Layla* is a Syrian mother of twins. Like many mothers she longs to make sure her children are well cared for, but deep poverty from Syria’s years of war makes this difficult. “Bringing twins into this world during such turmoil was overwhelming,” she said. “The nights were the hardest, trying to keep my babies warm.”
Thick blankets are a seemingly small gift that made a huge difference for this mother and her little ones. “When we received the gift of blankets,” Layla told our contacts, “it was like a gift from angels. I could finally sleep a little easier, knowing my babies were safe and snug.”
Parents around the world worry about the coming winter. How will they keep their children warm when night temperatures plummet? In war-torn Ukraine, people dread the winter since many of their houses are damaged and windowless. Villagers in remote, mountainous Asia face winter in flimsy, poorly-heated houses, without thick blankets or warm clothes. In Afghanistan, people who can barely afford food for their families remember last year’s exceptionally harsh winter and worry about the cold weather approaching.
These fears and realities bring increased requests for blankets. For people who live on only a few dollars a day, a thick blanket is a practical, treasured gift. As in the past few years, we hope to channel supporters’ funds to purchase and distribute blankets in Syria, Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, and other countries. The average cost for one blanket is $25.
“WHEN MY GRANDCHILDREN SHIVER AT NIGHT, MY HEART ACHES.
Those blankets were like a hug from a distant friend, offering comfort when it was needed most.” —Syrian grandmother
Blankets—beyond warmth
Blankets provide a valuable source of warmth, but they are much more than a way to keep out the chill at night.
- Renewed hope
Jawad in Syria says, “As a father, it’s my responsibility to protect my family, but it’s not easy when you’re forced to flee your home. When we received the blankets, I felt a renewed sense of hope. It wasn’t just about staying warm, it was about the knowledge that someone out there cares about us, cares about our survival.”
- Happiness for the handicapped
Our contacts in Nepal visited a village and distributed blankets to 50 people who have hearing disabilities, need wheelchairs, or have other handicaps. One recipient said the extreme cold had been hard for him because he lacked good, warm blankets. “I was surviving with an old, tattered blanket,” he said. “I did not know I would be given a blanket. When I heard from the pastor that the church is going to help us, I felt so happy.” Another recipient who is confined to a wheelchair said, “You have filled my heart with happiness today.”
- Reminders of God’s presence
Rania’s eyes filled with tears when she received blankets. This Syrian mother wrapped the blankets around her children and watched smiles light up their faces as they felt the warmth. “These blankets are not just fabric, they’re a lifeline for us,” Rania said. “They remind us that God is with us and that we’re not alone in this difficult life journey.”
Thank you, supporters, for helping people in the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe receive blankets in Jesus’ name. A Syrian believer who helped distribute blankets said, “It reminded me that sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest impact. The warmth those blankets provided wasn’t just physical; it was a reminder that we’re all in this together, one family of God. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless all those who had even something small to do with this act of mercy.”
*Names in article are changed to protect identities.
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