Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Millions of Syrians have lost their livelihood and have been displaced since the war in Syria started in 2011. Over six million people left the country as refugees, while another six million (more than half of all Syrians) were displaced in their own country – with Christians among those facing the worst hardships on top of severe persecution.
This was also the fate of Iktimal (46), a Christian woman with four daughters and two sons (aged between 12 and 26). They were a wealthy family who had a good life, a nice big house, several cars, many olive fields with huge harvests, a driving school, and sufficient money to buy whatever they needed. But overnight, Iktimal lost all of that, was displaced, and became dependant on others as they lived in poverty.
Iktimal found a new life at the Open Doors Centre of Hope.
A life-changing experience
She recalls: “Ten years ago, armed militia started bombing our area and threatening the people. About 20 people were killed and the rest, who were mostly Christians, left the village. Our family fled in the middle of the night – we didn’t want the attackers to see us, otherwise they might have killed us.”
Thereafter, they stayed with a family member for eight months. Then one of Open Doors’ Centres of Hope in Latakia helped the family to find a small house to rent. “When they saw our need, they immediately helped us with everything, including mattresses, blankets, pillows, and gas. They also gave us a monthly food package, clothes, and stationery for the children.”
Closer to Jesus
The church and the Centre of Hope gave the family emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. “God sent those people to pray with us and stand by us; they were like angels. Their love brought us closer to Jesus. While the extremists wanted to kill us, the church here has loved us. It feels like being raised from death.
“When all the doors were closed for us, we found this place and started to love life again. We still struggle financially, as the rent of our new house takes up most of our money. We can only buy the essentials and can’t even afford meat. We were upper class. Now we are roughly stable. It is hard, but we experience the love of God. The Centre of Hope has really given our family a new life.”
Working with children
Iktimal now has a job at the Centre of Hope, where she works with children. She is working on the bus that picks the children up at their homes and gets them safely back after they attend activities.
She says: “The Centre of Hope brings light into the lives of children by offering them extra tutoring. The Syrian schools are very bad, and the parents cannot afford the extra lessons the children need. The centre offers these lessons for free. They are very supportive and give joy and peace to the children.”
Strengthening believers in the Middle East
Thanks to the gifts and prayers of supporters, Open Doors, through local partners in Syria and Iraq, can continue to strengthen vulnerable believers like Iktimal at the Centres of Hope.
Through your financial gift, you can also make a difference in the lives of our persecuted family in faith with much-needed support and emergency aid. Make use of the banking details below to give a gift today.
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC | Nedbank | Branch: 198765 | Acc: 113 750 4552 (Business) | Ref: JE2306
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC | Capitec Business | Branch: 450105 | Acc: 1051150132 (Current) | Ref: JE2306
Photos: © 2023 Open Doors International
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Date published: 21/06/2023
Feature image: Iktimal (at the back in the middle) with a group of children leaving the Centre of Hope by bus.
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