Your Support For Refugees In Jordan

Photo: DPSR, Jordan

One of the greatest concerns throughout this pandemic has been for refugee and displaced populations. People in resettlement communities often live in close proximity where distancing is not possible, and safe water and sanitation facilities are not readily available. This makes those in a tenuous situation even more vulnerable. ​

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Throughout the pandemic, Week of Compassion has engaged in a wide-ranging response to meet growing needs. Through local Disciples congregations, we share support as churches work to feed and care for members and neighbors in need. At the same time, we support our network of global partners as they continue and adapt their critical work, including meeting the urgent needs of refugees. 

In Jordan, Disciples partners have carried out critical, life-saving mitigation efforts to stop the spread of disease. These partners have also adapted psychosocial support and livelihood programs to meet emerging needs—empowering communities to build for a hopeful future, and equipping women and children through education and vocational training opportunities. These programs will be critical in moving forward towards sustainable living following the pandemic. 

These programs have connected with more than 20,000 refugees so far (primarily Syrian and Palestinian) currently living in Jordan. Of that number, most are women, children and youth; populations that are especially vulnerable in resettlement situations. With the global refugee crisis at an all-time high-- and still escalating--countries that take in a high number of refugees play a critical role in minimizing suffering. Currently, refugees account for 10% of Jordan’s population.

The nation of Jordan has been and continues to be very hospitable to refugees from conflicts in nearby countries. However, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on their economy and so the need is great, and the country’s capacity to support refugees has been strained. The UN, as well as other organizations and faith-based groups have been working to help meet the growing need. This recent distribution was part of a larger Week of Compassion response through partners in the region.

As our partners share: “With generous contribution from our partner the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, [we] managed to reach more than 450 families and provided them with needed food items and hygienic kits that contain items to deal with the pandemic such as sanitizers, hand gloves, face masks, hand soap, toilet paper, hand tissue, Clorox, and thermometer.” Distribution events included awareness sessions about Covid-19 prevention and precautions. These gifts of food and much needed hygiene and healthcare items have a significant impact on the well-being of many in challenging living situations in three refugee camps in the north of Jordan.  

Peter Makari, Global Ministries’ Executive for the Middle East and Europe, says: “The Church in the Middle East, even though it is small in numbers, is known for its compassion and social engagement, and response to human need. Recipients are not necessarily Christian, so this support is an affirmation of the Church’s witness to all members of society-- especially the most vulnerable, without distinguishing between one faith group and another. That is a big part of the impact.” 

As the needs continue to grow, Disciples continue to respond with compassion. We are grateful for the gifts that make our continued presence in the region possible. Thank you for your part in sharing the love of Christ-- made flesh, made visible among us-- with those in need around the world. 

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