Several times a week, men, women and children refugees come to the National Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Mafraq to register their names, and needs, in order to receive emergency items.  Some are new refugees who have recently crossed the border, and others have been here up to two years.  All of them have needs and their needs are overwhelming; the church leadership is doing their best to attend these needs as resources and staff allow.  You can imagine that these people have come across the border with only the clothes on their backs.  They need food, shelter, mattresses, blankets, pillows, stoves, heaters, etc.  About 130,000 of them are in the Zaatari Refugee Camp near the Syrian border.  They are cared for by the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies.  However, many refugees are not in refugee camps, these are the ones that the church seeks to help.

As we visited the homes, we noticed that some of the Syrian boys and girls are not able to go to school because there are not enough schools and teachers.  Recently the church started a school program, they now have thirty-six students and anticipate many more when space becomes available and teachers and or volunteers permit.

When talking with Rev. Nour Sahawneh from the CMA Church and his dedicated team, they will tell you that there are greater needs foremergency items than the funds available to them.  They have now thousands of people registered to receive assistance but not all of these people will be able to receive help unless more contributions are donated.

“Ministering to refugees is a two-way action as we minister to them, we are always amazed by their kindness, generosity, and resilientspirit; they are fighting for life and dignity.  We learn volumesof lessons, and receive God’s grace through these contacts,” said Rev. Awad.

“As we have spent time with the Syrian people, we have been engaging in incarnational ministry,” mentioned Rev. Kroger.

We urge everyone to pray for the end of the conflict in Syria so that these refugees mayreturn to their homeland and rebuild their beautiful country.  Meanwhile, we urge you to direct your donations via our website to: Syrian Refugeesso that more teams can go to Mafraq.

United Methodists can assist by directing a donation to the Shepherd Society Advance #3020439 and designate for Syrian Refugees.  The Shepherd Society is an affiliate of Bethlehem Bible College.

Read More of the Mission to Mafraq 3

1.  Mission to Mafraq 3

2.  Mission to Mafraq 3: Visiting Syrian Refugees in their Homes

3.  Mission to Mafraq 3: Humanitarian Outreach of the CMA Church