OpenHeaven.com - A new look at the Syrian crisis

(Photo courtesy BGR)

Syria (MNN) — Humanitarian aid is falling short as Syria’s crisis enters its fifth year.

Over 12 million displaced Syrians–the largest number of displaced people in the world–desperately need that aid. But, http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50436#.VRWju-GL XdR - according to the UN , there’s not enough money coming in.

The World Food Program has already cut rations by 30% because of a lack of funding.
Some 227,000 Syrians miss out on healthcare for every $1 million not raised by the World Health Organization (WHO).
If the UN doesn’t receive adequate funding before a May 2015 deadline, alternative education options will be stopped for 1 million Syrian children. Half of ALL Syrian children haven’t gone to school since 2012.

You might be reaching for that “X” button, but don’t leave yet!

“We get desensitized; you get tired of hearing the story over and over again,” admits Jeff Palmer, Executive Director of https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/baptist-g lobal-response/ - Photo courtesy BGR

(Photo courtesy BGR)

Five years of crisis

In March 2011, the Syrian government tried to wipe out pro-democracy protests inspired by the Arab Spring using excessive force. Anti-government protests grew over the course of 2012 and eventually spiraled into a full-blown civil war.

The toll of that war can be listed in statistics, but remains difficult to comprehend:

Approximately 12.2 million Syrians have been displaced, either by the civil war or ISIS.
Some 7.6 million are still within Syria’s borders, while nearly 4 million have fled to neighboring countries.
Over 214,800 deaths were recorded between March 18, 2011 and March 8, 2015.
About a half-million Syrians are http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/doubles-count-besieged-sy ria-440000-29931807%20 - - life expectancy of Syrians has dropped by more than 20 years since the crisis began, from 79.5 years to 55.7 years.

(Photo courtesy BGR)

“Imagine one-third of the population of the United States had to leave their home [tonight], and they couldn’t go back,” suggests Palmer. “We would call it a crisis, wouldn’t we?”

And yet, people immediately lose interest when they hear the phrase “Syrian crisis.”

Along with international agencies like the UN, WFP, and WHO, Palmer says faith-based groups like Baptist Global Response are responding in Christ’s name.

“All of us working together are making a small dent in the needs that are there,” he reports.

Since 2012, BGR has been sharing the hope of Christ with refugees in-need by meeting practical needs.

“We’re doing things with food, water, healthcare, and with infant formula; we’re doing things with shelter kits,” lists Palmer. https://gobgr.org/projects/project_detail/syria-crisis/ - https://gobgr.org/news/results/101d9cf426ed1a053d007f98b2a3a a3a/%20 - Read first-hand accounts of that impact on BGR’s Web site .

“I wish our listeners could go and see and hear these stories first-hand, and visit some of these places to understand that these are people, just like you and me,” Palmer says.

“I think that would stimulate those who’ve become apathetic to get more engaged and say, ‘We want to see God’s goodness come out of the midst of this chaos.'”

Gaining perspective

By focusing on the One who can ease Syria’s problems and pain–instead of getting overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the crisis, Palmer says much can be done.

First of all, “Don’t forget Syria,” Palmer emphasizes. “Every day a fresh tragedy happens. But, every fresh tragedy also brings a fresh opportunity to make Christ known.”

PRAY

https://www.facebook.com/GoBGR/photos/a.453952262811.236478. 304203952811/10153035196927812/?type=1&permPage=1 - GIVE

“The local believers and our partners on-ground, both in Syria and the surrounding countries: [it’s] amazing to see how they are stepping up,” reports Palmer.

“Many of them have lost their homes themselves. They’ve lost everything, but they’ve said, ‘This is an opportune time for loving our neighbors and making Christ known.’ It’s just inspirational.”

https://gobgr.org/donate/product-detail/syria-crisis - GO

“If folks are interested in going, https://gobgr.org/contact -