Happenings Around the World I

Ministering to Syrian Refugees IN JORDAN By Hanna Massad

t’s such a blessing to be able to gather 30 Syrian families and around 40 (if not more) individuals in a church building, and share the truth with these broken people. These people

are hungry; physically and on other deeper aspects. It’s dear and amazing at the same time to be able to provide food for the physical and the spiritual at the same place and moment. After sharing a word with the people of this nation we distributed food boxes for each family, something tangible to carry with them as they were going back to their homes with a smile on their faces and on their souls, who were encouraged by what they heard and touched by the volunteers who made it a point to show care and communicate, “you are not alone in this, God sees you.” At the door, as they were leaving, we wanted to do one more thing that is very important, which is spreading the warmth. We wanted them to take the warmth of our love which they felt that morning with them, to wear it (so to speak) and cover themselves within, deep inside. We were blessed to hand out some hats and scarves for the kids. After two days from this meeting in the church, we visited three families from those who were at the meeting. Their response was great with the shared message that day. One of the ladies we visited, Um Qasem, said, “the preaching was great. I go comforted by it. The words entered my heart smoothly. We really need to get rid of the hatred and all the bitterness we carry within.” Another lady, Owaf, declared, “I haven’t heard something

like that before, the words were really sweet. Syrian people have been through a lot. They have bitterness. They need to let go and forgive more as they are harming themselves. We needed to hear such words especially at this time.”

Another Lady, Qaderia said, “I’m so happy that I got to hear

this message. It comforts me. I must say that I’ve seen care and experienced love from the Christians and only them. The love that you have, it amazes me.” Children suffered because of the war and all the violence

they have seen back in Syria. That impacted them physically, emotionally, as well as mentally. In the multitude there was a very young boy who got a physical problem because of the bombs he was exposed to in his area back in Syria. We were able to pray with the child, as well as help his family financially. Hanna Massad, former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church in

Palestine and teacher at the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, ministers to a church of more than 200 Iraqi refugee families in Amman, Jordan.

It’s dear and amazing to be able to provide food for the physical and the spiritual at the same place and moment.

Hanna Massad distributing food boxes (above) after sharing the Word with Syrian refugees (right)

Top right: A young Syrian refugee

JULY/SEPTEMBER 2016

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