Around 30 participants gathered at the Finnish Bible Institute in Kauniainen, Finland, on 15–17 October 2026 for the fourth Nordic Refuge conference. Previous conferences have been held in Norway, Denmark and Finland. This time, Petra31 took the lead in organising the gathering, which explored how Christians can share the hope of Christ, support refugees and migrants, and encourage one another in ministry.

Petra31 is a Finnish organisation that grew out of Christians’ shared experiences of helping refugees and asylum seekers. The conference brought together representatives of churches, mission agencies, Christian organisations and the public sector from across the Nordic countries.

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A spirit of hospitality enabled participants to set aside political differences and focus on a shared calling: loving their neighbours and bearing one another’s burdens. Through personal testimonies, expert presentations and practical workshops, the conference connected its themes of human dignity, hope and belonging with the everyday realities of Christian service.

Finding purpose in helping others

Hallgeir Berge shared how a devastating car accident had left him believing his life was over. He described finding renewed purpose through helping others. Today, his work includes helping families reunite in Norway. His testimony offered a moving perspective on how hope can emerge from suffering and inspire service to others.

Lawyer Terhi Tafari addressed human trafficking and share about her work supporting victims who have been exploited in other European countries and subsequently sought refuge in Finland. Her presentation highlighted the difficult circumstances survivors face and the importance of legal assistance in seeking protection. A workshop by Kaisa Huhtala developed this practical focus, exploring how to help victims of human trafficking.

Together, these contributions invited participants to consider how Christian compassion takes shape through patient accompaniment, professional expertise and practical support.

Sharing the gospel across cultures

Timo Keskitalo spoke about evangelism among Muslims in Helsinki and the importance of ethnic churches. His contribution highlighted the place of these congregations in Christian outreach and community life.

Nils Malmström shared experiences from Sweden, describing how ethnic churches are networking with local congregations. These presentations encouraged participants to consider how relationships across cultural and congregational boundaries can strengthen the church’s witness and create opportunities for cooperation.

Father Peter Schiel introduced the multicultural work of the Orthodox Church of Finland, offering another perspective on welcoming and serving people from diverse backgrounds.

A workshop led by Juan Castillo and Timo Keskitalo provided space to explore multicultural church life more closely. Ulla Dahlen’s workshop on volunteer wellbeing addressed the needs of those who are spending much time and effort caring about others. Supporting refugees and migrants can be demanding, making mutual encouragement and care essential to sustaining the work.

Strengthening cooperation

Ulla Siirto presented the Finnish Ecumenical Council’s work concerning refugees.

Participants also had an opportunity to speak with Finnish Member of Parliament Inka Hopsu about human rights and the situation of people seeking refuge.

The range of experiences represented at the conference helped connect local ministry with wider networks of support. Participants could learn from people serving in different denominations, organisations and public services, while recognising concerns and responsibilities they shared.

The biblical call to bear one another’s burdens gave a common direction to these encounters. Karl Baroch, a refugee from Pakistan living in Finland, and Wosenu Dandena from Ethiopia provided biblical teaching that grounded the conference in this shared calling. Their contributions reminded participants that those supporting their neighbours also need relationships in which they can share questions, receive encouragement and ask for help.

Continuing around the coffee table

An initiative to organise local coffee gatherings among those supporting refugees and migrants was launched under the name Lydia Network. Participants committed to bringing helpers together in their own communities to exchange experiences, discuss local needs and support one another. Petra31 will support those who wish to start a group, helping the relationships formed at the conference grow into lasting local cooperation.

The aim is to keep relationships active between conferences and strengthen cooperation where people live and serve. A shared coffee table can become a place to listen, build trust and discover practical ways to help.

The Nordic Conference for Refugee Ministry is coordinated by a team comprising Juan Castillo of the Finnish Pentecostal Church, Annina Rautalahti of the Finnish Lutheran Overseas Mission (Kylväjä), Jarkko Willmann of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, John F. Wallace and Atle Eikeland of the Church of Norway, and Enok Sørensen of the Danish Lutheran mission organisation.

Learn more about the Nordic Conference for Refugee Ministry by visiting its website.