The refugee situation in Syria has affected many, internationally displacing over 6.1 Syrians. As Christians, it is our duty and moral obligations to pray for Syria. As I began researching Syrian Civil war and the concerns when it comes to helping Syria, I was reminded of something important. Those 6.1 Million Refugees are in the hardest season of their lives, without a home, and without Jesus Christ. If we truly love Jesus and want to follow his commands, we are to love Syria.
That being said, I am not sure the way, the absolute solution, and honestly don't believe there is one parachute solution. Part of solving a catastrophic event, is time and a heart to serve where needed. However, I do know that seeing people, realizing that the numbers are not just statistics but stories, sparks an ambition to do something about injustice.
Here are 10 reasons we should love Syria and her People.
1. Syrian lives have been shattered.
"While Every Refugee's story is different and their anguish personal, they all share a common thread of uncommon courage - the courage not only to survive but to persevere and rebuke their shattered lives." - Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner of Refugees
2. The refugee camps are not comfortable living; they are a temporary solution.
The Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan on July 18, 2013. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
3. All the words in the world cannot fix the broken families; only action does that.
"Declarations and good intentions do not feed the starving and they do not shelter refugees. The harmful consequences of such a situation risk having very profound impacts on Syrian society, as well as on neighboring countries." -Salam Kawakibi, a Syrian Political Scientist.
4. Children are forced to flee education - a basic right.
Reghed fleeing from Syria, a Refugee settlement in Lebanon. (Photo: Sam Tarling for CRS)
5. Children and parents are running for their lives.
Tears of joy from a father, who has landed on the shore of a Greek Island of Kos. He is consumed with emotion after traveling to safety. (Photo: Danniel Etter for Times)
6. The water is safer than the land.
A Rally in Boston responding to the shocking photos of the drowned Syrian child.(Photo: Ali and Son)
7. Syrian people want to work for change.
Aqeela Asifi has dedicated her life to educating refugee girls. (Photo: BBC)
8. Mothers fear for their babies' lives.
Woman and Children first. As Syrians run towards safety in Jordan. (Photo: NBC)
9. They have no home and no Jesus.
There is one math that matters - 6.1 million people, many of which are unsaved, in need of help. That means providing in the best way we know how. Whether that be through aid, money, prayers, education, welcoming in asylum seekers and refugees, we are to do it because if we love humanity, we want to give the good news. No one right now needs Jesus more than the refugees in Syria. Their lives have been turned upside down. (Photo: Murad Sezer, ABC.net)
10. God commands us to.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35