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This Pastor Appreciation Day, we want to highlight a voice whose story embodies both shepherding and advocacy. Pastor Ara Torosian knows what it means to be displaced as a refugee himself having fled religious persecution in Iran and now as a pastor walking with families facing detention and deportation today.
Earlier this year, a video of one such family from his congregation went viral: immigration officers detaining a husband as his wife collapsed in panic nearby. Pastor Ara stood behind the camera, not just as a witness but as their shepherd.
His life and ministry are a powerful reminder that pastoral care often extends beyond the pulpit, calling leaders to stand with the vulnerable in both prayer and action.
In his own words, Pastor Ara reflects on how being a refugee has shaped his calling and why the church must respond with compassion, courage and hope.
October 12 is Pastor Appreciation Day, a day to honor the often unseen work that pastors do in their communities. It’s a moment to reflect on how pastors serve their congregations and how, in our calling, we are also often called to stand for justice and speak out for the oppressed. This year, as I think about my journey in ministry, I’m reminded of the importance of standing alongside refugees and displaced families, a cause that has deeply shaped both my life and my ministry.
As a refugee myself who arrived in the United States in 2010, I understand the struggles and challenges faced by those who are displaced from their homes. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of war, violence, and persecution on individuals and families. I’ve walked alongside refugees from many parts of the world, and I’ve experienced their pain, resilience and hope.
It’s because of my personal experience that I feel compelled to speak on behalf of refugees not as a distant observer, but as someone who has lived through the hardship of displacement and resettlement.
A Refugee’s Perspective
I was born and raised in a country that was torn apart by violence and unrest. In 2010, like so many others, I was forced to leave my home and start anew in the United States. My story is not unique — millions of people around the world are forced to flee their homes every year because of war, persecution and natural disasters. What is unique, however, is the calling God has placed on my life as a pastor who has experienced the refugee journey firsthand.
When I arrived in the U.S., I faced a new set of challenges learning a new language, navigating a foreign culture and adapting to a system that was unfamiliar. But one of the most difficult challenges I encountered was the feeling of being invisible, of being part of a group that is often marginalized, misunderstood, and overlooked.
In my years of ministry, I’ve had the privilege of serving refugees in various parts of the world, and I’ve witnessed their resilience and strength. Yet, despite all of the challenges they face, refugees continue to hold on to hope, hope for a better future, hope for a safe place to call home, and hope for peace.
The Role of a Pastor
As a pastor, I believe it is not enough to simply pray for refugees and immigrants. We are called to stand with them, to be advocates for them and to walk alongside them in their journey. For me, this advocacy is not just about words; it’s about action. It’s about helping refugees feel seen, valued and heard.
When I arrived in the United States, I found comfort in the support of churches and individuals who welcomed me, who listened to my story, and who helped me navigate the many obstacles I faced. This experience has deeply shaped the way I serve refugees today. I’ve learned that being present, offering emotional support, and providing practical help can make all the difference in the world to someone who has lost everything.
The church has a unique opportunity and responsibility to stand for justice and to be a voice for the voiceless. Refugees are often the most vulnerable in our society, and as followers of Christ, we are called to serve them with compassion and to speak out for their rights. It’s not just a social justice issue, it’s a gospel issue.
This Pastor Appreciation Day, I urge my fellow pastors, church leaders, and Christians everywhere to consider how they can respond to the refugee crisis. There is so much we can do from advocating for policies that protect displaced families to welcoming refugees into our communities and offering them support as they rebuild their lives.
The work is not easy, and the needs are great. But I believe the church is uniquely positioned to be a force for good in the lives of refugees. The Lord has given us the gift of hospitality, compassion and advocacy. We are called to reflect His love in action, to open our hearts to the stranger and to stand for justice on behalf of those who have no voice.
I want to remind us all that refugees are not just statistics or abstract issues. They are real people, men, women and children who have lost everything. They are mothers and fathers who are trying to protect their children. They are young people who are searching for a future. And, above all, they are brothers and sisters in Christ, deserving of our love, care and advocacy.
As a pastor who has lived this experience, I can say with confidence that our communities and our world are made richer when we welcome the stranger and stand with the displaced. It is not just an act of charity, but a deep reflection of the gospel message that we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, no matter their background, their country of origin or their status.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Day, I want to encourage pastors everywhere to embrace the call to advocate for refugees and immigrants. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless, to walk alongside those in crisis and to be a tangible expression of God’s love in a world that desperately needs hope.
The journey for refugees is long, difficult and filled with uncertainty. But with God’s grace, we can be part of their story offering not just temporary help, but lasting hope. Together, we can make a difference.
Pastor Ara Torosian came to the United States in 2010 with his wife as refugees, having fled religious persecution in Iran. For over 25 years he has worked among refugees in Europe and Turkey, and now he serves the Iranian community in Los Angeles advocating for their rights, offering pastoral care and helping the navigation of complex asylum and immigration systems. In addition to his ministry work, Ara is an award-winning filmmaker who uses art and cinema to raise awareness of social issues in Iran and is a vocal advocate for Iranian refugees in the U.S., speaking out when members of his congregation are detained and seeking justice on their behalf
