Solidarity With ChristUzorak

Where is your treasure

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

The Lord is with those who suffer afflictions and great loss. Just as He stands with the poor and oppressed, we should also stand with them. 

Amira is a pretty normal 16-year-old. She’s got the usual interests: pop music, boys and her mobile phone. Here, she tells us her story in her own words:

“One night the bombs were coming closer and closer. A rocket landed on the roof of our house, but no one was injured. We ran in fear to another house. We were so terrified we didn’t even think about taking anything with us. Our dad took us out of the country through a smuggler.

“When we arrived at the refugee camp, there were already many tents. We bought some materials to make a tent - some wood and plastic sheeting. The men built it. Our tent has two rooms and a kitchen area. There are 13 of us living here.

“We could pick up and leave at any time, as we don’t have anything of value here. My most treasured things are my necklaces. I wear them all at the same time, because they have many memories. One was given to me by a boyfriend, but I don’t want my mother to know about that!

“We have so many needs that you can’t count them. We have to pay for water to be brought in by truck, but it’s very dirty. But now we have a water filter in our tent, and a latrine that was installed by an NGO. We receive food distributions, so we have enough food.

“It helps to know that we are not alone, as there are many others here in the same situation as us. We miss everything about home. We would love to go back.”

Prayer

Father, we pray for those who have had to flee home on a moments notice. For those who have lost a sense of home, peace, security and safety. Provide comfort, provision and safety for people who woke up with nothing today.  

Action

In solidarity with those who have had to flee home without their possessions today we will leave our purses, backpacks and bags at home.  Take with you today only that which you can carry on your person.