Faith groups stand with migrants in Middle East and Europe
As the unprecedented influx of migrants entering Europe continues to create one of the biggest humanitarian crises in history, a surge of hope swept through the hearts of the refugees with the help of faith groups joining hands in providing relief to the displaced families.
A number of Christian relief agencies are doing what they can to help ease the pain of thousands of families who have fled from war, violence, and religious persecution.
International relief group Samaritan's Purse has collaborated with churches to help distribute 2,000 backpacks in Macedonian areas. The relief backpacks are filled with some items to aid the refugees as they slowly pick up the pieces toward a better future. The items include toiletries for hygiene, blankets, towels, diapers, granola bars, and some candy.
Dr. Natalie McDermott told CBN News that the efforts are looking toward exemplifying the love of Jesus Christ for the refugees despite the struggles they have to go through, assuring the asylum seekers that God is with them in the journey.
"Our goal with Sam's Purse is to be the hands and feet of Jesus; it's to meet people where they're at and bring them love in a practical way by meeting their needs," Dr. McDermott said.
She further explained that for the refugees, any kind of help given is a "reflection of who Jesus is," thus meeting their needs and showing them love at their lowest state is giving them a glimpse of Jesus' love.
In another effort to help the displaced Middle Easterners, the Christian Broadcasting Network's "Operation Blessing" is working in Europe to provide refugees in Hungary with some food and plastic tarps to help them stay warm from the cold as the winter season draws near.
The program works with U.N. and other organizations in hopes of providing immediate relief, including food distribution, utensils for eating, blankets, hygiene toiletries and kits, and many more.
The migrant crisis in Europe is still an issue for members of the European Union as Hungary and Serbia try to handle the tension between government forces and refugees trying to break through the closed borders.
