The wastefulness of war
Unprecedented
Amid chaos and suffering, God is using you to overcome all
Dear Family,
“Unprecedented.” That’s how the Syrian suffering has been described.
But one of our partners in Lebanon recently visited some churches and outreach organizations inside Syria, and was astounded by what he found.
Such as the church through which you have provided food parcels for 100 of the neediest families every month for the last 4-1/2 years! It truly amazes me how God has used you and me to accomplish this amazing work of compassion!
Here is some of what they learned and witnessed:
Other than the 5-million-plus who fled the country, More than 13 million people in Syria today are in need of humanitarian assistance, almost half of which are in acute need. The UN estimates about 2.6 million are children. According to U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria crisis, Panos Moumtzis, “the suffering endured by children…is unprecedented and unacceptable“. The level of destruction they saw in certain cities and towns is equally unprecedented. While some displaced families were able to return to their home towns and villages, others have no homes to go back to.
The stories and the circumstances are heartbreaking. Yet, in the midst of these dark times, we witnessed glimmers of hope through the ministries of our partner churches and community-based organizations.
On Friday morning, we attended a service at a small partner church where around 300 women and men, from all tribes and peoples, young and old, huddled in the pews. Additional chairs were set-up in every possible place in the sanctuary. Still, there were not enough chairs for all, and some remained standing throughout the service. Not even the rainwater dropping on them from the leakage in the hallway roof could hinder them from staying. There were no hymnbooks. The broken-down computer prevented the projection of the lyrics on the screens. Instead, they were aided by sheets of paper that were distributed during the service. They did not mind. Their worship was astounding.
Standing room only, even out into the hallways and stairs; even the platform is filled with worshipers!
I want you to have a closer look, but for security reasons we cannot send images that might cause additional persecution for our brothers and sisters.
But I have an idea!
If you have Skype and would be interested in learning more about what God is doing through you, I would love to talk with you personally and “share my screen” with you (it’s a very simple process that allows you to see photos on my laptop’s screen…I don’t see your screen). Please contact me at [email protected] and we’ll set something up.
Thank you so much for your support. I know someday you will meet people whom you’ve helped—people who will be part of the kingdom of God, all because of your love. What a glorious day and reunion that will be!!
Blessings to you,
Becky
Director, Refugee Ministry
