Over the past five years, since the start of the civil war in Syria, millions of people have lost their lives. Of the remaining population a total of 11 million people have been displaced or migrated to neighboring countries. Already 850,000 refugees fled to Europe, of which 10,000 drowned while crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

This tragedy and exodus op biblical proportions offers a tremendous opportunity for the Church. Syrians form the 10th unreached people group in the world and more than 90% of the refugees are Muslims. How can Christians respond strategically to the unfolding refugee crisis?

1. By sharing stories of hope

Impact stories straight from the field about how God works among refugees and Muslims lead towards positive change and the engagement with those in need. These kind of stories mobilize the church to participate in this strategic mission. They also form a powerful counter-narrative against the continuing IS propaganda and media reports that stir fear instead of faith.

2. By providing practical relief and charity

There are many small initiatives started by Christians across the Middle East and Europe that provide relief to migrants in refugee camps and on transit.

3. By inviting Muslims to discover and follow Isa al-Masih (Jesus Christ)

There are many ways to do this, but mobile ministry to refugees is a very effective approach. A mobile phone is a migrant’s most valuable asset. It’s the best way to serve them with Gospel material while on the road or in an asylum procedure. As in the asylum centers migrants have to wait for many months, they have time on their hands to read, listen and watch.

4. By training indigenous workers to ignite 'Kingdom movements’ in their own culture

There are ‘people of peace’ in every locality and ethnic group who are ready to receive the message of Jesus. They can be trained to disciple others and plant Jesus groups or simple churches. Often these converts ignite ‘Kingdom movements’ among Muslims that change their communities from the inside.



Why is this a ‘kairos’ moment of opportunity? Check these stories from Joel News International published on the campaign website Syrious Love:

Miraculous movements in the Muslim world
The converts from the East
ISIS atrocities drive 80 Yazidi families to Jesus
How Christian martyrs are witnessing to the nation

Syrious Love is a campaign initiated by Joel Ministries, the charity that also publishes Joel News International. It supports the projects of many of our friends in the Middle East and Europe that make a difference in the refugee crisis. Your help is appreciated and crucial!

Please consider:
- donating to this project yourself;
- adopting this project with your church or organization;
- spreading this message to people in your network who understand God's moments of opportunity and have the willingness to help.

Every donation counts and can make a difference.

http://www.syriouslove.org

Source: Syrious Love