"When we arrived in Australia, you met us at the gate. It was a beautiful scene. I believe that you and your organisation are God's hand for His people."
R*, Iranian convert, 2023.
Refugee Travel Assistance
Supporting displaced Christians with travel fees.
Reference: 210-6
When people are forced to flee their homes, they often escape with nothing in their hands.
Long-term displacement creates daily survival challenges, leaving them with no opportunity to save money or plan for any travel – especially for permanent relocation overseas.
Philoi supports persecuted minorities by providing essential travel assistance after they obtain valid visas, arranging safe passage to another country. We help individuals and families secure travel bookings and ticketing. We have successfully assisted people travelling to Australia, Brazil, and Canada.
In many cases, people must leave their home country suddenly because of violence, persecution, or other threats in their host countries. Others may be given a change to resettle safely in another country, such as Australia.
One such story is R*’s. An Iranian underground church leader, R was arrested and tortured by authorities for his faith:
"The Iranian intelligence had discovered I was secretly talking to people about Jesus. When they interrogated me, I told them the truth: That I had met Jesus in my dream, and he saved me.
Then they beat me very hard, I still have the marks on my body years later. I really wanted to stay in Iran, but it was impossible."
To escape further persecution, he and his family fled to Turkey, where they spent years waiting in uncertainty for a durable solution.
"I was forced to leave my country and my land, all my life, everything I had built. When we arrived in Turkey, it was very hard. We didn't know that language and were caring for two small children. We were not allowed to work."
In time, R and his family were granted a Humanitarian (subclass 202) visa to Australia and were sponsored by Philoi Global. As a sponsoring organisation, Philoi covers international travel and initial resettlement costs for the refugees we propose and support.
"I found your organisation, and you took time to learn my life story, my circumstances, and case. You would try with all your hearts to help us find safety.
I will never forget your service... In your eyes, I felt the peace and friendship that God's words speaks. May your service continue to shine."
With the generosity of our partners and donors, R’s family is now safely settled in Australia, living a life free from fear.
“Thank you for giving me an opportunity. There are many people like me in the world who need a helping hand. I believe that you and your organisation are God’s hand for His people.”
Today, R is working with the church in ministry, his wife is studying English, and their sons are following an apprenticeship program to become electricians.
The average cost to support a refugee’s travel to Australia is $1500 AUD. Would you consider contributing to help families reach safety and begin again?
*Name changed for security reasons.