Creative response to Syrian refugee needs: human dignity solutions

Syria (CAM/MNN) — Most of the stories following Syria’s refugees are tales of horror, sorrow, loss, and chaos. This story is a breath of fresh air, thanks to Christian Aid Mission, your link to indigenous missions.

Lebanon has no government refugee camps, so refugees find shelter wherever they can. There have been reports of families living in rooms with no heat or running water, in abandoned chicken coops, garages, and storage sheds.

Most refugees must find a way to pay rent, even for derelict structures. Without any legal way to work in Jordan and Lebanon, they struggle to find odd jobs and accept low wages that often don’t cover their most basic needs.

However, as a way to make friends with Syrian refugee families, a Christian Aid Mission-assisted ministry in Lebanon has hired #Syrian barbers and beauticians to give free haircuts to the children they’re reaching.

The ministry pays $4 per haircut, and they do 250 cuts each month. During this time, the children listen to Bible stories, and parents hear the gospel.

Christian Aid has also been partnering with indigenous ministries in the Middle East to provide physical and spiritual assistance to refugees since the start of the crisis. The ministries are providing food, blankets, clothing, milk for children, and shelter to needy families. They are also praying with the refugees, listening to their heartbreaking stories, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

The need is immense, and Christian Aid’s network of indigenous ministries are pleading for Christians around the world to assist them through prayer and financial support. In addition to 2 million refugees, another 4 million are displaced inside Syria, bringing the total to over 6 million inhabitants who have lost their homes in the conflict.

An estimated 5,000 Syrians are leaving daily and wondering when, if ever, they will be able to safely return to their homeland.

Please pray that God’s presence would be known among the refugees. Pray for peace for this war-torn country and for comfort to those who have been traumatized by their experiences. Ask God to open doors to share the Gospel as Christian workers demonstrate the love of Christ.