog is an abridged version of the interview and doesn’t include the young people’s voices on each topic, so do listen to the podcast to hear the full content!
Lian is part of We Are Tearfund; a community of young people and young adults who believe that we are part of the solution, through Jesus, to see extreme poverty eradicated and to stand against injustice all over the world.
Topic: Racial Injustice
What’s a story in the Bible that you see speaks into today’s issue of racial injustice?
Lian: The story of the Samaritan woman at the well. First of all, she was a woman which in those days meant she was seen as marginalised and on the fringes. Jesus was such an advocate, and we see that Jesus meets her at the well, where she has a need and where other people aren’t there at the same time. She’s aware of her disadvantage and Jesus breaks boundaries by stepping into that space and seeing her for who she is. In society, especially youth culture, people are mistreated for the way they look, their background, their gender, their race etc. And in this story, we see Jesus completely embrace differences. When we see people being mistreated this is the stuff that breaks Jesus’ heart. We are called as Christians to step out into those spaces where the marginalised are.
What do we learn from Jesus specifically in this story and how can we put it into action?
Lian: Jesus is intentional in breaking and crossing boundaries. One of the things I love about young people is that they aren’t bound by boundaries; they are willing to challenge the norm. We want to encourage that. Culture might tell us to do one thing, but the kingdom of God tells us to do another thing. Jesus was intentional – he went to the well, but young people can go to school, church or whatever environment they’re in and cross those boundaries and advocate for people. There’s lots of ways to advocate such as petitions. It’s not always the most obvious ways. Things like George Floyd were very public, but in school it’s about asking ‘are there things you see as unjust, unfair? Did you pray? Did you do anything? Do you urge your youth group to pray? To be an ally?’ Social media is a great place – there are accounts like ‘everydayracism’ which are quite informative about what racism is like in this day and age.
Topic: Refugee Crisis
So the refugee crisis, what is the problem? Can you give us some stats?
Lian: In 2021 there were 89.3 million displaced people in the world and figures are rising as we go into 2023. Just over 40% of those are under the age of 18.
It’s clear to us this isn’t God’s plan for people to be fleeing. It’s important to note that whilst we have seen a lot of talk of refugees in Europe, most are from places like South Sudan, Myanmar and Afghanistan. Also, lots have been going to neighbouring countries who have similar issues.
How do we get youth and young people engaged with the refugee crisis?
Lian: Two ways. The first is the more spiritual aspect and examples in the Bible. Jesus seeks refuge multiple times but we don’t often call him a refugee though. How we treat refugees is a representation of what is in our hearts. There’s lots of praying and research to be doing and listening to the Lord.
Secondly, more practical things like petitions and staying abreast of what’s going on. It’s about encouraging youth groups to stay aware of what’s going on in the news. You don’t want to be insular but advocating for our global neighbours.
It’s also biblical, in Matthew Jesus talks about how you treat the least of these is how you treated me. Refugees arent the least of these- they are just like us. We need to take time to think how we can be influential and impactful.
So, how does the climate crisis link to other justice issues?
Lian: Issues of injustice are interconnected. People affected by climate change the most, contribute to it the least and are often the ones who have to flee because of the effects of climate change affecting them the first and the worst. There are more droughts and extreme rain, and with extreme weather crops can’t grow so then people aren’t able to feed their families and communities – it has a knock-on effect. The climate crisis impacts the refugee crisis and it’s fascinating how they all connect.
Tearfund and Youthscape did research called ‘Burning down the house’ (https://wearetearfund.org/burning-down-the-house/). In this, 9/10 young people were worried about climate change, but only 1/10 thought their church was doing enough on the topic. It’s why we are challenging people to do stuff, because young people care about the climate.
So how can someone take action? What can we do?
At Tearfund, we are doing an exciting fundraiser called ‘Dare to Journey’ to help raise awareness of the refugee crisis by travelling the same distance refugees have. En route people can give you a series of dares to make it more challenging/more meaningful. It’s an incredible way to join in and raise awareness.
More info here: https://wearetearfund.org/dare-to-journey/
Topic: Being a leader in justice
So at We Are Tearfund, you invest in the future leaders who can speak and challenge injustice. What does being a leader in justice mean?
Lian: We believe they’re not future leaders – they already are leaders. Not leaders of tomorrow as they are already leading… we just want to be on that journey with them.
Before any of us were in the space of leadership justice, people were doing this from back in the day in the Bible. It’s about letting justice be part of your everyday. It’s not just a good thing but a God thing. What I say and do have to match up – I don’t do justice part-time or do it just because I work for Tearfund. I’m a Christian and I’m called to respond to justice.
Leading in justice is being intentional and focussed and it being part of who you are and called to be.
How does this relate to your own leadership journey?
Lian: I don’t think I ever thought I was a leader growing up but I was passionate about stuff and being passionate about stuff and acting on that makes you a leader. When I was at church, my parents were pastors and were out every Sunday night. I made a petition so one Sunday night per month could be off for family time. I was about 11 years old and 12 people signed a petition. I went to the pastor and said, “there’s a group of us who want more family time, here’s our petition”. To this day, the church still doesn’t meet on the 4th Sunday evening in a month and it’s dedicated to family time. If that can have an impact as a child, young people can really make a difference – it’s about being passionate and acting on it.
Do you have any opportunities for young people to become leaders?
Lian: We have a 6-week leadership course online called ‘emerging influencers’ which happens a few times a year (https://wearetearfund.org/emerging-influencers/), for those passionate about justice – they get sessions, mentoring, time hearing from experts and time in small groups to help them impact their world and community. We invest and equip in young leaders.
Word of the month:
That slaps = when someone relates to something or is saying something is really good.
Eg. “That song slaps.” “Garlic dip with pizza slaps”