Imagine losing your home, feeling unsafe in your hometown, being desperate to find a safe place for your children to play. Thousands of refugees leaving war-torn Syria and other countries in crisis are now streaming into Europe in search of hope.
A woman in this video explains about coming to Europe, “We come to save our lives. There is a war in my country. There is a war in my hometown …If it was safe I wouldn’t come here.”
Christian organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse are offering hope through the love of Jesus. They are meeting physical needs but also sharing the gospel.
Here are some of Samaritan’s Purse’s answers to frequently asked questions:
Why are the refugees coming into Europe? Where are they from?
A large percentage of the most recent refugees are from Syria. In Syria, a more than four-year-old civil war between President Bashar al-Assad and various insurgent groups, including the Islamic State, has resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 people and displaced millions. Other refugees are escaping violence in the nations of Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Nigeria, Somalia, and Kosovo. More than 500,000 refugees have arrived in Europe by sea this year. The majority of them are simply seeking the education and opportunities that Europe provides.
What is Samaritan’s Purse doing on the ground?
Samaritan’s Purse has staff in Greece and Croatia working in Jesus’ Name to provide relief to vulnerable people. In Greece, we are meeting refugees at the shore as they arrive by sea—offering food and water. We are also providing food to refugees in Athens. In Croatia, we have set up large hand-washing stations at a transit camp to address hygiene issues. We are also providing backpacks to women and children, each filled with food, hygiene items, a poncho, and more. In Macedonia, our evangelical partners also continue to hand out women’s and children’s backpacks. We are also meeting needs for basic necessities through Christian partners in Serbia and Hungary.
How can Christians pray?
Please pray for the safety of the refugees and that they will see the light of the gospel through our efforts. Pray for the work of our staff, volunteers, and evangelical partners. Especially, pray for peace in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
You can also support Samaritan’s Purse financially by giving here.