James and Gracie, long-term Frontiers workers, share more stories from their experiences in Little Syria.
The plea for Arabic speakers tugged at our heartstrings. Syrian refugees were pouring into the non-Arab Muslim country, and there were no Gospel workers there who could speak their language.
We sensed that God would be pleased to take us from our adopted Arab homeland and have us spend a short season in Little Syria, a neighborhood in a foreign city that, as a major outgoing port to Europe, is quickly filling up with Syrian refugees.
Rich, poor, or middle class—what these refugees all have in common are tragic war stories. I met one man who had lost half his foot. Another had lost all five of his best friends to the war. I also befriended a millionaire who had lost everything—his factory, his home, even his son.
We help where we can and have connected with several humanitarian organizations serving the refugees. I have also been able to lend a helping hand on the administrative side of a charity that was started by a Syrian businessman. But the needs are overwhelming, and much of the time we are at a loss.
In the midst of the great needs, we are encouraged to see so much potential for the spiritual harvest. Syrians are hungry for the King of Peace like never before.
There’s Hana, a Syrian university professor, for example. She came to this country for a short vacation over two years ago. Towards the end of her vacation, her family phoned her. “Don’t come back,” they told her. “It’s too dangerous.”
Since then, Hana has settled in a small apartment in Little Syria. Her home serves as a social hub for other refugees in the community. The door is often kept open, and people come and go freely. As a devout, God-fearing woman, Hana is facilitating the entry of the Gospel into the refugee community. Her home provides an easy place to discuss spiritual matters.
Pray that Hana and those around her would be good soil for the hope of God’s Word.
Pray for other new friends in Little Syria with whom we’ve shared the Gospel. We ask that God would bring to their minds the stories we’ve shared about Jesus and that they would find life in Him. Pray with us that whole families would come to Christ together.
**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.**
Original article: FrontiersUSA.org/blog/article/serving-refugees-in-little-syria
Main photo by Russel Watkins/DFID