Bringing Relief to Syrian Refugees in Jordan A Church at the Crossroads Bringing Relief to Syrian Refugees in Jordan

How it began… In April of 2011, protests in Dara’a, Syria became violent leading to an armed rebellion. Violence escalated quickly, and soon many decided to flee their country. By wintertime, 40 families had arrived in Mafraq seeking shelter. By the following winter, the number of Syrian families living in Mafraq had reached 3,000. Our church was there at ‘the crossroads’. How would we respond?

Syria Jordan

Meeting basic needs We started with the basic items the refugees needed for sleeping and cooking. We call this the ‘welcoming kit’: Mattresses Blankets Pillows Floor mat Gas stove Gas bottle

From 40 to 3,000 In one year, the number of Syrian families living in Mafraq had reached 3,000. In order to continue to meet the basic needs of refugee families, we would need to increase our capacity. We would need to create a plan with the long term in mind because there was no evidence of things ending soon.

Increasing our capacity Since the beginning of the first arrivals in Mafraq, we have individually delivered welcoming kits to over 4,600 families. This means that tonight, at least 21,000 people will be sleeping on mattresses the church gave them. Last winter, we had 10 warehouse units in 5 locations. In a period of 3 months, we gave out 660 food packages with one organization alone. Also clothing, diapers, and medical equipment.

We increased our capacity by partnering with international NGOs:

How did get to where we are now? We needed a vision that would mobilize the church. If the church members weren’t behind the effort, it wouldn’t stand. We needed openness to accept help from international sources. We needed patience to be able to answer people’s demands for help.

Vision: See people, not numbers

Unity: Language is not a barrier.

Openness: Meeting humanitarian needs creates common ground.

Flexibility: Help in a way that people need, not in the way you want.

Do what can be done: Anything can be done for needy people.

“The Syrians are our website”: Do the work of God, let Him advertise.

Trust: Believe that each volunteer has something to give.

Patience: Just by listening to their demands for help, we are helping them process traumatic experiences.

Accountability: Find a trusted person to share in all financial reporting.

Fellowship: Create a weekly meeting for encouragement and feedback.

How to raise an army of volunteers: Challenge them to long-term commitment, but continue to welcome short-term teams. Let them take ownership in ministry by not creating too many rules. Target mature believers who are ready to serve. The core leadership should be filled with nationals.

Our Long-term Volunteers Dutch Swiss Canadians Germans Syrians Brits Americans Koreans Egyptians Jordanians Sudanese New Zealanders Brazilians Australians South Africans Our Long-term Volunteers

Plan for the long-term We will need to transition from relief to development. If the Syrian refugees were to all go home, what would happen to outreach? How could the built-up capacity and momentum be used to further the church’s influence on the community?

Let’s talk leadership strategy What are the strategic opportunities that are created at this moment in time? What are we doing to respond to the spiritual openness of the refugees for such a time as this? What will it take to realize all the plans God has to use our church in this unique situation?

Bringing Relief to Syrian Refugees in Jordan A Church at the Crossroads Bringing Relief to Syrian Refugees in Jordan