Even if They Are at the Farthest Horizon, I Will Bring Them Back
International Labor Migration for a Happier Life Is a Characteristic of Globalization
Migration is caused by various factors, but most immigrants have moved to improve their quality of life for higher wages, better living conditions, or family reunification, ultimately seeking a happier life. However, there are also cases where people are forced to migrate against their will. For example, refugees who have fled political oppression, those who have lost their homes due to civil war or natural disasters, and victims of human trafficking can be classified as involuntary migrants.
The causes of migration can be broadly divided into economic factors, national administrative factors, demographic factors, conflicts, environmental factors, and multinational networks. Economic factors, such as widening disparities in quality of life and wages between countries, have attracted migrants to settled countries such as developed nations. Demographic factors, including declining birth rates and labor shortages in advanced countries, combined with labor overcrowding in developing nations, have driven migration movements. Migration also occurs due to environmental factors such as earthquakes, industrial accidents, floods, and droughts, and it mostly occurs domestically. Additionally, multinational networks have played a crucial role in migration by making the process easier for those with family or relatives abroad, acting as catalysts to further encourage migration.
International labor migration has become a major feature of globalization, and more and more countries view it as an essential part of domestic development and employment strategies. There are approximately 105 million migrant workers, and hundreds of billions of dollars earned by migrant workers worldwide have been remitted to developing countries.
Hungry Refugees Are Rapidly Increasing and in Need of International Help
Economic difficulties caused by complex factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and abnormal climate phenomena have accelerated the influx of immigrants and refugees from low-income regions such as Africa, South Asia, and Latin America to high-income regions like Europe and North America.
In Somalia, severe droughts in 2022 led to starvation, malnutrition, and the outbreak of various infectious diseases, displacing approximately 918,000 refugees. In Ethiopia, around 16 million residents in the eastern and southern regions are in need of humanitarian aid. In 2021, 8 million people received food assistance, 1.4 million received nutritional supplements and substitute foods, 1.9 million received agricultural aid, and 2.5 million received health support for drinking water and sanitation supplies.
A United Nations report revealed that, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people suffering from hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean surged by 13.8 million in just one year, reaching a total of 59.7 million. In Venezuela, economic collapse has left the entire population barely surviving on less than $1.90 per day. As of August 2022, the number of Venezuelan refugees surpassed 6.8 million, according to international organizations.
In Haiti, nearly 1 million people in earthquake-affected regions are experiencing severe food shortages, while 4.3 million people—half of the country’s population—do not have enough food to eat. Already facing one of the world’s worst food crises, the country has been devastated by earthquakes and hurricanes, while simultaneously struggling with political instability, violent gangs, and rising food prices.
》Scripture Prayer
(Nehemiah 1:3-11,NIV)3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
5 Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.
7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,
9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.
11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Due to the trend of globalization, many people have left their home countries in search of a better life, hoping to live as immigrants and migrant workers in foreign lands. Let us pray that immigrants around the world will come to realize that even the richest and most powerful nations—offering stability, wealth, comfort, and pleasure—cannot provide true happiness. May God prepare the way for them to hear and believe the gospel, and may His great plan and guiding hand be revealed to them.
2. Nehemiah was a captive and a descendant of slaves, yet he rose to prominence, becoming the cupbearer to the king of Persia. However, when he heard that Jerusalem—the land of his ancestors, where God’s glory once dwelled—had been destroyed, he wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed for several days. God can transform anyone, no matter where they are, even those who chase after wealth, success, stability, and pleasure. Let us pray that among the immigrants in nations around the world, God will raise up witnesses of the gospel of the cross, just like Nehemiah.
3. There are too many people in the world suffering from hunger and starvation. The number of hungry people, internally displaced persons, and refugees has not decreased in the 21st century but has instead continued to rise. Many barely survive on the aid they receive from a few countries and international relief organizations. God’s unceasing tears and mercy are poured out for the nations, for souls like orphans, widows, and wanderers who suffer from hunger, disease, and lack of protection. Let us proclaim that even if they are at the farthest horizon, the Lord’s burning love and passion will surely seek them out, save them, and bring about their restoration as His people.
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