STATISTICS
70.8 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE
ARE FORCIBLY DISPLACED
25.9 MILLION REFUGEES
TO DATE
2/3 OF REFUGEES come from just five countries:
Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia
A STORY FROM A REFUGEE (AMIRA*)
Amira is a widow with many children. Living in a foreign place, having fled terrorism and losing contact with two of her children, Amira felt lost. She was desperate to find hope.
One day, Amira responded to a message from an online ministry campaign from a Christian media ministry: “Want to know more about Jesus and his personal love for you?” Amira was intrigued, and went online to find out more. Upon discovering different resources, she was touched by the gospel and filled up a form stating: “I want to study the Bible online. I am not a Christian but I need to know this Christ.”
A media ministry worker began conversing with Amira on Whatsapp. Amira told him, “I do not want to remain ignorant. I want the knowledge that leads to the truth.” She also shared a dream that Mary showed her the Lord laying in a manger. Amira said she didn’t know if it was real but she was trembling inside. The worker told her that none of this was a coincidence, and that the Lord was knocking on the door of her heart. She accepted Christ that very day, and soon three of her children did too. Since then, Amira and her family have met regularly with local believers, growing in their faith. She isn’t sure what the future holds, but knows in her heart that she belongs to the King of Glory.
WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
There are so many refugees and internally displaced peoples across the Middle East. From Syria alone, 13.5 million were identified as displaced and needing humanitarian intervention following the Civil War. Hundreds of thousands have fled with nothing, embarking on dangerous journeys just to try to reach safety. This is especially dangerous for women and children if they are separated from their families and do not have male guardians accompanying them.
HOW CAN WE PRAY?
– Pray for travelling mercies, for basic sustenance, and safety in such dangerous conditions.
– Ask God to comfort them. Children have seen things that they should never have seen. Many women have been left destitute, forced to raise their children and work while living in uncertain conditions.
– Pray for these countries’ authorities, that there would be wisdom, compassion, and a resolve to find peace.
– Pray for Middle Eastern churches to be a witness of light and love as they nourish bodies, souls, and hearts.
Want to find out more?
Visit www.arabworldmedia.org/ or @arabworldmedia on IG for more information.