Mariam and her daughter Manuela, then aged 6, were among the many Christians forced to leave Iraq because of the persecution and violence that followers of Jesus faced under Islamic State (IS – also known as ISIS, ISIL, Daesh).
Forced to Flee their Homeland
“I don’t know much about Daesh, but I know that they are heartless people. They have occupied Iraq, and they can harm, or even kill, people.” Twelve-year-old Manuela recalls the threat of living under the jihadist Islamist regime that took over Iraq and placed the lives of her family and thousands of other Christians in danger.
Once IS had captured parts of Iraq and Syria, they imposed sharia (Islamic law) in those areas. That meant Christians’ lives were threatened, targeted for their faith.
Thousands of Christians fled the region. Many that remained behind were killed.
Mariam heard about IS members killing pastors and churchgoers, as well as reports of women being raped. It was when her family started receiving threats because of their faith in Jesus that they knew they had to leave Iraq.
Miriam and Manuela seek God through prayer.
Faith in God the Father Amid Loss
The escape from Iraq was especially difficult for mother and daughter as Mariam had lost her husband when Manuela was only nine months old.
Manuela recognized that her earthly father would certainly have protected them during the perilous flight from their homeland, but she knew that she could take refuge in someone much greater. “I believe that even if I had the best father here on earth,” she says, “my heavenly father is way beyond that.”
Miriam and Manuela have been welcomed by Christians in Jordan.
Welcomed by Christians in Jordan
When Mariam and Manuela crossed the border into Jordan, they were supported by Christians. “Many churches welcomed us and opened their doors for us,” Mariam recalls. “We are so thankful for them to stand with us and take care of us.”
Jordan has experienced a massive influx of refugees in the last decade. More than 6 million refugees from Syrian, Yemen and other war-torn lands (as well as Iraq) now reside in the country of 11 million people.
The increase in the number of refugees has added to the acute food crisis in Jordan, leaving churches overwhelmed as they seek to provide for those in most desperate need.
Barnabas Aid has now been operating in Jordan for 30 years and has been able to support many refugees such as Mariam and Manuela with food.gives boxes.
Mariam is in no doubt as to the source of this aid. “It is Jesus Christ who moved the hearts of these Christians who have come forward to help us. We are so thankful.”
Mariam and Manuela, like many other Christians, have received food.gives boxes.
Future Ambitions to Make a Difference
Now Mariam and Manuela can start to turn to the future with confidence. Manuela can now go to school. Her ambition is to become a lawyer. “I want to stand up for those who are harmed and persecuted when I grow up,” she explains. “I want to be there for those who have gone through hard times.”
Can you help provide for the needs of hungry Christians through the work of food.gives?
Thousands of Christians have been driven from their homelands or displaced within their own country because of their faith in Christ. Please consider prayerfully giving to food.gives to enable more believers such as Mariam and Manuela to receive vital aid to rebuild their lives. Every contribution, however small, can help relieve hunger and build the Church wherever she is suffering.
Donate Now
Pray With Us
- Pray that Christians who are forced to leave their homes or even their country because of persecution, famine and war, will find refuge in safe havens. Ask the Lord to direct their paths to where they can find security through His people under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:4).
- Pray for churches working hard in the process of distributing aid in Jordan. Pray that they will know God’s wisdom and encouragement in delivering food and other essential aid to those most in need.
- Give thanks for the new life that Mariam and Manuela have started. Pray that they will be grow in God’s grace in their new surroundings and in confidence that He has a plan for their life. Ask God to bless Manuela’s ambitions to be His agent for good, and for other Christian young people suffering displacement to place their hopes firmly on Him (1 Peter 1:21).
- Ask the Lord to continue to help and comfort Iraqi Christians who, years later, are still unable to return to their homes.
