Partnering with Arab Christians, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is making a difference in the beleaguered lives of Middle Eastern refugees. In recent months the refugee situation in countries like Syria and Iraq has escalated resulting in thousands of people fleeing into neighboring countries or into refugee camps. Christian Arabs are sharing the love of Christ with these displaced peoples through a verbal witness as well as by feeding the hungry and clothing those who are in desperate need.
When the funds from CBF were delivered, one Arab Christian leader declared, “this is not merely money; this is an answer to our prayers!” The funds will be used to buy blankets, gas for heaters and portable stoves, mattresses, food, cooking utensils, milk for babies, diapers, clothes, jackets, washing machines for community use, portable heaters, pillows, and medicines for critical needs.
Partners ask that CBF follow up their contributions with prayers for those who are working among the refugee camps; specifically they ask CBF to pray for safety for their workers. Refugee camps are often places where violence erupts quickly. Both spiritual and physical protection are regular petitions of relief workers.
Work among refugees is a long-term commitment. “Poverty of relationship” is as debilitating condition among the oppressed. CBF field personnel describe the work of their Arab Christian partners as “a consistent, holistic ministry that is addressing, not only the physical poverty of these refugee communities, but also enabling relationships that restore a sense of humanity to thousands of people who suddenly found themselves marginalized and isolated. This is the church at work. We are so pleased to be in partnership with these dedicated Christians.” CBF field personnel added, “I don’t think they would ever tell you this, but these workers don’t see their work as a 9 – 5 job handing out relief supplies. They are also meeting with people in the evenings for prayer and worship. The presence of Christ is visible in these difficult places.”