Jesus is at work among Syrian refugees.

Displaced from their homes by conflict, many have endured perilous journeys through their war torn country, crossing borders only to find themselves in situations much more dire than what they faced in their homeland.

Before the conflict began almost five years ago, many border towns in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon were sleepy outposts. Some such towns have since had their populations more than doubled by fleeing Syrians.

For the most part, these countries were largely unprepared to welcome the exodus of displaced Syrians, the number of which now exceeds four million registered refugees. Local infrastructure and government services have been severely strained as a consequence.

The United Nations also struggles to keep up with the increasing needs of the growing refugee population. Funding shortfalls have led to cuts in aid and reductions in provisions of shelter, water, sanitation, food, medical care, and education.

The situation has become so dire, that some refugees are now choosing to go back to Syria—a country that remains an active war zone. With their resources spent, some Syrians feel they are out of options. They can’t afford a journey to Europe, nor can they legally work in their host countries.

Few would have believed that the Syrian conflict would stretch on for this long, with no end in sight and with suffering continuing to multiply.

While the needs are great, the worldwide Church is standing in the gap for Syrian refugees.

Through the generosity of Christ’s people, Frontiers workers are ministering to Syrians through medical care, access to education, and food aid.

In one of Syria’s neighboring countries, Rita, a long-term Frontiers worker, reports how she has partnered with other Christians to distribute several hundred thousand dollars in aid to more than 3,000 Syrian refugee families. New refugees are given welcome kits that include food and basic essentials. Every week, more refugees show up to receive help and advice.

George is one of those partnering with Rita to help distribute assistance to Syrians. “The only place the refugees feel comfortable asking for help is the Church,” he says. “Christians are the only ones offering help on a continual basis.”

This isn’t just a local ministry—it’s a worldwide effort that affirms that Syrians are worthy of more. Rita and George have not only helped distribute outpourings of generosity from other countries; they also welcome short-term teams from all over the world to serve Syrians.

“This is the Christian community around the world doing something through the workers and Christians who are here on the ground,” George says.

As Christ’s body answers His call to love the least of these, refugees’ hearts are opening to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Workers continue to report that they have more opportunities to share about Jesus with Syrians than ever before.

Through the work of the worldwide Church, Jesus is at moving among Syrian refugees. Because of this, their future has hope—not just for a return to their homeland or resettlement elsewhere, but for an eternal home free of war, trauma, and pain… a home in the everlasting Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Join us as we bless and pray for workers like Rita in the task of loving the least of these and sharing the hope of Christ with Muslims.

**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.**

Original article: FrontiersUSA.org/blog/article/loving-the-least-of-these-an-update-on-syrian-refugees