Missiles rained down on Hama, Syria, filling four-year-old Khalidah’s* heart with terror. Armed groups and terrorists overran their once peaceful community, jeopardizing the life of her family.
Until this violence came in 2012, Khalidah’s family of five lived comfortably in Syria with a decent financial status. The money her father collected as a landlord and farmer provided all they needed.
Now faced with imminent danger, Khalidah’s family made the dangerous decision to flee their homeland. There was no public transportation available, so they started off on their treacherous journey by foot. For five days they pushed forward, their exhausting trek taking them through desolate areas. Finally, a kindhearted person offered to drive the family to the Lebanese border.
Khalidah’s family found safety in Lebanon, but was forced into a life of poverty. Her father began toiling as a farmer in exchange for a meager wage and a small tent to call home. Khalidah’s parents tried to enroll their children in the local public school but were rejected because of their nationality.
At ten years old, Khalidah worked in the fields instead of going to school. With pain, she watched other children go to school every day without her.
Thanks to believers who cared, Khalidah’s life changed for the better. She is now enrolled in classes taught by Christian teachers in Lebanon. Her family has also received much-needed food parcels.
Now a dedicated student, Khalidah is reading and writing with confidence. “I would like to thank my teacher because she gave me the chance to read and write,” she said. “She made a dream come true that I once thought was beyond reach.”
Today, millions of people can identify with Khalidah’s story of fear, displacement, and poverty. More than 110 million people from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, and other countries are displaced.
Syria: As the Syria crisis passes its 12-year mark, hope is fading. The civil war has mostly died down, but poverty is increasing, especially with the devastating earthquake in 2023. Millions of Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid, and many continue to leave their homes in hopes of a better life. Approximately 6.8 million Syrians have fled to other areas of the country, and 5 million more have sought refuge in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.
Afghanistan: Natural disasters, an iron-fisted government, and an economic catastrophe have pushed the Afghan people into extreme poverty and hunger. Millions have fled to neighboring countries and other parts of Afghanistan. Last fall, the government of Pakistan announced that undocumented Afghans would be deported. More than 350,000 Afghans have since left Pakistan and returned to the extreme hardships in their native country.
Bangladesh: In 2017, violent military actions in Myanmar drove more than 1 million people of the Rohingya ethnic group to Bangladesh. Most are crowded into Cox’s Bazar, making it one of the world’s largest refugee settlements. Overcrowded camps and poor water and sanitation have created a health crisis of hepatitis, acute diarrhea, and dengue. CAM is funding medical work among the Rohingya people.
Sudan: In a country not unfamiliar with conflict, April of 2023 was the beginning of a ferocious civil war. Two military generals continue to vie for control of Sudan. As a result of the heavy fighting, more than 8 million people have been displaced. Many have fled to neighboring Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Ukraine: With the Russia/Ukraine war extending past its two-year mark, the people of Ukraine continue to suffer. An estimated 6.5 million people have left the country. More than 3.5 million people are displaced in the country. For those sticking it out in Ukraine, increased food and fuel prices are making it difficult to make ends meet.
The goal of the Worldwide Refugee Crisis program is to help suffering, displaced people by providing food, literature, discipleship, clothing, and emergency supplies in places like those listed in this mailing. These desperate situations present unique opportunities to show Christ’s love in action. In addition to the large-scale refugee crises listed above, we are reaching out with the love of Jesus to refugees and migrants at the U.S./Mexico border. Our staff in Greece also operate a vegetable farm where they work alongside refugees from the Middle East and North Africa, mentoring them while helping them provide for themselves.
If you feel led to support this program, your help will be greatly appreciated. God bless you!
*Name changed to protect identity. UNHCR referenced for statistics.
To contribute to the Worldwide Refugee Crisis fund, click the donate button to give a gift.
