Humanitarian aid is falling short as Syria’s crisis enters its fifth year.
Over 12 million displaced Syrians—the largest number of displaced people in the world—desperately need that aid. But, according to the U.N., there’s not enough money coming in.
- The World Food Program has already cut rations by 30 percent because of a lack of funding.
- Some 227,000 Syrians miss out on healthcare for every $1 million not raised by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- If the U.N. doesn’t receive adequate funding before a May 2015 deadline, alternative education options will be stopped for 1 million Syrian children. Half of ALL Syrian children haven’t gone to school since 2012.
“We get desensitized; you get tired of hearing the story over and over again,” admits Jeff Palmer, executive director of Baptist Global Response (BGR).
“[But] people in need never fall off God’s radar. We really should begin turning our eyes towards this, because the opportunities for love and making Christ known are unbelievable right now.”
Five Years of Crisis
In March 2011, the Syrian government tried to wipe out pro-democracy protests inspired by the Arab Spring using excessive force. Antigovernment protests grew over the course of 2012 and eventually spiraled into a full-blown civil war.
The toll of that war can be listed in statistics, but remains difficult to comprehend:
- Approximately 12.2 million Syrians have been displaced, either by the civil war or ISIS.
- Some 7.6 million are still within Syria’s borders, while nearly 4 million have fled to neighboring countries.
- Over 214,800 deaths were recorded between March 18, 2011, and March 8, 2015.
- About a half-million Syrians are trapped in besieged cities with access to life necessities (food, water, etc.) quickly dwindling.
- The life expectancy of Syrians has dropped by more than 20 years since the crisis began, from 79.5 years to 55.7 years.
“Imagine one-third of the population of the United States had to leave their home [tonight], and they couldn’t go back,” suggests Palmer. “We would call it a crisis, wouldn’t we?”
And yet, people immediately lose interest when they hear the phrase “Syrian crisis.”
Along with international agencies like the U.N., WFP, and WHO, Palmer says faith-based groups like Baptist Global Response are responding in Christ’s name.
“All of us working together are making a small dent in the needs that are there,” he reports.
Since 2012, BGR has been sharing the hope of Christ with refugees in need by meeting practical needs.
“We’re doing things with food, water, healthcare and with infant formula; we’re doing things with shelter kits,” lists Palmer. Find a full description of BGR’s Syria ministry here.
“In the midst of the deepest crisis are the deepest places that the gospel can go, and touch, and make a difference.”
Read first-hand accounts of that impact on BGR’s Web site.
“I wish our listeners could go and see and hear these stories first-hand, and visit some of these places to understand that these are people, just like you and me,” Palmer says.
“I think that would stimulate those who’ve become apathetic to get more engaged and say, ‘We want to see God’s goodness come out of the midst of this chaos.'”
Gaining Perspective
By focusing on the One who can ease Syria’s problems and pain–instead of getting overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the crisis, Palmer says much can be done.
First of all, “Don’t forget Syria,” Palmer emphasizes. “Every day a fresh tragedy happens. But every fresh tragedy also brings a fresh opportunity to make Christ known.”
PRAY
Print this and put it on your mirror as a reminder to pray daily for Syrian refugees.
“Keep praying with us … that our folks would get the resources that they need to minister, and that they would be bold in making Christ known in all that they do,” Palmer states.
GIVE
“The local believers and our partners on ground, both in Syria and the surrounding countries: [It’s] amazing to see how they are stepping up,” reports Palmer.
“Many of them have lost their homes themselves. They’ve lost everything, but they’ve said, ‘This is an opportune time for loving our neighbors and making Christ known.’ It’s just inspirational.”
Partner financially with BGR here.
GO
“If folks are interested in going, give us a call, contact us,” Palmer urges. “It’s amazing: we’re seeing medical healthcare teams, water filtration teams and a few ‘life instruction’ teams helping us to help those who are in so much need.
“What a beautiful, beautiful picture of the gospel.”
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