February 2013: The Horror of Violence
February 2013 Bulletin Insert Format [PDF]
If one member suffers all suffer together. I Corinthians 12:26a
The situation in Syria worsens by the day. Humanitarian needs continue to escalate as the violence spreads and deepens. Ordinary civilians – men, women and children – are the primary victims of the violence. An ever growing number of people are displaced, many for the second or third time. Tens of thousands of internally displaced persons are staying temporarily in buildings that are unsuitable for the cold of winter. Loss of livelihoods due to insecurity and market disruptions negatively impact purchasing power and leave more people without access to basic essentials, electricity, heating or fuel.
Since the onset of the conflict in Syria in March, 2011, Global Ministries has supported the efforts of our partners across the region and is today actively involved in efforts to respond to the crisis and the growing number of displaced people. Emergency food packages, hygiene kits, bedding, and portable stoves have been distributed. Psychosocial support and health care is also being provided. Warm clothing and activities for children are organized in the Za’atri refugee camp in Jordan. Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing and Week of Compassion are helping to supply these needs.
Oh God, today we pray for Syria and all its people, even as they are scattered far and wide. In this land that was touched by the feet of our Lord, and where Paul was baptized and became the Apostle of nations, the cradle of prophets and religions, we acknowledge our link to the Christian legacy and historical churches there. We fervently pray for the Syrian Christian leadership and for the country’s leaders in this precarious time. We seek to understand and respect others and pray that the Syrian nation may find a way to work together in order to achieve peace and stability in Syria. We hold the people of Syria in our prayers, asking for solace and comfort, security and the provision of basic needs. We faithfully pray, Amen.