As of this writing, the conflict in Syria has impacted an estimated 9.3 million people—nearly as many as those affected by the combined crises of Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
If nothing else, the conflict has become more entrenched and more complicated with the rise of religious extremism, which threatens the stability of both Syria and Iraq. Refugees continue to flood into the countries surrounding Syria.
A colleague of ours recently gave an analogy regarding the flood of refugees into the nation where we serve. He said it is akin to the entire population of Canada fleeing to the United States over the course of four years—two times over.
Local Believers Sacrifice
In the face of this massive humanitarian crisis, the Father has been working mightily through His Body. Many believers in this country have become the Son’s hands and feet, giving sacrificially of their time and money to care for displaced Syrian families.
We were privileged to join forces with some amazing people during the year we worked in an Alliance church in this country that is caring for this population. We have since handed off our responsibilities to some devoted staff members who serve with Compassion and Mercy Associates (CAMA), the relief and development arm of The Alliance.
We’ve continued to work with Syrian refugees since moving back to the city. Our ministries here include English classes, outreach events, visitation, distribution of hygiene products, and providing school supplies and Christmas gifts.
A Sacred Request
During this holy month for the majority religion in this region (here it’s June 16–July 18), we implore you to remember those affected by the Syrian conflict. Remember the refugees who have lost loved ones, possessions, and all hope for the future.
Remember those in the countries who have taken them in, as their presence has strained the resources and stability of these already struggling nations. Ask for wisdom for believers, that they might be brave and loving as they continue to be the Son’s hands and feet to the millions affected by this wretched conflict.
—Based on a report by an Alliance international worker serving in a creative-access country. Photo courtesy of an Alliance international worker
Pray
Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to join the Alliance family in interceding on behalf of Alliance people worldwide, particularly those in creative-access environments who serve in challenging circumstances that require Holy Spirit–inspired wisdom and creativity to communicate God’s love to those who don’t know Him.
Learn More
Edward Awabdeh pastors an Alliance church in the heart of war-torn Syria. His brother, Raed, leads a significant outreach to disenfranchised Middle Eastern immigrants in Sacramento, California. The Awabdeh brothers’ ministries are part of the spiritual legacy of a young Alliance missionary who obeyed God and went to Syria with the gospel decades ago.
Read an Alliance Life article about Raed’s fruitful ministry.
Watch Raed and Edward’s message—describing the unprecedented openness to the good news in the Middle East today—presented to the Alliance family at Council 2015 in Long Beach, California, in May.