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Desperate Christian refugees return to Iraq: can you help us feed them?

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Published: Thursday 21 April 2011

Desperate Christian refugees return to Iraq: can you help us feed them?

Project(s): 20-383, 20-246

Country: Iraq

Iraqi Christian woman collects her food parcel from a Barnabas feeding programme in

Growing instability across the Middle East is forcing Iraqi Christian refugees to return to their homeland, where churches are struggling to cope with the increased demand for food and other basic needs.

Barnabas Fund supports feeding programmes for thousands of needy Iraqi Christians both inside the country and in nearby Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, where many have fled to escape persecution and violence. Our supporters have given generously to this work over many years, but funds are now running low, and more help is urgently required.

One of our project partners, a senior Christian leader in Baghdad, wrote to us last week appealing for additional support for the returning families. He said:

I believe many more needy families will be returning to Baghdad in the coming weeks as the security affair worsens in Syria. This situation will be a new burden on our Church... Funds will be needed for those who are already here, and also for those who will be returning.

Nowhere else to turn

Iraqi Christians have been facing mounting hostility since the Gulf War in 1990-1. They are seen as linked with the West because of their faith and so have become the target of threats, bombings, kidnapping and murder. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have left their homes and fled to neighbouring countries, while others remain displaced inside Iraq, finding refuge in the more stable areas of their homeland.

They leave behind property, possessions and work, finding themselves in a strange place without the resources to provide food and other basic needs for their families. But at least they are safe from the persecution and violence.

Iraqi Christian boys help unload food packages for a Barnabas feeding programme in Iraq

Now, however, the whole region is being rocked by instability, and Christian migrants in the worst-affected countries are fleeing the violence. Many have already left war-torn Libya, and as riots disrupt life in Syria and Jordan, Iraqi Christian refugees are left vulnerable once again, with many feeling they have little choice but to return home – dangerous though that is.

Displaced Iraqi Christians, both in Iraq and elsewhere, are heavily reliant on the support they receive from the Barnabas feeding programmes, which often comes in the form of a monthly food parcel. The typical amount per family is around £15 (US$25; AUS$23; NZ$31, €17) a month. This support frees up what little money they have for other pressing needs such as rent, clothing and medical bills.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said:

Iraqi Christians are in an ever more desperate plight; in their own land they are targets for outright persecution and violence, while in the places where they have sought refuge, they now find themselves in the midst of upheaval and uncertainty. The feeding programmes help to alleviate one of their many burdens and remind them that their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world care for them in their need.

Give Today:

If you would like to help feed Iraqi Christians please send your donation to project 20-246 (within Iraq) or project 20-383 (refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon). Please click to donate online using our secure server.

If you prefer to telephone, dial: 0800 587 4006from within the UK or +44 1672 565031 from outside the UK. Please quote project reference 20-246 (within Iraq) or project 20-383 (refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon).

If you prefer to send a cheque by post: Click this link for the address of our regional office. Please quote project reference 20-246 (within Iraq) or project 20-383 (refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon).

For a quick donation of £3.00 by SMS (see terms and conditions here) text 70007 (Please note: This facility is presently only available to UK supporters).

Please Pray:

That peace and stability will soon be restored to the Middle East.
That the Lord will watch over and protect Iraqi Christians wherever they are, especially this Easter because Christian celebrations are often a time when Christians are attacked. Pray that their hearts will be encouraged by the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection, reminded that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in them (Ephesians 1:18-20).
That the churches and Christian organisations that are administering the food programmes will have sufficient provisions to help all those in need.

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