March Newsletter from Manara International

Turmoil and distress is around us, all the time. Everywhere we look; there is someone who has been hurt by war, someone who is a refugee, someone who cannot work, someone who needs medical attention. It is overwhelming to see all these people together, looking for help and hope.

In spite of everything going on around us, God is good and faithful because He has sent people like you to support us so in turn we can help them.

Because of you, we are able to provide more than 475 hot meals.
Because of you, we are able to distribute 1500 blankets.
Because of you, we are able to distribute 1200 food packages.
Because of you, we are able to distribute 275 heaters.
Because of you, we are able to help those who need it most.

God is working in the Middle East, in the midst of all this hardship and evil, He is here.

Recent Events

Distribution in Jordan

On Friday afternoon, a large group of 275 Christian Iraqi refugees gathered in a school hall. We were able to provide a hot meal for them as they listened to Easter themed hymns. Each family also received a food packet, a gallon of drinking water, clothes, shoes and personal hygiene items.

In an interview with one of the Iraqi ladies, she said “We were never taught to hate, we were never taught violence; even when ISIS took everything we had and left us nothing, we still forgive them and pray for them. This is what Jesus taught us, that is what we do.” 

Trip to Erbil

On a recent trip to Erbil in North Iraq, Isam and our partners from the US were able to visit several refugee camps. In one camp, the refugees were reaching a point of desperation since no one has sent them aid for weeks on end.

The relief they felt after they received the packages was obvious on their faces.

We also were able to visit the mobile clinic where we witnessed around 100 people arrive for help in two hours. The refugees have been waiting for months to receive treatment. People suffered from all sorts of illnesses, men, women and children were given the proper treatment, free of charge. Through this treatment they were given hope to live another day. 

Gilead : Counsellors Training Sessions

A large number of children from the ages of 8-18 enjoy camping in Gilead every summer. For a few days it is their home, it is where they make live changing decisions and build lasting friendships. 

Preparing for these camps is no easy task; part of the preparation is providing training sessions for the counsellors who will be serving in the camps. Our most recent training included 90 counsellors and one of the most important topics that many people struggle with was discussed: Media and its effects on children today.  

Prayer and Praise Points

1) Pray for all the preparations taking place that make the camps such a great place to be in the summer

2) Pray for all the Christian Iraqi refugees who have suffered and are still suffering from what has taken place, may our Lord comfort them and give them peace of mind

We at Manara International are working on various projects that aim to comfort and support as many Christian refugees as possible. Thank you for your compassion and for your friendship. You are a constant encouragement to all of us at Manara. May the God of peace be with you and those you love.